The origins of modern-day policing stem from slave catchers in the 1700s. Should something that came from such negativity and hate be allowed to continue to gather people up, and say that minorities are the suspects every time? This was the case for a young individual who told his story.
One Example That Happens Every Day for Some Individuals
This Chicago resident was coming out of work when a police squad car pulled up in front of him and started to harass him. They went up to him and put their hands on him and started to feel inside his pockets. The police did not ask for consent, nor did they give him a reason for the stop.
They did ask if he had a CCW (Concealed Carry Weapons permit). Furthermore, they inquired if he had anything on him, and what he was doing.
Additionally, this person felt like he had done something wrong, just because he walked outside. His story is one of the thousands who have to deal with this type of behavior from the police on a regular basis.
Is that how people should be treated for looking a certain way or for wearing certain clothing? This is discrimination here in Chicago, and across the country.
Police Activities, What Do They Offer to the Community?
The police around the Chicago area, mainly in the more minority-populated areas, tend to discriminate against older teens and young adults in those areas. They have done it for centuries. It has caused trauma in the community, to the point where community members see the police as another person out to kill them.
Even most recently, Adam Toledo was gunned down by police while he was cooperating with them. Stories like this create fear for those who are supposed to protect and serve.
Failure
The CPD (Chicago Police Department) has failed countless times. They have failed to de-escalate situations and failed to protect the community.
The way they are financed is by tax dollars that people pay through deductions from their checks. CPD advertises itself as a protection against violence. However, a high percentage of police nationwide have shown time and time again that they don’t do that.
Changes, Few and Far Between
The uniform has changed over the years, but not what or who wears it has changed. Discrimination is the thing that officers don’t see, but continue to do and abuse.
The majority of the police force in Chicago is 50% non-Hispanic White, 25% Hispanic (of any race) and 21% African American, 3% Asian American/Pacific Islander. With the majority of the police force being made up of white individuals, discrimination will happen because of what the police force was originally meant to do. The people abolished slavery, and they should be able to abolish the police or the modern-day slave catcher.
Involvement only happens after a crime is committed. They receive a suspect, then they track him or her down. Nothing has changed. The people live in fear of their protectors.
What Can the People Do to Change?
Neighbor gatherings happen to tell the mayor, alderman, or police chief about their concerns and worries. Neighborhood councils, schools, and the community make meetings to discuss what is happening at the moment.
In Little Village, they have LVCC (Little Village Community Council), which helps the residents of the community with whatever they need.
People are coming together to fight the oppressor. Who is that? The police.
People will come together to abolish the roots of slavery, just like when they abolished slavery itself. The people will get rid of the problem in their neighborhood and say, “Enough is enough.”
Written by Agustin Perez
Sources
Community: Hearing leaders and residents speak about their experiences
NAACP: THE ORIGINS OF MODERN DAY POLICING
New Yorker: The Invention of the Police
Truthout: Record Police Killings in 2022 Show Need to Continue Organizing for Abolition
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Linda Rain 714 Flickr Page Creative Commons License
Insert Image Courtesy of Patrick Feller Flickr page Creative Commons License
