Being a police officer isn't easy, and we commend those who put themselves on the front lines and are fair and just in their everyday duties. We are examining the history of the black community and the police to understand the context behind the tension. The relationship between the Black community and police has been shaped by a long history of systemic issues, including discrimination and violence.
The modern police departments in the U.S., including Boston's, in 1838, were established during a time when slavery was legal. In the southern states, one of the earliest forms of organized policing was the slave patrols, created to enforce laws governing enslaved people and prevent escapes. Their primary function was to maintain control over the enslaved population.
In the north, such as in Boston, the early police force focused on maintaining order in urban areas and addressing concerns related to industrialization, immigration, and labor unrest. However, the underlying purpose of early police forces was often to protect the interests of property owners and uphold the social hierarchy, reinforcing racial and economic inequalities deeply rooted in the institution of slavery.
Even though the Boston Police Department was created in a free state, it cannot be separated from the broader context of the time, which included The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. This federal law compelled local law enforcement, even in northern states, to assist in the capture and return of runaway enslaved people, blurring the line between policing and the oppression of Black people.
After the Civil War and the abolition of slavery, southern states shifted to the enforcement of Black Codes and later Jim Crow laws, designed to maintain racial control and segregation, with police playing a central role in their enforcement.
The legacies of racial control embedded in early American policing persisted well into the 20th century and remain a subject of tension today, contributing to modern conversations about police brutality, systemic racism, and racial profiling.
The legacy of slavery, Jim Crow laws, and systemic racism has shaped these encounters in ways that continue to echo in today's society. Even though changes have been made, including the inclusion of Black police officers, the issues of racial profiling, police brutality, and disproportionate treatment of Black and brown people persist.
The historical impact of slavery, Jim Crow laws, and systemic racism continue to affect encounters with law enforcement today. Despite some progress, issues such as racial profiling, police brutality, and unfair treatment of Black and brown people persist.
The long-standing distrust of law enforcement, rooted in their historical role in enforcing segregation and controlling Black communities, is not easily erased. Even with the presence of Black police officers and reforms like body cameras, incidents of police misconduct still disproportionately affect law-abiding Black citizens, sometimes leading to tragic loss of life. The issues of systemic racism go deeper than individual representation and are embedded in the policies, culture, and institutional frameworks of law enforcement.
There has been a concerning increase in cases of police brutality against Black women and teenagers, even when they are clearly complying with officers' commands. These incidents reflect not only ongoing systemic racism but also the specific vulnerabilities that Black women and youth face within the criminal justice system.
While the focus on police brutality has traditionally centered on Black men, it's important to recognize that Black women and teenagers also experience excessive force, racial profiling, and discriminatory treatment, often without receiving as much media attention or public outrage. This leaves them doubly vulnerable—both overlooked and at risk.
Black women face unique challenges when interacting with law enforcement. Many times, their experiences of brutality are overshadowed by cases involving Black men, yet they are disproportionately affected by police violence as well. Cases like those of Sandra Bland, who died under suspicious circumstances after a traffic stop, and Breonna Taylor, who was shot and killed by police during a botched raid, illustrate the extent of this crisis.
Even when Black women comply with police commands, they are often met with extreme aggression. The intersection of race, gender, and usually class makes them targets of racialized violence and systemic oppression. In many instances, the perception of Black women as "strong" or "angry" can lead to harsher treatment, even in scenarios where a non-Black woman might receive different, more compassionate handling.
Black teenagers are also increasingly becoming victims of police brutality. Despite their youth, they are often perceived as older and more dangerous than their white counterparts, a phenomenon known as adultification. Some reports have shown that police often perceive Black children as less innocent and more threatening. This can lead to escalations where teenagers who should be treated as minors are instead subjected to violent or excessively punitive measures.
The fear, anxiety, and frustration Black parents face when raising sons in a society where systemic racism pervades the justice system is profound. The deeply embedded inequalities in law enforcement disproportionately affect Black men, leading to trauma not just for individuals but for entire families and communities.
For example, incidents like the case of Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old boy shot by police for playing with a toy gun, or the violent treatment of Black teens at pool parties or in schools show how dangerous this perception can be. Even when Black teens comply with police commands, they can be viewed with suspicion and treated with unnecessary force. Additionally, officers are rarely held accountable to the same degree as in cases involving white victims. This lack of accountability further encourages a system where abuse can continue unchecked.
According to a report from USA Facts, fewer than 3% of killings by police result in officers being charged with a crime. Officers are disproportionately prosecuted by Black prosecutors—especially Black women, who play a significant role in charging officers for killing someone. White male and female prosecutors, who make up the majority of lead prosecutors in the U.S., are often seen as less likely to charge officers involved in such incidents. This disparity in prosecutorial action is part of the broader systemic challenges in holding law enforcement accountable, particularly in cases involving unjustified killings of Black and other minority individuals.
One crucial aspect of change is the hope that "good cops" will take a stand against those who tarnish the badge. To make it safer for officers to confront misconduct, structural changes within police departments—such as stronger protections for whistleblowers and independent review boards—are required.
Collaboration between communities, lawmakers, and law enforcement is essential to implement meaningful reforms. Some possible actions include establishing independent oversight boards, instituting stronger whistleblower protections, building community policing programs, providing cultural training and de-escalation tactics, and ensuring real consequences for police officers who abuse their power.
The work toward healing and reform requires persistent effort and involvement from all sides. While we hope for officers to take a stand, communities, and activists must continue to push for systemic change, advocating for a justice system that treats everyone equally, regardless of race or background.
References:
Williams, K. (2003). Our Enemies in Blue: Police and Power in America. South End Press. This book explores the historical development of police in America, particularly in relation to labor movements and racial control.
Vitale, A. S. (2017). The End of Policing. Verso. Vitale examines the history of police in America and its role in social control, with a focus on the militarization of police forces.
"History of the Boston Police Department." (n.d.). Retrieved from Boston.gov. This provides an overview of the founding and evolution of the Boston Police Department.
Comments