Background Policing in America, a Job or a Duty?

Background Policing in America, a Job or a Duty?

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Aydin Thomas

UWRT 1104-28

Professor Turgeon

14 October 2017
Background Policing in America, a Job or a Duty? 2

Abstract

Policing in America has always been a controversial topic. In this Ethnography research-based

essay, the author digresses into all aspects behind becoming a Police Officer in the United States

of America. With the focus on real world applications, Thomas elaborates on the stressors,

internally and externally, within the officers community, and family. The economic, and

legislative effects are touched on and Thomas describes the mental challenges one undergoes

within the Criminal Justice system. The subject of mental health recurs as a rising issue climbing

the criminal justice system through many rungs ranging from disproportionate gender roles to

traumatic instances. Aside from these aspects, Thomas also draws in on a pertinent issue-Police

Brutality. Through thematic development, the criminal justice system is described through the

role of the police officer and the trials and tribulations of the career itself.

Introduction
Background Policing in America, a Job or a Duty? 3

The Criminal Justice system in America has an ample amount of job opportunities for

just about anyone; any ethnicity, culture, or religion. With jobs ranging from correctional officers

to Supreme Court Justices, there is a place for whatever method of justice a person wants to

provide in the United States. The amount of careers within the field can be overwhelming yet

abundant in possibilities. With every job in which humanity is the pivotal point of interaction,

destruction and irrationality can be key factors one must take into account if the internal desire is

to go into keeping a humane society.

A compilation of motivations partake in the development of becoming someone,

especially in the criminal justice system. Acknowledging everyday interaction with the utmost

inhumane, frightening, and traumatic instances, it is common to see some quake and leave when

they hear these terms go hand and hand with the job (Fuller, Chapter 7). Motives that should be

held in high respect and admiration are composed that of the desire to help others, and the ability

to make empathetic decisions that will aid society, and the person for the better. It is important to

note that those in the field of criminal justice quite possibly live in little dwellings of martyrdom.

The desire to save someone receives a multitude of people into its specific career, especially the

job of a police officer. A vigilante never makes it far in life, for their directions are set by ulterior

motives in saving themselves. So the most important motivation to take into account is to ask

yourself, How much logos can one put into account for the determination of justice in relevance

to human condition?

This discipline faces a fair amount of controversial status when intervening with freedom

and responsibility. We have amendments to protect us from the side-effects of the law, where our

personal freedoms are threatened due to others negligence of societally mandated ordinances.

The fifth, sixth, eighth and fourteenth amendments all provide the general public with personal
Background Policing in America, a Job or a Duty? 4

protection from the intricate system that has to power to indict, incriminate and incarcerate

(Fuller, chapter four). All of these are prime examples of the way the constitution goes hand in

hand with law enforcement. Problems occur when infractions to these happen, and the general

welfare is threatened by the amount of discretion police officers hold. This is the prime center of

most dilemmas occurring from this discipline leading to the long-standing issue of police

brutality in America (Robertson, 492). Police Brutality by a societal definition is the targeting

and over-extension of jurisdiction through police discretion leading to unfair, unjust, and

inhumane treatment against minorities (Hurtwitz, 608). The biggest issue occurring in America

currently is the revocation of black, african-american, Latino, Latino-x, and mixed persons lives

through injustice and violent police behavior (Justice in America, 610). So, if one wants to enter

this field it is important to acknowledge the obvious tensions that will arise as one progresses

through the criminal justice system.

The work required in this field is largely composed of having an understanding of basic

human instinct, behavior, and interactions. Resting close, is the ability to manage stress and the

high-stake, possibly life-threatening situations, that trail closely in this line of work (Fuller,

Chapter Seven). A small part in the mix of becoming a police officer in America is the

physicality of the job. Despite references to officers as pigs, a derogatory reference based off

their laziness, the job asks of any officer to be ready for sprinting, tackling, defensive arrests,

and competitive techniques. A way to go about researching different techniques necessary for the

career specificities is addressing the different styles of policing; Legalistic, Service, and

Watchmen (Fuller, Chapter Six). Through these, one can find community outreach, or zero-

tolerance style, both essential to the outcome of public relations with this job.
Background Policing in America, a Job or a Duty? 5

Not to be neglected, the high-stress of constantly being in interaction with violence,

cultural differences, and death create severe issues within working in this field. Often, people

associate a commonly known disorder (PTSD) with military veterans. The key thing here to

address is that ANY traumatic instance can trigger the subconscious to stay in flight or fight

mode. The means in which the body process a normal situation can be much different from the

reality of the situation, perpetuating the effects of the disorder (National Institute of Mental

Health, overview). The mind and body coexist on a synchronistic level in which equates as a

functioning person; but if the stress of the job is in high concentration, the chances are mental

illness will prevail through this constantly on-edge environment. The stress, if not set off by a

traumatic event through the disorder of post-traumatic stress, has high chances of effecting police

and their families; leading to divorce, and sometimes even domestic abuse (Fuller, Chapter

Seven). Not only is the internalization of a hard days work stressful, it generates a subculture of

alcoholism that slips out onto all aspects of the officers life (Fuller, Chapter Seven). This kind of

perpetual vice is a strong attribute to mental illness within the career.

