NCJ Number
83729
Date Published
1981
Length
49 pages
Annotation
To air issues involved in police-community conflict, the D.C. Advisory Committee held a citizens' forum in May 1981, with panels including police officers, community activists, and legal experts.
Abstract
Several themes of concern emerged from the forum. First, fear was perceived as the common unifying thread linking individuals residing or serving in areas that are affected by heavy drug traffic. Police and drug dealers alike fear for their lives. Second, police harassment was seen as a serious problem to young people, blacks and other minorities, and residents of drug treatment programs. Third, insensitivity to the special needs of some citizen groups was attributed to erroneous police perceptions. Handicapped persons, the elderly, and the mentally retarded were frequently misunderstood by officers. Fourth, it was determined that the need for a civilian review board to consider complaints against the police was essential. Finally, it was agreed that human relations training should be required for all policemen. Satisfactory resolution of these issues will facilitate more effective law enforcement with less social disruption for the District of Columbia. Footnotes and two appendixes are provided. (Author summary modified)