What You Will Learn
In this lesson, you will learn about controversial discriminatory policing practices that have strained relations between communities of color and the law enforcement agencies that are charged to protect them. Discriminatory policing occurs when police officers target suspects or treat citizens differently because of their race, ethnicity, gender, or other factors related to identity. The lesson focuses on Newark, New Jersey, a city with a high violent-crime rate and a police force long accused of practicing discriminatory policing.
As you examine the facts and the varying perspectives of community members and the police, you will find out why the U.S. Department of Justice ordered Newark to reform its police practices and will be better able to understand and analyze the causes and consequences of this complex problem.
This lesson will focus on three aspects of the issue of the relationship between the police and the community:
- What evidence is there of discriminatory policing practices?
- What are the perspectives of police and community?
- What changes have been suggested or implemented to try to improve the situation?
At the end of the lesson, you will be asked to write an essay in response to the following prompt:
Using the example of Newark, NJ, explain why tensions often exist between communities of color and the police and how these tensions might be addressed. Based on what you learned, explain at least two new insights you have gained on this issue from the lesson.
Take Notes
What do you already know or think about the issue of police–community relations? List two to three expectations that people might have of their police force. Then list two to three complaints that members of the community might have about police behavior. (Click SAVE when you have finished. To see your saved or submitted work again, click MY WORK at the top of the page.)
