I recently wrote a column in regards to police brutality and the Black Lives Matter movement. I was met with a response claiming I “knew not what I spoke.” And so, in an effort to further educate myself on the topic, I have had the privilege to once again work alongside the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights, and this time, to join them in their efforts to address police related issues in the city of Edmonton.
The John Humphrey Centre’s Youth Action Project has focused specifically on creating recommendations to the city council in regards to police-to-youth interaction; including issues such as police brutality, mistrust of police and racial bias.
The project was stated as: “… an opportunity for young Edmontonians to hear from community and police experts while contributing to policy recommendations and critical solutions that focus on justice and dignity. Youth will meet weekly with local service agencies, hear from experts with lived experience, and discuss issues related to policing through a human rights lens.”
Although we have had just three sessions out of twelve, the dialogue thus far has been incredibly eye opening.
In our first session, we were able to hear from two local police officers and their colleagues in regards to the militarization of the police; and the use of force, the ways in which it is used and when it is justified. This led us to discuss mental health and biases.
We then had the privilege of speaking to the Ogaden Somali Community, where we were told of the ways in which communities that are often identified by the police are attempting to better the dialogue between themselves and the police.
I was particularly struck by the realization that the level of police force we see in the media is not an accurate representation of the force used by police on a day-to-day basis. It is also incredibly important that we consider the mental health of police officers. There needs to be more consistency and accountability in the mental health care we provide to our police force.
That being said, my previous beliefs have also been further reinforced. A lack of racial bias and de-escalation training is still evident both locally and throughout North America. The Las Vegas Police Department implemented these training tactics and while it was once named one of the deadliest police forces, in 2014, they had zero deadly force incidents. Zero.
The current police state in the U.S. and at home may be a product of systemic racism, however, we can change this through updated training and increased dialogue between the police and the community.
I was asked, in response to my last column, why I don’t de-cry every black killing due to gang violence and crime.
These types of killings are a result of the same systemic racism that lies within some police forces, and I therefore believe we have a responsibility to advocate for these communities.
In order to create change, we must also advocate for the issues officers face, in order to change the overall issues within the system.
Jennifer Hamilton is a local student and writer.
