WALT SPECHT: Law enforcement should be even handed

Fair and impartial policing is the new training mantra. The “fair and impartial policing perspective” reflects a new way of thinking about the issue of biased policing. It is based on the science of bias, which tells us that biased policing is not, as some contend, due to widespread racism in policing. These biases can manifest below consciousness.

Basically, it means treating all those police encounters in a like manner. If that manner involves a drawn gun, that is great, as long as everyone is dealt with in the same manner. We are not talking a response to a real threat, but to a perceived one. We are talking treating the sheriff’s wife the same as you treat what appears to be a street thug. Until you have solid confirmation of the intent, or intentions of a citizen, they are entitled to similar treatment.

One problem area is officer discretion. This is often misinterpreted by citizens. A courtesy or warning provided one citizen doesn’t seem to be extended to all citizens. What is the difference between a warning and a citation? In the eyes of the citizen receiving the citation, plenty. It shows favoritism on the part of the officer. What that favoritism is based on is often perceived to be racial status or fraternal accommodation.

I believe we all realize if an officer wrote every violation they encounter during a day the courts would be overwhelmed and the officers would spend more time in court than on patrol. What is the answer? Think before you excuse. If you effect a stop for cause, no warning, no release, no matter who it is. The lieutenant’s sister is parked in a handicapped spot and you stop. Write the ticket. You would be surprised at how many people saw it happen and watched your reaction to that Thin Blue Line sticker. How do you think they will feel when they or one of their friends is ticketed for the same thing?

WALT SPECHT

Leesburg