Methods

Within the interview, the qualitative results of an assortment of particular and indirect

questions led to a large lump sum of information worth noting. The criminal justice department

is filled substantially with a multitude of stigma surrounding corruption, paralleling this fields

extremely bearing lifestyle of interacting with humans at their worst points in their lives. The

culmination of worst ends meeting exhausted ones (citizens and the police), shows a diverse

array of answers to many questions that could arise from situation like so. Through the
Background Policing in America, a Job or a Duty? 6

presentation of guided questions within the discussion held with Doctor Shannon Reid, it will

reveal the many twists and turns of functioning within a complicated field.

Doctor Reid made strong point to provide a fundamental concept of going into the

Criminal Justice field. In questioning what she presumed to be an important aspect of working in

this field, her immediate response was that of being a woman, which would in fact, change the

disposition of the course. The reality of the situation is that women face more trials and

tribulations within this field of danger and adrenaline, in comparison to men. With most

prevalence to being an officer, the stigma surrounding being physically fit, obtaining weaponry,

and the pre-destined concept for them to stay out of harms way, is not only deconstructive, but

blocks the progression of women in diverse fields. Another standpoint Doctor Reid provided was

that although certain small occurrences seem equal between the women and the men, such as

physical fitness test, it is iniquitous. There is no recognition for that of women being built

physically different, in a proactive manner, other than the already standing dispositions women

are sexualized for, and disengaged because of. A plethora of men becoming police officers

project a cynicism against women that almost declares unfair treatment, such as instilling fear

unto women by using rape and sexual threats, the exacerbation of personal strength, and the

constant put-downs attained through criticism, mediocre job placement, and uncomfortable

comments by colleagues. The main focus to acknowledge here would be the social versus

educational aspects of the job if coming into it as a women.

Falling under a later question of character, Doctor Reid beat me to it, with one she

generated herself. She made it clear to emphasize the importance of asking Why? with her

follow up of stating that the question must be asked to every person interested within the field,

What kind of police officer would you want to be? If the answer followed incredulous
Background Policing in America, a Job or a Duty? 7

adjectives supporting an autonomous power trip, she said this would ignite more corruption

within the system due to its negligence for human condition. Trigger happy, excited to exert

force, and a higher social ranking drives a high multitude of people within the field throughout

history to become officers. What was most intriguing about Doctor Reids own input to the

question, was the contrast in motive to even obtain a job as a Police Officer. The ambition to

help people, to save people, to keep things in order, complimented the personality characteristics

she digressed into. Doctor Reid suggested acknowledging two key mindsets when going into the

field; that of empathy, and the ability to see things monochromatically, not just the contrasting

sides of the spectrum. The compassion that drives people to understand human condition, and the

fact that officers are witnessing civilians at possibly the worst time in the offender/victims life,

has to be present. Unfortunately, the imbalance of power hungry officers versus compassion-

driven ones, is still quite prevalent today, with the majority filtering through the initial concept

before and if ever arriving at the latter.

Human behavior distinguishes a large chunk of this field within two concepts worth

approaching. That of the stigma surrounding mental health for the officers, the offenders as well,

and stress that leaks into everyday life through this particular career. The acknowledgement of

the United States of Americas healthcare system and its lack of serving justice to those who

need it, supersedes any other issue prevailing in the Criminal Justice realm. Doctor Reid brings

up a valid point of the effects of toxic masculinity-holding up men to a standard sans emotion.

They have to be hard, brave, fearless, strong, and never show any Feminine tendencies, if they

want to succeed in their career. This compartmentalization is bound to lead to bigger issues of

emotional distress, which in turn will in fact lead to destruction in some form. Many cases

presented before the general public encompass the stress factors of seeing death, murder, harm
Background Policing in America, a Job or a Duty? 8

and simply lack of common sense, to be subject factors in the attribution of a steady decline of

mental health for officers. The adrenaline as the driving force to constantly being in a Fight or

Flight mode of survival, instantaneously triggers compartmentalization of stressful instances,

settling deeply into the sub-conscience. This kind of hyper-activity localized in the hypothalamus

of the brain is a purely, scientifically proven factor that stress in this field is highly threatening. It

must have an outlet at some extent, if not later developing into a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

The most common outlet seen is the projection of power unto the socio-economically worse off

individuals, and minorities adding fire to the countless cases of Police Brutality.

