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The History of Police Brutality: From Slavery to the Present

Police brutality is a complex issue that has deep roots in the history of the United States, with its origins dating back to the era of slavery. This analysis will comprehensively explore how police brutality has evolved, tracing its roots in US history, examining its various manifestations over time, and highlighting the contemporary examples that indicate the urgent need for reform.

Historical Context of Slavery

Slavery was institutionalised in the US from the early 17th century to the mid-19th century marking a dark chapter in the history of the nation. During this time, African Americans were subjected to much suffering, degradation, and cruelty by their oppressors. suffered unimaginable cruelty and degradation at the hands of their oppressors. One notable development in this era was the emergence of slave patrols, which was created as the earliest form of organized policing in the South. The main role of these patrols was to maintain control over the enslaved individuals, making sure they remained obedient and subservient (Spruill, 2016).

The slave patrols were tasked with the enforcement of stringent slave codes, which was crucial in preventing any rebellions or uprisings that may emerge from the slaves. They ardently performed this role, suppressing any form of resistance even at the expense of injuring and killing the slaves thereby preserving the rigid racial hierarchy that defined the era. In addition, the slave patrols in their operations were too embedded in slavery, thus becoming instruments of dominion and terror. Their mere presence was a constant reminder that those who were enslaved lacked agency and had degraded status (Spruill, 2016). The slave patrols, therefore, through this pervasive control, led to the entrenchment of the deep system of oppression that prevailed during this time.

Post-Slavery Era and the Reconstruction Period

The abolition of slavery in American society led to the birth of an era known as Reconstruction. This era also came with loads of trials and tribulations, especially for the formerly enslaved individuals who faced various challenges in their attempts to get freedom and equality. The African Americans were met with much resistance from the Southern states even as they fought for their rights and integration into society. For example, these states started to manipulate the existing laws while also creating new ones so that they gain control over and suppress the Black population (Garza, 2016).

During this post-slavery period, great tumult was witnessed even as the policing and racial oppression became increasingly apparent. In their attempts to carve out a place for themselves, the former slaves were faced with systematic attempts to maintain the racial hierarchy that had prevailed previously. Within this context, the new policing structures that were created during this time created an environment where racial discrimination and oppression became legitimized. Williams (2015) notes that this unfortunate cycle of subjugation was especially perpetuated by the very institutions that had the mandate to protect and serve all citizens.

Reconstruction was a time when the former slaves experienced great struggle and hardship, but it also showed the fortitude and resilience of those who were determined to break free from the chains of slavery. Although great were the efforts meant to control the Black population, they failed to kill the fire of hope that burned within the hearts of those fighting for their rights. This period is a stark reminder of the long-lasting effects of slavery and the deeply ingrained systemic racism that persisted long after its abolition. It provides the need for continuously reflecting and progressing in the journey towards an equitable and just society for all (Aiello, 2023).

Jim Crow Era and Racial Segregation

The Jim Crow era was also one of the eras where racial segregation became deeply entrenched in American society. During this period, law enforcement agencies became one of the forces at the frontline in perpetuating slavery. As an illustration, the police forces, which had the duty of protecting the law, were implicated in enforcing and perpetuating the racial hierarchy and discriminatory statutes that divided communities. Instead of being protectors of equality and justice, they became instruments of oppression, becoming active participants in the subjugation of African Americans (Hawkins & Thomas, 2013).

Moreover, the tragical rise of the Ku Klux Klan during this time resulted in the deepening of the atmosphere of fear and violence that was targeted to the Black communities. Emerging from the tumultuous aftermath of the Civil War, the Ku Klux Klan was founded in 1865 by ex-Confederate soldiers with the main aim of restoring white supremacy in the Southern states. The Klan originally served as a paramilitary force, but later transformed into an instrument of terror, intimidating, causing violence, and lynching African Americans to suppress those seeking civil and political rights during the Reconstruction era (Williams, 2015).

Notably, the Klan operated with a degree of impunity, often collaborating with law enforcement and local authorities sympathetic to their cause. Through their actions, the African Americans lived in constant dread and apprehension. It is a painful thing that the same institutions mandated to maintain law and order and safeguard the rights of all citizens became vectors of discrimination and violence.

