The problem with our approach to police brutality

Edit 3/7/21: My feelings on this have evolved quite a bit and there will be an update coming

The militarization of some aspects of the police force is a necessary thing, though it's being treated in the media like it's the end of civilization as we know it. Police forces have been dealing with increasingly well-armed and well-trained criminals since the '80s, and the weapons and tactics that were in use then became obsolete, and were resulting in the deaths of lots of law enforcement officers. This led to the spread of SWAT teams (which started in the '60s in LA) to more cities. A well-armed, well-trained SWAT team is an essential part of any large police force. This isn't going to change, and it shouldn't unless the proliferation of automatic weapons and dangerous gangs goes away too.

A big part of the problem that we're facing is that people need to stop confusing the issue of militarized SWAT teams with excessive police violence (and outright brutality); they're very different things. When SWAT teams are used, and how they are used is absolutely a problem. Law enforcement agencies need to have more accountability for their actions (cameras monitoring them would be a good start), and more awareness in general about the institutional racism and classism rampant in the system. Police officers have gone from being well-liked, respected members of the community to outsiders who are watching and waiting for you to step out of line.

The problem isn't the gear that specialized units have, whether it's fire hoses and nightsticks or tear gas and rubber bullets; it's racism, classism, misuse and abuse of power, lack of accountability, lack of awareness, privatization of SWAT teams, and the slow but steady criminalization of everyday life, which is a whole conversation in itself.

What can we do about this? For starters, if you're looking for a new career, go into law enforcement, work hard, have integrity, and be part of the change. Write to your city and state officials, and demand that they take measures to ensure accountability for police action, and ask for legislation to punish police brutality. Raise awareness in your local community; reach out to the police and make them feel like part of it. Speak out against the atrocities that are happening all too frequently. Very importantly, stop voting for legislators that are tolerating this. Inaction on a politicians' part makes them part of the problem. This is not going to change on its own, so take responsibility and do something.

Most police officers are good, honest, caring people, who go into law enforcement with the best of intentions. Police work is essential, dangerous, thankless work. Nobody pays attention to it (police work) until they screw up. Police officers are your brothers, sisters, parents, children, and friends. Talk to them; encourage them to act, too. Just as in any other segment of society, there are horrible people who will do horrible things when put in a position of power. Law enforcement is supposed to be there to protect you, not oppress you. Don't make them your enemy. Hold them accountable and make sure they do their job. All over the world, including here, police have had the courage to join protesters in times of civil unrest. We need to encourage them to stand up for what's right, not demonize them for their profession.