As one can see, this interview was highly educational, facing an abrupt reality for people

who thought about the job once before, a little too lightly. Doctor Reid, in a Forty-Five minute

Interview dedicated her time to many different bases touched on. Overall, the concept was to be

aware, and have honest, good intentions as an officer, which can lead to different positions and

careers within same field that might be more subject to upward movement. Doctor Reid, as

apparent in her title, had many jobs throughout the criminal justice system. She was a patrol

officer in many different areas, was a detective, and traveled out west. Her time done in the Los

Angeles Police Department was spent as a detective in the homicide unit alternating between that

and the gang unit. She received her Masters Degree, and has been doing research work in

ordinance to the progression in acknowledging ALT-right/skinhead groups as terrorists. As well

as the above listed, her research has also substantiated many facts to support juveniles in crime,

and the battlement for them in society, as well as women in this specific field. Working for

nonprofits to help others, Doctor Reid surpassed any prescribed notion I had of her

accomplishments. Her ability to inspire and educate, leaving me thankful for her honesty in her

work, and her dedication to her ideologies that focus on the betterment of society. Being a
Background Policing in America, a Job or a Duty? 9

feminist, she has a well-rounded view of the field that was predominantly male and has plenty of

intel for every question we delved into.

Results

With the acknowledgement of Doctor Shannon Reid, it is important to address the

Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department for their presentation I was able to listen in on. They

focused on the specificities of job training, and entrance into the academy. These things

compiled a list centering on character, and the ability to put all of personal matters under

discernment of the state and federal government in order to obtain a position in the academy.

Their attempts to be open to answer a multitude of questions, were kind and much appreciated. I

asked them questions surrounding community involvement, in which one of the officers diverged

into his newly developed program for surrounding University housing safety. He and a group of

officers go out to near-proximity housing such as apartments and townhouses, and evaluate them

based off a guideline for safety protocol. The ratings go up for display to the general public and

therefore their involvement inside the community is helping attribute more good to the negative

stigma occurring. I also asked about the Charlotte protests in relevance to death and shooting of

Kenneth Lamont Scott and although their answers were slightly evasive and limited, I was able

to get some consolation to my worries of disassociation to their communities. They touched on

the fact that once community outbreaks get to a certain point, higher places up in government

such as the governor or even the federal system make executive decisions that are non-

negotiable. The militarization of the police at the protests was acknowledged as excessive but the

answer above was their main point. The reality of the ability to be able to ask real life officers to

answer real world problems was refreshing and constructive, even if I didn't get the answers I
Background Policing in America, a Job or a Duty? 10

wanted. The whole experience of listening to a class of sixty students asking a diverse set of

questions was in itself enlightening. The people in my intro class to Criminal Justice could just

happen to be my colleagues at a later date, so it was definitely a useful observation to have

tucked up my sleeve if I decide to further my education and career as an Officer.

Conclusion

In the summation of all of the negative side-effects of becoming part of a corrupt

system, I think its pertinent, now to acknowledge the good people that serve and protect us,

even under such a disadvantaged and manipulated state. The ordinances they must follow and yet

still do good has to be a whole ordeal (In relevance to the sanctity of their passion placed into the

realm of a job or career). With the acknowledgment of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police

Department and the reality of problems and the honesty that comes with learning, it is safe to say

this career is like being between a rock and a hard place. Kudos to the ones that can undergo

large amounts of stress, sexism in everyday life, witnessing worst moments, and much more

while still getting paid minimally.

References

Weaver, V. M., Peffley, M., & Hurwitz, J. (January 01, 2011). Justice in America: The Separate

Realities of Blacks and Whites. Public Opinion Quarterly, 75, 3, 608-612.

Fuller, John Randolph, editor. Chapter 7: Issues of Policing. Criminal Justice; Mainstreams
and Crosscurrents, 3rd ed., Oxford University Press, pp. 233260.
Background Policing in America, a Job or a Duty? 11

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of

Health and Human Services, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-

ptsd/index.shtml.

Chaney, C., & Robertson, R. V. (December 01, 2013). Racism and Police Brutality in America.

Journal of African American Studies, 17, 4, 480-505.

Annotated Bibliography

Chappell, A., & Piquero, A. (January 01, 2004). applying social learning theory to police

misconduct. Deviant Behavior, 25, 2, 89-108.

