Reinventing Policing: The Road to Police Reform in the United States

Social Justice Policy Brief #153 | By: Inijah Quadri | January 8, 2024

Photo taken from: https://www.americanprogress.org

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In the United States, the urgent need for police reform has been brought into sharp focus following high-profile incidents involving police use of force. The tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and countless others at the hands of law enforcement have sparked nationwide protests and a deep reevaluation of policing practices. Central to this debate are issues such as the use of excessive force, racial profiling, insufficient accountability, and the increasing militarization of the police.

Analysis

The current U.S. policing model is frequently critiqued for its aggressive tactics and apparent racial biases. A comprehensive report by NBC Post highlighted a disturbing trend: Black Americans, constituting less than 13% of the U.S. population, are disproportionately killed by the police—quite a lot more than all other groups in the USA. This statistic, among others, emphasizes the urgency of systemic change.

Reform initiatives often involve overhauling training programs, emphasizing de-escalation and crisis intervention. An example is the innovative guidelines introduced by the Police Executive Research Forum, which train officers to de-escalate confrontations and prevent shootings. States have been active in reforming use-of-force policies and increasing accountability. For instance, several have limited the use of neck restraints and established clearer standards and training for use of force. These guidelines emphasize the importance of communication, time, and distance in managing volatile situations.

Accountability is another critical aspect of policing reform. The implementation of body cameras has been proposed as a key measure for ensuring transparency and accountability. A landmark study by the University of Cambridge found that body cameras led to a staggering 93% reduction in public complaints against police officers. These devices not only provide real-time evidence, enhancing transparency in contentious incidents but also promote better behavior from both the police and the public. By recording interactions, body cameras serve as a tool for evidence collection, facilitating fair investigations and decision-making.

The concept of community policing has likewise gained significant traction, emphasizing a more interactive engagement between officers and the communities they serve. For example, the Camden, New Jersey police department’s overhaul, with a focus on community policing, has shown promising results in crime reduction and building trust.

However, these reforms face challenges, including resistance from police unions and the deeply entrenched nature of current practices. Nonetheless, effective changes are needed, and this requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing legislative action, community involvement, and internal changes within police departments. Legislative action is needed to standardize training, implement body cameras, and enforce accountability measures. Community involvement is crucial for rebuilding trust and ensuring policies meet local needs. The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, proposed in Congress, exemplifies a comprehensive federal effort to address these systemic issues, encompassing training, transparency, and accountability. The Act proposes police reforms including bans on chokeholds, mandates on the use of body cameras, and the establishment of a national police misconduct registry to improve transparency. While it has faced challenges in Congress, its components have influenced state and local policies.

Further Insights and Comparative Analysis

• Historical Context: Understanding the evolution of policing in the U.S., from its early inception to its current form, is crucial. Historical analyses suggest that many current practices have roots in past social and political dynamics (i.e., slavery and colonialism), which have disproportionately affected minority communities.
• International Models: Examining international policing models, such as those in the UK or Scandinavian countries, where community-based policing has been successful, can offer valuable lessons for the U.S.
• Case Studies: Newark, New Jersey’s police department transformation, underlined by a significant decrease in use of force incidents, presents a model for successful reform.

Engagement Resources

• Campaign Zero (campaignzero.org): Provides data-driven policy solutions to end police violence in America.
• National Police Accountability Project (nlg-npap.org): Dedicated to ending law enforcement abuse through litigation and public education.
• ACLU Policing (aclu.org): Advocates for a fair and effective law enforcement system.
• Center for Policing Equity (policingequity.org): Produces analyses identifying and reducing the causes of racial disparities in policing.
• Law Enforcement Action Partnership (lawenforcementactionpartnership.org): Advocates for effective and just law enforcement policies.

For a comprehensive look at how states are expanding their role in regulating law enforcement use of force and other reforms, see the National Conference of State Legislatures report: Law Enforcement Legislation | Significant Trends 2022

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