Notes

1. We know from our readings that post World War II increased racial tensions in some parts of the US, particularly in major cities presented new challenges for law enforcement. According to our readings in "To Protect & Serve" (p 91) this was never more apparent than in the 1917 riots in East St. Louis* where the authors of our text describe the rising tensions between striking white workers, and the influx of African Americans moving to the city seeking work. 9 whites and 25 African Americans died during the riots which became the focus of national attention in Congressional hearings. In those hearings findings included the fact that police (and soldiers) stood by while people were lynched. Some say the St Louis Metro area has made little progress since then, including the events in Ferguson, another suburb to the west. In fact, it was only a few years ago that St. Louis PD began reporting to the City government, reporting previously to a state commission in Jefferson City, the state capital. (See more history at https://www.slmpd.org/images/Updated%20History%20for%20Website.pdf ).

Using our assignments as a basis for your views, please describe how if YOU WERE POLICE CHIEF how you would approach things differently in St. Louis (or another community with similar issues), how you would gain the trust and confidence of the public, and yet how you would prove to be effective in reducing violent crime, while treating the community members with respect.

2. From our readings in "Role of Police in American Society" we know that in 1910 Mrs. Alice Stebbins Wells* became the first woman police officer commissioned in Los Angeles Police Department. We also know that Samuel Battle was the first African American to become a police officer in the entire state of New York, when he was commissioned into NYPD in 1912.* Based upon our readings, and your personal observations & experience how far do you think we have come in fostering diversity in our police departments today? If you were POLICE CHIEF of a major police department, what measures would you take to "move the needle" further?

3. As part of your assignment you viewed "Mississippi Burning"* and observed the character Gene Hackman (originally from Danville, IL) portray an unorthodox FBI Agent operating within a strict, regimented FBI under the tight control of J Edgar Hoover. You also saw the manner in which local police seemingly became complicit in civil rights violations, including murder. What struck you most about the story, and what, if anything, surprised you as this was based on actual events. Describe in detail. What if anything did you conclude about the tenuous relationship the FBI must maintain to police the police?

For 5 points extra credit, in your same post briefly discuss the movie "The Untouchables" based upon the true story (which was assigned last month), and how the character portrayed by Kevin Costner had to forge an alliance with the Chicago Police Officer portrayed by Sean Connery in order to gain insight on how to best bring down Gangster Al Capone.

* Please take particular note of these points as they are likely test material