Can Society Redeem Faith in Law and Order?

The perpetual question of whether society can trust the police force again is not a new one. It requires a deep dive into the nature of authority, the role of law in society, and the historical contexts that have shaped our perceptions of law enforcement.

Understanding Law and Legalities

Many traditional concepts of law are often misunderstood. What we refer to as 'law' are actually legal codes or statutes that are created and enforced by the governing bodies. It is not synonymous with truth or justice, but rather a set of rules and regulations. For instance, traffic acts and other ordinances do not inherently possess the same weight as fundamental legal codes.

It is argued that the term "corporate" often used in a derogatory sense, can be an accurate reflection of many governmental entities due to their nature of functioning as corporate entities. This includes the use of 'birth certificates' as a form of 'legal fiction'—a tool used to legitimize a person's identity within the legal system.

The core principle of the legal system is based on the concept of equal justice under law, where no individual can pass judgment on another or claim authority over them. Hence, the power to legally legitimize actions is not inherent in individuals but must be granted by statutes and legal frameworks.

Can the Public Trust the Police?

The answer to whether the public can trust the police hinges on several key factors. In the United States, for instance, the term "police force" is not a unified entity but rather a collection of more than 18,000 local, state, and federal agencies. The trust in these agencies largely depends on the community's engagement and expectations.

Communities that demand proper behavior and accountability from their law enforcement agencies tend to receive better service. Conversely, communities that are apathetic or disengaged often experience trust issues due to the lack of demonstrated effort toward community engagement and trust-building. In such cases, the police force often mirrors the level of trust the community offers.

Historical Contexts and Trust Issues

The issue of trust in law enforcement is deeply embedded in the historical context of the United States. Early law enforcement agencies were often founded to enforce slavery and maintain racial segregation during the colonial and post-Civil War eras. Despite the progress made since then, many of these historical contexts have had a lasting impact on how law enforcement is perceived.

Take, for example, the picture of black schoolchildren being protected by the Army on their way to school. The absence of local law enforcement during such critical moments raises questions about their role and commitment to justice. Similarly, the image of peaceful marchers being met with violence on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma highlights the enforcement of Jim Crow laws and the denial of voting rights.

These moments in history have perpetuated the notion that law enforcement has often been a tool for maintaining white supremacy and privilege. This history of mistrust is not easily overcome and requires continuous effort from both the community and law enforcement agencies.

Conclusion

When asking whether the police can be trusted, it is crucial to ask “trusted to do what” and “trusted by whom.” The historical context and the nature of law enforcement in the United States underscore the complexity of this question. Trust is earned through consistent actions and community engagement. Policymakers, community leaders, and law enforcement agencies must work together to establish and maintain trust, ensuring that the system of law and order truly serves the public interest.