Social learning theory is the application of human perspective in place of societal norms

and values to create a better understanding of communities. This article applies it to police

brutality in America.
Background Policing in America, a Job or a Duty? 12

Because this particular article applies this construct to a rather up-and-coming dilemma in

the United States, police brutality, I will be using it as rhetoric to be assertive and keen on any

counter argument within the field of my choice career. It is a scholarly resource due to its use of

APA citations of credible sources, such as attitude-studies based off real communities,

Philadelphia for example. Not only this but its approach to behavior analysis through theoretical

examination, in acknowledging its ambiguity, is promising. This kind of work is not opinion

based but soundly structured in data to a concerning topic that involves my career. What I found

most interesting about the rhetoric provided in this article is its lexis role-reversal; that certain

civilian crimes could be viewed as police freedoms i.e. speeding, use of deadly force. One more

thing worth noting, is the definitions provided through the texts explanatory processes, and the

fact of how they help me learn the career criterion while providing me with ideologies based in

behavior.

Chaney, C., & Robertson, R. V. (December 01, 2013). Racism and Police Brutality in

America. Journal of African American Studies, 17, 4, 480-505.

This article approaches the disadvantages, police brutality being number one, in the

police force within the United States of America. Through the study of the National Police

Misconduct Statistics and Reporting Project, the article explains the four elements of the public

view of police.

Through rhetorical and critical analysis, this article provided me with three qualifying

concepts for the development of wanting to become a police officer. Contempt, suspicion,
Background Policing in America, a Job or a Duty? 13

brutality agents, and respect were the elements provided that substantiated my beliefs that I

would be walking into a very controversial career. Not only those key words provided, but the

fact that its a national project distributing this information, eliminates many anxieties of its

Ethos. This article will help me further understand the more antagonistic approaches,

perspectives, and consequences of working for a corrupt system that is supposed to uphold

human safety and security. The contrast in my passion to help others, and the current standpoint

of police in America will give much thought to picking this career, hastily.

Kenrick, D. T. (2011). Sex, murder, and the meaning of life: A psychologist investigates

how evolution, cognition, and complexity are revolutionizing our view of human nature. New

York: Basic Books.

The chapter chosen to represent my thoughts, tackles subsided hatred in the

developmental understanding of projections of self into real world applications. Tackling

discrimination in the labels of prejudices, feelings, projections, and fears, the chapter digresses

into race and politics.

This kind of rhetoric established is worth the psychological observations especially since

I would be going into a field dealing with every culture, ethnicity, community, gender and sexual

orientation. Proper education and awareness of these differences provided within the text, and

the methodology used to subside the collateral damage of working under a corrupt system is

something worth prioritizing. This is highly pertinent in the structure of my research essay to

make sure their is a clear understanding of the differences in perspectives and relativity among
Background Policing in America, a Job or a Duty? 14

truths. Fear being the biggest element in this particular rhetoric, guides the tone and genre down

a similar condescending path like the rest, but brings a cognitive understanding as well.

Weaver, V. M., Peffley, M., & Hurwitz, J. (January 01, 2011). Justice in America: The

Separate Realities of Blacks and Whites. Public Opinion Quarterly, 75, 3, 608-612.

This article touches on the racially discriminatory distribution of law, and how Americas

system constructs polarizing ideals and atmosphere incriminating minorities and those with

brown skin. For example, the correlation between more aggressive full-force law, and white

people.

With a critical eye, one may wonder as to why I chose to gain knowledge that seems

based off an irrational concept of Race. The article answers why, precisely, in a scholarly

approach of illustrating correlations between adjuncts and developing tensions that may have

never been approached in the judicial system. Through its choice lexis such as Three-Strike

penalty and poverty reduction it is clear to see that this discourse community is pertinent in

gaining an understanding before self-immersion into this specific career. This article

substantially provides me with more perspective on why I would want to go into this field, as one

who would do the opposite as to what is stated as Corrupt behavior and police subculture. An

educational briefing on an extraordinarily controversial career in America, done right.

Fuller, John Randolph, editor. Chapter 7: Issues of Policing. Criminal Justice; Mainstreams

and Crosscurrents, 3rd ed., Oxford University Press, pp. 233260.

This Chapter of this Textbook discusses the issues that can occur under discretion of the

police and the jurisdiction that follows. The main focus is to elaborate on the more dangers
Background Policing in America, a Job or a Duty? 15

within the career and the collateral damage from a corrupt or systematically oppressive

government.

By reading and taking notes, it is clear to tell this is a credible source through its

multitude of editors and references and that it is also used as my main source of study material

for my One major-classified class. The chapter is incredibly helpful in depicting the harsh

realities of being an officer in America. Not only that, but the elucidating following clear

destructive patterns created within the system shows a clairvoyance that most textbooks try to

hide. The fear of personal responsibility being what distinguishes a good textbook from a white-

washed montage. The chapter mentions. Another key element of this was the mental health

education provided about police officers and the particular discourse communities easy for them

to fall into-in which envelope self-destructive behavior. Once again, the amount of

condescending articles may seem to serve as a deterrent to actually taking an interest in the field

of my choice, but in turn functions as my step stool to disprove Ignorance is Bliss.