The Imperative of Policing the Police: Bridging the Gap Between Law Enforcement and Accountability

The age-old question of qui quem protegit or who guards the guardians had its.origin in the philosophical inquiries of Plato. This question remains as relevant today as ever, especially when it comes to law enforcement. The history of policing in the United States, characterized by instances such as the shootout at the OK Corral, serves as a testament to the complex relationship between the police and the community they serve.

Human Nature and Law Enforcement

At the heart of the debate is the inherent fallibility of individuals. Human beings, including police officers, are subject to the full spectrum of emotions, biases, and temptations that come with being human. This means that police, who are entrusted with the power to enforce laws and maintain peace, are not immune to breaking those very laws.

American Policing: A Lack of Oversight

The current state of policing in the United States highlights a significant issue. Police stand without any form of external oversight, and they often refuse to cooperate when held accountable for their actions. Politicians, caught in the crossfire of political campaigns and the influence of police unions, frequently fail to address the need for accountability. Instead, they align with the police, leading to a situation where law enforcement effectively blocks any measures aimed at enhancing oversight and accountability.

Arguments for a Citizen's Review Board

One proposed solution is the establishment of citizen review boards, which would provide a layer of external oversight. Opponents argue that such boards lack the necessary experience and knowledge to effectively evaluate police actions. As a retired police officer and attorney, I understand the challenges of this approach. A citizen's review board without any experience in law enforcement is comparable to having a citizen's review board oversee surgical operations or financial audits.

Training and Real-World Experience

For such a board to be effective, members should undergo comprehensive training. They should be exposed to the numerous scenarios that police officers face daily. This could include: Assisting in mediating family conflicts Dealing with victims and witnesses who may be semi-literate or confused Writing detailed reports and ensuring thorough investigations These experiences would provide insight into the complexities and pressures involved in policing, enabling more informed and empathetic evaluations.

The Importance of Accountability

Ultimately, the establishment of meaningful accountability mechanisms is crucial for maintaining public trust in law enforcement. It ensures that those who are meant to uphold the law are themselves held to the highest standards. A balanced approach that combines both training and real-world experience can pave the way for a more just and effective system of policing.

By policing the police, we can ensure that law enforcement operates within the bounds of the law and serves the community with the utmost integrity and accountability.