Urbanization, the War on Drugs, and Militarization

The demographics of the American population greatly changed in the mid-20th century with rural-urban migration seen from African Americans as they sought new opportunities. Although the agencies in charge of enforcing laws adapted, systemic racism persisted, causing a strained relationship between the police and Black communities. For example, the emergence of the War on Drugs in the 1980s provided a new avenue for the escalation of police brutality. Rather than focusing on solutions based on rehabilitating and supporting the individuals, the approach used was marked with heavy-handedness and punitive measures (Echols, 2022). In the process, Black communities became disproportionately targeted and greatly affected by these aggressive tactics. This era was marked by selective enforcement of drug laws, coupled with racial biases that ensured that African Americans received unjust targeting. As a result of these unfair targeting, many families and communities were forcefully divided creating a wide gap between law enforcement and the people they were meant to protect.

This situation was especially worsened by the militarization of the police that started to take effect during this period. Police departments started getting surplus military equipment, eliciting fear among the public particularly within the African American communities. The presence of armored vehicles and other intimidating weaponry within local law enforcement agencies led to the use of excessive force and violence (Garza, 2016). The cumulative effect of urbanization, the War on Drugs, and the militarization of the police has perpetuated a cycle of marginalization, mistrust, and further entrenchment of racial disparities.

Contemporary Examples of Police Brutality

In the 21st century, several instances of police brutality have been witnessed through a series of deeply disturbing and widely publicized incidents. These cases starkly remind the people of the persistent racial biases that continue to plague law enforcement agencies. Recent cases on the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and countless others have ignited powerful movements demanding justice and systemic reform. These incidents have helped expose the racial injustices that are deeply rooted and continue to ravage society, causing widespread protests, outrage, and calls for change. The high levels of brutality witnessed in these cases raise troubling questions about the excessive force used by some police officers (Aiello, 2023).  In particular, communities of color, continue bearing the negative impacts of racial profiling and unjust treatment perpetrated by law enforcement agencies.

This pattern of targeting specific people based on their ethnicity or race widens the existing divisions and fosters the cycle of mistrust between marginalized communities and law enforcement agencies. Thus, there is an urgent need to ensure that law enforcement agencies become accountable for their actions. Brand (2020) posits that the culture of impunity is a consequence of the lack of strict measures taken against officers found guilty of applying excessive force and misconduct. Thorough and impartial investigations should be done to help identify the perpetrators and bring them to book. Moreover, there is a need for urgent comprehensive reforms, such as increased community engagement, improved training,  and the implementation of effective oversight mechanisms to ensure that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect by law enforcement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the roots of police brutality in the United States can be traced back to the institution of slavery. The oppressive tactics employed during slavery, the perpetuation of racial discrimination through subsequent eras, and the contemporary manifestations of systemic racism collectively contribute to the deeply ingrained issue of police brutality. Acknowledging this historical context is paramount in comprehensively addressing the problem and fostering meaningful reform. A multifaceted approach, encompassing policy changes, community engagement, and accountability measures, is essential to ending police brutality and working towards a more just and equitable society.

References

Aiello, T. (Ed.). (2023). The Routledge History of Police Brutality in America. Taylor & Francis.

Brand, J. N. (2020). Police brutality as an extension of white supremacy: Social control of African Americans in contemporary America. The University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Echols, C. M. (2022). Anti-Blackness is the American way: of assessing the relationship between chattel slavery, lynchings, & police violence during the civil rights movement. Race and justice, 21533687211073299.

Garza, A. (2016). Who do you serve, who do you protect?: Police violence and resistance in the United States. Haymarket Books.

Hawkins, H., & Thomas, R. (2013). White policing of black populations: A history of race and social control in America. Out of order, 65-86.

Spruill, L. H. (2016). Slave Patrols, “Packs of Negro Dogs” and Policing Black Communities. Phylon (1960-), 53(1), 42-66.

Williams, K. (2015). Our enemies in blue: Police and power in America. Ak Press.