NCJ Number
78066
Date Published
1981
Length
49 pages
Annotation
Police abuse of power and gathering of political intelligence in relation to Hispanics are discussed, and recommendations for LEAA actions in these areas are presented.
Abstract
LEAA's mandate to assist police throughout the country in countering the rising tide of crime was mainly interpreted to mean equipping and training police to intimidate and control the criminal element, which was identified in police attitudes primarily as blacks and Hispanics. Crime statistics show that the strategy has not worked, since the essential socioeconomic contributors to crime have worsened while police abuse of power in minority communities has only further alienated underclass racial minorities from the dominant culture symbolized by the police. In order to counter the police aggravation of social alienation and hostility in Hispanic communities, LEAA must take action to reduce police use of deadly force while developing effective alternative social control techniques. Further, structures such as citizen review boards must be facilitated to make police accountable and responsive to the citizens and communities they serve. The direct control of police department intelligence units currently remains with those who view Latino and black organizations as threats to existing economic and political powers. As a result, privacy and other civil rights have been violated. LEAA should continue to prohibit any State or local agency involved in the gathering of political intelligence from receiving any Federal funds. It should also provide funds for cities and law enforcement agencies that establish laws prohibiting intelligence gathering and that establish projects for the enforcement of such laws. Appended is a summary of the Seattle City Council's draft police intelligence ordinance. Forty-two footnotes are listed.