Dallas Needs More Police From Black Neighborhoods

Dallas Needs More Police From Black Neighborhoods

-Dallas Police needs more manpower and more diversity to protect our community

-More police will mean less crime, less arrests, less jails, and more opportunity

-Police should be responsible and ACCOUNTABLE to the community

Dallas Police lacks the representation, diversity, and manpower to keep black neighborhoods safe. Right now, we are experiencing the worst of both worlds. We are simultaneously subjected to high crime and high rates of police brutality when we deserve a police who protect us from crime instead of brutalizing our young men. With more officers and more diversity in the ranks, Dallas Police can finally do what is is charged with doing---serving and protecting all community members. One of the most urgent challenges in Dallas is the current shortage of 1,000 police officers, a deficit that has led to the necessity of online reporting for all nonviolent crimes. As the summer heat bring on seemingly inevitable crime waves, we must recognize this is a temporary measure, not a lasting solution. To build a safer, stronger Dallas, we must confront this issue directly, while acknowledging the national concerns that have arisen from tragic incidents involving law enforcement.

The names Elijah McClain, Atatiana Jefferson, Sandra Bland, and others echo in our collective consciousness, serving as a poignant reminder of the fear and mistrust that exists between law enforcement and communities, particularly communities of color. These heartbreaking incidents have ignited a national dialogue about police reform, a conversation that we must actively participate in here in Dallas.

While we remember these victims and strive for justice and reform, we must also remember the victims of crime in our own neighborhoods. The violence that disrupts the peace of our streets underscores the need for effective, ethical, and community-focused policing.

Our first priority is to foster community policing, with a particular emphasis on black neighborhoods. Community policing is a strategy that builds ties and works closely with members of the communities. A crucial part of this strategy is recruiting officers from the neighborhoods they will serve. Officers who live in the districts where they work have a deeper understanding of the community’s dynamics, its challenges, and its strengths. They are more likely to build strong, trusting relationships with residents, leading to more effective policing and a safer community.

However, community policing can only be effective if it is free from corruption and brutality. The trust that is so essential to community policing can only be built if officers uphold the highest standards of integrity and respect for human rights. This means rigorous training, strict accountability, and zero tolerance for corruption or brutality.

Our second priority is to address the shortage of police officers and increase the diversity of our force. The current shortage of 1,000 officers is not just a number; it represents a significant gap in our ability to protect and serve our community. A diverse police force is a strong police force. Diversity brings different perspectives, experiences, and ideas, which can lead to more effective problem-solving. It also helps to build trust and legitimacy in diverse communities.

Finally, we must understand that more police does not necessarily mean more arrests and more jails. Instead, it means less crime, less fear, and more opportunity. A well-staffed, diverse, and community-focused police force can prevent crime before it happens, reducing the need for arrests and incarceration. This proactive approach to policing can help to break the cycle of crime and incarceration, creating more opportunities for education, employment, and growth.

In conclusion, to build a safer, stronger Dallas, we must invest in our police force. We must focus on community policing, address the shortage of police officers, and increase the diversity of our force. And we must understand that more police means less crime, less fear, and more opportunity. By doing so, we can create a Dallas that is not only safer and stronger but also more equitable and just.