1. LOOKING AHEAD: Future Problems, Future Tools David L. Carter, Ph.D. Michigan State University The information in this presentation was prepared for the WSU Regional Community Policing Institute, by David L. Carter, Ph.D., National Center for Community Policing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824. The information may be reproduced with attribution to both the WSU RCPI and the author.

2. The Future It’s Closer Than You Think  We have difficulty envisioning the future because as a society we tend to view problems and issues in the present  History gives us a perspective we can understand; anticipating the future is far more difficult  Looking at what we have experienced in our lifetimes illustrates the dramatic changes which have occurred  Would you have envisioned…  The break-up of the Soviet Union?  Instant global communication?  A war on television? Our challenge is to open our minds and not look at the future in the limited context of our history

3. The Future It’s Closer Than You Think A number of issues are facing us in the future The direction and application of community policing must respond to these contemporary trends Think creatively--do not lock your perspective of community policing solely in an historical context

4. The practice started with drug interdiction profiles (Operation Pipeline) Profiles invariably included race as a variable Dilemmas  A complete profile can be accurate  Officer behavior tends to stereotype Perception of racial profiling can be as damaging as the actual practice Issues in the Practice of Policing Racial Profiling

5. Do we throw out a useful tool if:  If it gives the perception of impropriety?  If it offends members of the community? No easy answers--Remedies include:  Analysis to provide more explicit profiles  Training on the proper use and application of a profile  Greater supervisory oversight in use of profiles  Awareness training related to perceptions Issues in the Practice of Policing Racial Profiling

6. A 19-year old black college student observed: “Why do the police always stop a black man when they see him alone at night? They think if you are a black male out late at night, you’re a criminal. Cops are prejudiced!” A 29-year-old police officer in a graduate class said: “I stop and check out people who are suspicious in light of my experience and the circumstances I observe at the time. I am accused of being prejudiced, but I am only doing the job I was trained for.” Issues in the Practice of Policing Racial Profiling

7. Despite community policing, the problem has increased visibility in recent months  On one hand, the police have made remarkable progress in communities  On the other, definite problems have emerged Issues in the Practice of Policing Racial Profiling

8. Why has disharmony increased?  Fallout from the racial policing issues  Citizens’ misinterpretation of officer safety perceptions  Continued impact of historical prejudices  Stereotypes of police  Lack of empathy/understanding by non- minority officers  Fueled by “urban legends” and gossip which take on the character of being “truth” Issues in the Practice of Policing Racial Profiling

9. What are the remedies?  Continued vigilance by police--includes commitment to change by management  Involving citizens in policy making  Meaningful training and supervision adhering to organizational values  Public education  Long term: Recruitment and re-socialization Issues in the Practice of Policing Racial Profiling

10. There will always be controversy in our society about police using force “Brutality” is an emotional term which does not give accurate portrayal Does excessive force occur? Yes--reasons…  Poor judgement  Emotional circumstances  Unclear facts  Poor supervision  Poor training  Inadequate follow-up  Ideology of “the end justifies the means” Despite these, excessive force is the exception Issues in the Practice of Policing Racial Profiling

11. Remedies  The Chief must set a tone for ethical policing  Supervisors must enforce that ethic  Comprehensive and open investigations of misconduct  Use of mediation to resolve disputes  Willingness to criminally prosecute in egregious cases  Ethical standard must permeate all training and procedures  Long term: The selection process Issues in the Practice of Policing Racial Profiling

12. Related issues:  “Adrenaline incidents”--car chase, resisting arrest, emotional cases (e.g., child abuse)  The “Code of Silence”  Civilian Review  Racial stereotyping The Bottom Line:  There are no quick fixes  Efforts to control force must be diligent and on-going Issues in the Practice of Policing Racial Profiling

13. Domestic Terrorism  Right Wing Extremists  Foreign terrorist attacks on U.S. soil Computer-related crime  Not just pedophiles  Hacking, cracking and phreaking will provide a major challenge (e.g., theft, fraud) Issues in the Practice of Policing Racial Profiling

14. School violence includes:  Gangs  Drug related  Individual conflicts  A cycle and culture of violence This last category represents a particularly disturbing trend over the past 18 months  While not an epidemic, it is clearly a trend Who can forget the images of school violence incidents? Issues in the Practice of Policing Racial Profiling

15. These disturbing images beg the question, “Why?” We want simple, fast answers and remedies. They simply do not exist. Short-term  Security  Awareness education (teachers and parents)  Environmental control policies (e.g., uniforms, banning of certain symbols, etc.)  Developing a response plan Issues in the Practice of Policing Racial Profiling

16. Parents  Socialization of Values  Monitoring Behavior  Providing Guidance School  Discipline  Monitor Trends  Safe Environment Fellow students  Humanity  Fairness Police  Problem solving  Crime analysis  Willingness to “go in harm’s way” Media  Violent portrayals  “Over Coverage” A changing, impersonal society--including Internet The individual--self responsibility Issues in the Practice of Policing School Violence--Whose Fault?

17. The real remedy lies in a long-term cultural change Approach it as a public health problem The police can take a leadership role--but cannot do it alone Issues in the Practice of Policing School Violence

18. The crime rate in the U.S. has dropped for six years in a row Through research we know more about crime and crime control methods than ever Despite the concerns for crime and disorder, we have tools and experiences to move forward and address these problems We need individual commitment and resolve-- with these, successes can be achieved Issues in the Practice of Policing Closing Thoughts