Learning Goal: I’m working on a writing question and need an explanation and answer to help me learn.
Your response must be typed, 1-3 pages, double-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman. Do not submit pictures, screenshots, hand-written papers, etc. This is not a research-based paper but should reflect what has been covered in the previous section and your understanding of the material. You can include outside material in order to support your response but be sure to properly cite this material (in-text and in a reference page). Make sure to answer all parts of the question in your response! Once finished, be sure to submit your response on Canvas.
Choose ONE of the following questions and answer it in full:
- Diversity in policing is a highly sought after characteristic. Why is that? Should the diversity of interest focus on gender, race, and ethnicity only? Or are there other important characteristics (LGBTQ, religion, income, education)? Why or why not? What advantages do diverse officers bring to law enforcement? How does this affect the way victims are treated?
- Police militarization is a new topic of conversation when discussing ethical dilemmas and policing. Do you think it is appropriate for law enforcement agencies to use military-grade equipment? What about its use in larger cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago? Does the use of military equipment adhere to the public service role of policing? How does this effect public perceptions of police?
- There is currently a debate/call for defunding the police. This calls for diverting excessive funds from police departments and redistributing them into the community and other social programs, rebuilding departments with adequate training, and focusing on nonviolent solutions to calls for assistance. Do you agree or disagree with this push for reform? Why or why not? If reform were to take place, what do you believe the proper roles and responsibilities of police should be? How would other situations be handled? Do you think this would lead to a decrease/increase in crime? Could this reform lead to a return to the community policing perspective?