A Call for Citizen-Initiated Decommissioning of Police Officers

“In recent times, the harsh reality of policy misconduct has captured the nation’s attention…”

That just doesn’t sound right. Maybe, we need a better signifier of time: Decades…Years… Months…Weeks… Days.

There is no shift in time that can ever account for how long the abuses in law and enforcement have been synonymous with the reality that far too many have understood all along, while others only now seem to be waking up to.

The truth is, law enforcement as our society stands today- is necessary.

Society plays favorites, and that's not a secret. It's also not some blasphemous statement to acknowledge that there are good and bad people in every facet of life, and of course that includes those working in police departments.

I've heard officers casually own up to the fact that some of their colleagues are, well, let's just say not the most pleasant individuals. They warn others to stay away from certain officers when they've had a bad day. It's a reality they acknowledge, even if their starkest defenders refuse to.

So, let's be clear: advocating for change and demanding accountability is not an attack on all law enforcement. It's a call to address the systemic issues that tarnish the reputation of those honorable officers who might genuinely believe in faithfully serving their communities. It's about dismantling the unwarranted protectionism and tribalism that shields misconduct and prevents the progression of a society where law enforcement truly works for and protects the people it is meant to serve.

It is time for a policy change that empowers citizens to initiate the decommissioning process for police officers involved in severe cases of misconduct, in order to dismantle the tribalism of unwarranted protectionism and build a safer and more just society.

Let’s just consider only a couple cases of Officer Cesar Alcantara from the San Diego Police Department and Officer Greg Capers from Indianola who stand as the most recent of many stark reminders on the pressing need for reform. (And again, time is unfavorable here, because who knows how dated these examples might get if nothing is done)

Capers, shot a gentle 11-year old boy, who only called on someone in uniform like him to help. That is sickening enough. Inexcusable.

Alcantara, much closer to home, and still largely unknown, engaged in a range of misconduct, including excessive use of force, false reporting, and violation of constitutional rights. And even then, it’s too sterile a descriptor of his bad behavior. Beyond soliciting the same sex-workers, who his department hunts, he staged a suicide attempt to lure his domestically-abused girlfriend back to his home. With little to no real consequence. And the kicker is, he could still get a job that puts him right back into a similar seat of delusion power.

These incidents, are not isolated events. Across the nation, we witness numerous reports of police officers engaging in all sorts of misconduct, evading the appropriate consequences, while themselves dish out the most extreme of public punishment for the most miniscule of other’s everyday offences. And while they might not have names we know, take a moment to reflect on all those other instances I’m sure will never make it out of the talk of a neighborhood.

By continually shedding light on these distressing cases, we expose the systemic issue and strengthen the argument for a state policy mandating a citizen-initiated decommissioning option.

Community petitioning serves as a formidable tool for citizens to demand justice and accountability. It provides a platform for individuals to unite, voice their concerns, and drive meaningful change. Granting community members the ability to initiate the decommissioning process for police officers involved in severe cases of misconduct empowers those directly affected by their actions. This policy shift recognizes the community's profound interest in upholding some sense of integrity and professionalism of its law enforcement personnel.

The implementation of citizen-initiated decommissioning does not disregard the principles of fairness and due process. It is imperative to establish a comprehensive framework that ensures a thorough evaluation of allegations. The petitioning process can trigger an internal affairs investigation, enabling the gathering of evidence to substantiate the claims made against the officer. This evaluation should be conducted by an independent body, untethered by conflicts of interest, to guarantee unbiased decision-making.

Transparency forms the bedrock of trust between law enforcement and the community they serve. As we embark on the path of citizen-initiated decommissioning, it is essential to provide regular updates and maintain clear communication with the petitioning community members. By fostering openness, we build trust, reinforce the belief in accountability, and demonstrate the unwavering commitment of law enforcement agencies to address misconduct effectively. There is no us vs. them with a public job like that.

In addition to citizen-initiated decommissioning, we must implement proactive measures to foster positive police-community relations. Embracing community policing programs, where officers actively engage with residents and collaborate to address local concerns, can help rebuild trust and create a shared sense of responsibility. Furthermore, involving community members in the selection and evaluation processes of law enforcement officers ensures that those who serve truly reflect the values and needs of the community they protect.

Granting community members the power to initiate the decommissioning process for police officers involved in severe cases of misconduct represents a significant stride toward ensuring accountability and building trust between law enforcement and the community. By implementing this policy, we acknowledge our collective responsibility in shaping the conduct and standards of our law enforcement agencies. Together, we can forge a safer, more just society where citizens actively participate in the pursuit of justice and fairness, transcending the confines of unwarranted protectionism and enabling true progress.

And remember, critique doesn’t come from a place of hate, it’s the total opposite, it comes from a place of love. Because if we truly care about something it is our responsibility to do our part in making it better.