Issues Under Fire: Like NYC, Baltimore Law Enforcement Needs New Leadership

Issues Under Fire: Like NYC, Baltimore Law Enforcement Needs New Leadership 

While examining the conflict between the citizens of Baltimore and those charged with enforcing the law, it became apparent, the root of the problem might be simpler than what's being portrayed. Perhaps this crisis of confidence in law enforcement is born out of a crisis of competence in law enforcement.  

If Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony Batts has failed to understand the systemic issues facing the community he was hired to serve and protect, then its reasonable to presume the problems plaguing the city of Baltimore will persist. A mere cursory review of Baltimore's past of community vs. law enforcement conflicts will reveal a history of the same stop and frisk, zero tolerance and broken window type policing tactics that's causing a national revolt among communities of color. 

Applying heavy-handed policing without consideration for or acknowledgement of the underling causes of criminal conduct only exacerbates the problem. If someone can't get an education, they can't get a job. If they can't get a job, its only a matter of time, before alternative lifestyles and radical options are considered in order to survive. More often than not, these alternatives and option are illegal.  

Once you're engaging in illegal activities, Its only a matter of time before you're doing time. Once you've done time, you can no longer get a job, even if you were lucky enough to get an education while you were doing time. Once out of jail or prison, you're right back where you started and the entire cycle begins anew.  

Any policing authority that fails to develop and maintain close relationships with local leaders, elected officials and the community at large will always been seen as an occupying force. The disconnect between the lives minority citizens live and the law enforcement authorities that monitor and control those lives may have grown too far to bridge for those with limited capacities for thinking outside the box.

Bottom line: Apparently Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony Batts has the same problem NYC Police Commissioner William Bratton has. Neither of these men possess the mindset or the intellect to adopt strategies and tactics to offset the socioeconomic challenges facing communities of color. Its impossible to properly serve and protect a community you don't understand or even respect. Podcast Below!