In recent years, a significant shift has occurred in the perception of law enforcement agencies across the United States. The traditional image of police officers as friendly and helpful figures has given way to a perception of them as authoritarian and, in some cases, even angry. This transformation in the public’s view of the police raises important questions about the role of law enforcement in our society and the need for meaningful reform.
For much of the 20th century, the police were often seen as community protectors and helpers. Officers walked their beats, knew their neighborhoods, and interacted with residents on a personal level. They were the people you turned to in times of trouble, the ones who safeguarded your community, and the faces of local law and order.
But in today’s environment an interaction with a police officer could leave you in the hospital, jailed or worst —dead. Police are no longer the friendly police of your grandads era, not necessarily the ones you would call for help. Police today are only there to arrest and apprehend. Police are not allowed to dispense justice because they are often too emotionally charged in the situation. When police attack citizen, deprive someone in custody of their civil rights or their lives, then police become a danger to our society. It is no longer the appearance of friendliness, but one of making sure that citizens are made to feel intimidated and subjugated.
The idea of community policing gained prominence during the 1980s and 1990s. It emphasized building trust and positive relationships between law enforcement and the communities they served. Police officers were encouraged to engage with residents, attend community meetings, and collaborate with local organizations to address issues together. This approach aimed to create a more harmonious relationship between the police and the public.
However, in the 21st century, this once-rosy image of the police has been challenged. Several high-profile cases of police brutality, excessive use of force, and unwarranted shootings have eroded the public’s trust. These incidents, often captured on cell phone cameras and shared widely on social media, have ignited outrage and protests across the nation. Police have allowed their reputation to mirror thuggish behavior at times instead of peacekeepers of a community.
The emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement following the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis further highlighted the deep-seated issues within law enforcement. The response to these protests, sometimes involving a militarized police presence and excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators, has further eroded the image of police as friendly helpers.
One significant factor contributing to this shift in perception is the militarization of police departments. Over the years, many law enforcement agencies have received surplus military equipment, which has led to a perception of police officers as authoritarian figures. The use of military-grade weapons and tactics during routine policing operations has left many citizens feeling like they are under occupation, rather than being served and protected.
Another major issue is the perceived lack of accountability for police officers who engage in misconduct. The so-called “blue wall of silence” often shields officers from facing consequences for their actions, making the public believe that the system protects those who act outside the law. All police officers should undergo annual psychological evaluations to make sure they are not a threat to the very public they serve and protect. But we must also scrutinize the highest levels of law enforcement including the Chief of Police, the Mayor and other elected officials
Addressing these concerns is a complex and pressing issue. Many advocates and activists have called for comprehensive police reform, including changes to use-of-force policies, increased transparency, and stronger accountability measures. The goal is to create a modernized law enforcement system that rebuilds trust with the communities it serves.
The unmarked vehicle came up barreling up behind me, I had no idea what was going on. The road was practically devoid of other cars, no need for this. I was just startled that someone would do that at 8:30am in the morning! As I tried to get up to the 55pm the speed limit, my car doesn’t have that kind of pick up and I was just taking off from a stop light on this rural portion of the road. The white oversize menacing SUV behind me was just inches from my rear bumper. The lights flash on. Even as I was up to the speed limit it wasn’t enough for him.
Now I was frightened, hearing all those stories of angry police pulling citizens out of their cars. There was no one else on the road but us, he could have easily have gone around me for the last 600 ft but he was triggered that I guess I did not move out of the way for him. I had no idea the unmarked car was an officer.
Now, knowing that he was an officer, I can’t help think he was trying to escalate the situation by using his state vehicle as a weapon. He jumped out of his vehicle, militarized, looking angry and intimidating. At nearly 8:30am in the morning he stopped me for going too slow, “cruising at 45 mph”, he said sarcastically with an edge. “I was just going to get some breakfast and was about to turn off.” I told him. Not looking at him directly because I didn’t want any trouble from his demeaner. I just held my hands up inside my car as he barked instructions on how to drive faster on a highway. He asked why I seemed frightened? He had absolutely no clue of his violent behavior on the road he had just exhibited over me going 10 MILES under the speed limit! I just responded “Sorry.” No looking at him directly. He stopped talking, turned around and left. I drove the last 100ft and turned into the restaurant.
Police are often elevating simple infractions to the point of brutality and death. If that officer would have hit my car, I am convinced he would have dragged me out of the vehicle, accused ME of trying to kill him to justify shooting me. He was looking for a reason and I just tried to be as submissive as possible because he was a fragile ego with a gun. And often they can become violent with no warning. The community of police leaders and role models are gone! I’m just sorry that someone else in our community will have to interact with him and it could turn out worse!
It is important to note that not all police officers fall into the authoritarian or angry stereotype. There are many dedicated law enforcement professionals who continue to uphold the principles of community policing and work diligently to serve and protect their communities. However, the actions of a few can shape public perception and create a narrative that influences the reputation of the entire profession. By allowing “bad cops” to outshine what good officers do. And in turn when good officers do not speaking out against corrupt officers, is the same as shooting their own reputations in the foot. The silence of good cops is often deafening.
The transformation of the police image from friendly and helpful to authoritarian and angry reflects a broader societal issue that demands attention and reform. To rebuild trust between the police and the public, it is essential to address issues of accountability, transparency, and the militarization of law enforcement, all while recognizing the invaluable role that community policing can play in fostering positive relationships between police and the communities they serve. Only through thoughtful reform and dialogue can we work towards restoring the image of the police as trusted community helpers.
Photo by Mathias Reding