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Apr. 23, 2005 The highly publicized beating of Rodney King; an African American man who’s brutal beating by white officers was video taped, sparked the initial urgency to look closer into what is now known as “police brutality”. The video tape had been seen in virtually every home in America, and the controversial subject of its racial motivation made many of all races uncomfortable. For many black men who had been victims themselves, the experience was as if reliving their own nightmares. African Americans followed Mr. King’s interviews and trial until the nightmare had come to what the courts would say was an end. While this was clearly a matter of racist officers using their authority to succeed what they believed were their right, it is not always the same in every case. An increase of younger, African American officers have changed the suggested reason for the forceful acts of handling criminals, turned victims into a wider spread paradox. First, the question falling from the tongues of many, was why? After years of integration, what could make the officers perform such a malicious act? It was easy to realize that despite the changing laws that were eventually overturned after many African Americans fought until their own deaths for civil rights, racism was still in existence. This was indefinitely apparent after viewing the video tape. But, years later the questions have changed when the abusers of African American men and women are themselves of the same race. Recently, there have surfaced documents from the Southwest Police Station in Baltimore, Maryland that there are quota’s to be met. Coincidently, both the Commissioner’s Office, as well as higher ranked Sergeants claimed to be unaware of the quota’s to be met by each officer, nor the memo that was written listing the percentages expected. Officers who were not able to meet the standards as listed in the memo circulating throughout the Southwest Station would be disciplined accordingly. Also, young black men wearing white T-shirts and blue jeans were targeted in another document. According to the proposing officials, many of the men who wore what they described as “the uniform” were more than likely involved in drug activities. Police in every district in the city were instructed to stop any young, black male wearing “the uniform” as they were automatically suspicious. Before the documents were made public, however; it was already understood by many urban youths that there were indeed quota’s to be met. Supervisors and officers of the Southwestern District made it no secret as arrest was being made. Residents of highly drug trafficked areas are seemingly prisoners in their own homes. It is not only because of the violence in the community brought on by the dealers, but also the officers who are assigned to these areas. Unreported, are cases of officers giving unauthorized curfews on who they consider are uncaught suspects. When this occurs, the officer informs the person whom they have stopped that if seen after or before a certain time, they would be arrested. In all rights, this is not only bullying, but using the badge wore to protect and serve in a demeaning manner. During many arrest, men and women alike, are beaten with sticks and flashlights if they have fled from an officer and eventually caught. These are persons without weapons and posing no intended threat. Many of the times, these persons are already in handcuffs as the attacks are taking place. Some of these victims are not initially seen at a local hospital before being booked and fingerprinted regardless of the severity of their condition. Later, only a handful of these victims are taken for medical treatment, but threatened by the arresting officer to not disclose the facts leading to their conditions. Most of these activities are unreported as many of the victims are indeed committing crimes of some sort. They are fearful that filing complaints against officers would increase the probability of being targeted and any further interactions with them would open the door to a harsher attack. Many of them are unaware of the procedures of making an arrest or the probable cause for search and seizures to take place. Their ignorance of the documented rules makes it easier for officers to carry out searches and illegal arrest. The rights of the arrested men and women are usually violated and covered up as reports are written to the satisfaction of the department. When this occurs it is likely that the officer’s word would be taken over the criminal. No longer deemed as racially motivated, police brutality is becoming more and more serious. There are cases where some have lost their lives or forced to live with little to no mobility. It is not rare that in the majority of these cases, most of the attacks are unprecedented and could have been avoided. Still, while all officers are not guilty of abusing their badge, ones that have or are, make it extremely difficult to have trust in them. Moreover, the once feared young black man now lives with fears of their own. When matters become this egregious, it is hard to make a resolution of how society can become safer. The conclusion is that drug dealers are responsible for the growth of violence in our communities brought on by the illegal narcotics they are selling, yet the officers are too responsible for both, the distrust of those residents who are law abiding citizens and the violence they bring about to those who may and may not be offenders of the law. Abusing their own authority shall lead only to an increased rate of violence and an ongoing battle of “Cops and Robbers” without the support of the community. This support is the only tool any officer can have to help protect themselves as well as others. Without leading by example in a positive manner and numerous arrests ending in chaos, a law abiding citizen who is precarious of an officers actions, intentions and methods are more than likely to have an unwillingness to cooperate with investigations or support them when needed the most. It is time for the community to come together and report what happens in their neighborhoods. As we remain without a voice, we will continue to live without respect of ourselves or the respect we deserve from those who have taken oaths to come to our aid, but instead, are in some cases the reason for our needing “first aid.” ------------ About the author: Denise W. Young is a freelance writer residing in Baltimore, Maryland. For over fourteen years, she has enjoyed writing short stories, and poetry. She is now reaching the completion of her first novel, and will begin her second in the coming weeks. 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