Assignment Task: Please respond to Morgans Comment
Discussion Questions:
1. The founders of the American government where concerned with maintaining local political control resulting in policing being run within local and state governments. Is giving the DOJ power to enforce changes in local agencies overstepping this boundary? Explain your reasoning.
I don't think its overstepping boundaries at all. Something needed to change with how the police station operated and responded to calls because crime was getting out of hand. Focusing on community based policing, diagnosing the root of the problem and assisting form there, is what's shown to be successful. I believe in this situation, if there were any boundaries that were overstepped, then it was rightfully so. A community was crumbling and law enforcement was stuck.
2. Do you think that the systemic issues of corruption and abuse of power within these policing agencies would be resolved internally without the power of a consent decree? Why or why not?
No, I feel like the power of a consent decree is very important. Arrests don't always have to be made, use of force isn't necessary, with this decree it gives the parties do decide the outcome, rather than law enforcement. Systemic issues do start from within but need to be handled on the outside first for there to be success. These consent decrees give community a sense of control over the situation and the officers are just there for support. Slowly, we're moving towards that being a more popular mindset.
Please respond to Taylors comment
1. The founders of the American government where concerned with maintaining local political control resulting in policing being run within local and state governments. Is giving the DOJ power to enforce changes in local agencies overstepping this boundary? Explain your reasoning.
When considering whether the DOJ enforcing changes in local agencies oversteps this boundary, it's essential to weigh the need for accountability and adherence to constitutional rights against the principles of local control. In cases where systemic issues threaten the rights and safety of individuals, such as in instances of civil rights violations or patterns of misconduct within local agencies, the intervention of the DOJ may be necessary to ensure justice and uphold federal laws. While local control is crucial, it should not come at the expense of protecting the rights and wellbeing of all individuals within a community.
2. Do you think that the systemic issues of corruption and abuse of power within these policing agencies would be resolved internally without the power of a consent decree? Why or why not?
Addressing systemic issues of corruption and abuse of power within policing agencies may prove challenging to resolve solely internally without the power of consent decree. In cases where deep-rooted problems exist, external oversight and enforcement mechanisms like consent decrees can provide the necessary accountability and transparency to drive meaningful change. By imposing court-monitored reforms and holding agencies accountable to specific standards, consent decrees can help address systemic issues effectively, ensuring lasting improvements in agency practices and fostering trust within the community. While internal efforts are valuable, the external oversight provided by a consent decree can offer a structured and enforceable framework for addressing systemic issues comprehensively.