| Viewing Single Post From: Blog and Media Roundup - Monday, June 29, 2009 | |
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| abb | Jun 29 2009, 08:06 AM |
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http://heraldsun.southernheadlines.com/opinion/columnists/guests/68-1176045.cfm B.J. Council: Feedback on police, yes, but don't rush to judgement Recently, Durham residents raised concerns on a community e-mail forum about the handcuffing of a 9- to 10-year-old described as being "obviously distraught" and "straining against the restraints" while in a local emergency room. Initial impressions were that a Durham Police officer unjustly and inhumanely handcuffed the youth and subjected him to public ridicule. Arguments were made that no circumstances could adequately justify the handcuffing of the youth and the actions of law enforcement. First, as has already been acknowledged on the e-mail forum, the incident involved a Duke Police officer and Durham Sheriff's deputy, not a Durham city officer. Still, the full extent of the circumstances surrounding the young man's plight/history and law enforcement's response cannot be adequately summarized or understood in a few minutes. While the Durham Police Department (DPD) appreciates the apology on the forum regarding the law enforcement agencies involved, the premature and incorrect assumptions about the handcuffing of the youth nonetheless cast DPD, and law enforcement in general, in a negative light. As a veteran police officer, it is very disheartening when officers are often unfairly berated in a public forum about incidents and circumstances by onlookers who often do not have the entire picture and did not take the time to gain insightful perspective. Secondly, for the past two years, DPD has provided Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) to its officers. The Sheriff's Department also participates in this program. A joint-initiative with The Durham Center, CIT provides 40 hours of specialized training to officers who volunteer for the program designed to help them respond more effectively, and with greater sensitivity to people of all ages, in crisis. Thirdly, children nationwide are exhibiting violent behavior at younger and younger ages. Increasingly there are 10-year-olds and younger children entering the criminal justice system. Often youth are restrained, as permitted by law, for their safety, as well as of others and of our officers. And, yes, there are laws that are intended to protect the history of juveniles -- not to hide law enforcement responses of behaviors as was implied during this forum. To address the statement on the forum that "Police officers are just as prone to poor judgment, over-reaction, and unwarranted physical aggression as anyone else" -- yes, officers are human beings. HOWEVER, officers spend a great deal of time training on the appropriate response, are subjected to a great deal of rules and are held to a higher standard far beyond the average individual. So it is quite possible that the appropriate, lawful action was taken by the deputy. This is not simply a police issue or an issue of police behavior. At its core it is a community issue. Before anyone assumes law enforcement is uncaring and insensitive, I admonish him or her to ask a few questions: "Where did the youth's problem start? How did his/her problems get to the point where police intervention was needed? Are the schools involved? Is mental health involved? What does the family need?" (Actually I'm wondering why there hasn't been public outcry regarding the recent shootings of three innocent youth.) That's the primary reason I was motivated to get involved beyond policing, and even rhetoric, to get a deeper understanding of the issues impacting our youth in Durham and their families and to make a positive difference. Over the past two years I have served as an involved, committed mentor to three Durham youth ranging in age from 9 to 16. And I know from experience that most times there is much more than meets the eye. Children, families and police officers are facing very complex and intertwined issues that cannot be remedied without the help and insightful support of an engaged community. Our agency's community policing philosophy is grounded in open communication, mutual respect and collaboration with the citizens we serve. Such unfounded accusations work against the positive relationships we seek to build with the community. Accountability is important and we encourage feedback. However, we would ask that before you rush to judgment, especially in a public way, get an understanding that is grounded in factual information. Thank you to the persons who acknowledged in this forum the difficult work officers do every day. Also, thanks to everyone who weighed in on this issue because it's a demonstration of your passion for Durham and our youth in particular. That's why we love this town. B. J. Council is a deputy chief, Durham Police Department. A version of this article originally was posted to neighborhood e-mail forums. At The Herald-Sun's request, she adapted it slightly for publication. |
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| Blog and Media Roundup - Monday, June 29, 2009 · DUKE LACROSSE - Liestoppers | |
6:58 AM Nov 30
