Successful policing requires an atmosphere of trust and confidence between the citizenry and those who are sworn to serve and protect them – the police. Unfortunately, various types of misconduct by police officers occur all too frequently, serving to create an atmosphere of suspicion, mistrust, and uncertainty between the two groups. One needs only examine daily media accounts of such misconduct to realize the depth and breadth of corrupt and unethical law enforcement practices. On any given day, you might find stories of police officers who have brutalized suspects, planted drugs on innocent citizens, committed crimes, or engaged in other inappropriate conduct (Thompson, 2001). Whenever allegations of corruption arise and are confirmed, effective policing is severely inhibited. Thompson (2001) notes that equality under the law is the foundation of American criminal justice, and when police officers act as if they are above the law, the very essence of law enforcement and criminal justice in our society is subverted.
Discussion Criteria
Explain whether you believe current methods to address corruption and misconduct are effective. Include brief examples to support your thoughts. How do these methods strain or strengthen relations between the citizenry and police officers? Include one tip for improvement police could implement today.
Length: 150-200 words
Your response should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts presented in the course by providing new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA standards where appropriate. Additional resources are not required but be sure to cite any you use.