In the 1990s, New York City became the poster child for proactive policing tactics such as stop and frisk, and other cities like Los Angeles and Philadelphia followed soon after. Stop and frisk is one type of policing. It is where police officers are allowed to stop citizens in public areas under reasonable suspicion of crime behavior, make inquiries and if they feel threatened frisk for weapons. This police tactic was first put into use in the 1960s with the purpose of removing illegal guns from the streets. Recently, law enforcements around the country have been criticized for using the stop and frisk policy because of the allegations of racial profiling and tragic deaths that have occur. While many argue that stop and frisk has lowered crime rates, we have to question whether they are worth the widespread racism and death of innocent people. The need for reform is crucial for both law enforcement and citizens.
With the perceived effectiveness of stop and frisk in …show more content…
The reform propose will not change decades of policing overnight, but it will result in a harmonious relationship between police and citizens when it is accomplished. Law enforcements will be seen in a more favorable light and earn the respect of the people, since they will become well acquainted with the neighborhoods. Citizens, especially minorities, will no long feel bullied by law enforcement, instead view officers as a resource and rely more on officers in threatening situations. As much adjustment that can occur, there will be resistance that will want to go back to stop and frisk, due to the long period of time it will take to get lower crimes rates from community policing. The point is human beings need to respect each other, be treated equally and with dignity no matter what. Even when wrong, everyone should be treated in a way that is fair, follows laws, and without unnecessary