Criminal Legal System
In Massachusetts, armed police officers respond to most 911 calls. They even respond to non-criminal calls. The presence of armed police officers can increase the risk of a situation becoming violent. This is especially true in highly policed communities.[] Many people advocate for a greater emphasis on community policing[]. Some also suggest having social workers, trained helpers, or unarmed public safety staff respond to non-violent, non-criminal calls. This could include:
- Minor traffic offenses and car accidents
- Mental health checks and crises
- Substance misuse
- Homelessness
- People needing access to services
Over-policing minor offenses (such as “broken windows policing”) can lead to police violence or a threat of police violence.[,] When armed police response is needed, cultural competence and de-escalation training can help police keep situations non-violent.[] Massachusetts has one of the lowest rates of death by police in the country.[] Even so, these deaths do still occur. In 2020, Massachusetts enacted a police reform law that will, among other things, require police to wear body cameras.[]
[VSE10] Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. (n.d.). Law Enforcement Body Camera Task Force. Mass.gov. Retrieved September 21, 2022, from https://www.mass.gov/law-enforcement-body-camera-task-force https://www.mass.gov/law-enforcement-body-camera-task-force
[VSE5] Irwin, A., & Pearl, B. (2020, October 28). The Community Responder Model. Center for American Progress. Retrieved September 21, 2022 https://www.americanprogress.org/article/community-responder-model/
[VSE6] Hinkle, J. C., & Weisburd, D. (2008). The irony of Broken Windows Policing: A micro-place study of the relationship between disorder, focused police crackdowns and fear of crime. Journal of Criminal Justice, 36(6), 503–512. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0047235208001128?via%3Dihub
[VSE62] Community policing is when police build collaborative relationships with the residents and community leaders they serve–to build better trust and safety.
[VSE7] Kamalu, N. C., & Onyeozili, E. C. (2018). A Critical Analysis of the ‘Broken Windows’ Policing in New York City and Its Impact: Implications for the Criminal Justice System and the African American Community. African Journal of Criminology and Justice Studies: AJCJS, 11(1). https://www.proquest.com/docview/2046674016
[VSE8] Campaign Zero. (n.d.). Training. Retrieved September 21, 2022 https://archive.campaignzero.org/train
[VSE9] Campaign Zero. (2022, May 1). Mapping Police Violence. Retrieved September 21, 2022 https://mappingpoliceviolence.org/