Policing Hate: What can be done?

Abstract

Violence arising out of social diversity, in particular race, ethnicity, religion, and culture, is the too common lot of humankind. This paper discusses what the police can do to mitigate the cruelty that hatred generates. It argues that police cannot reduce hatred directly, but can significantly contribute to creating an environment that lessens the likelihood that hatred will result in interpersonal violence. The police do this by acting in ways that create bonds of citizenship. This is achieved by being fair, effective, and open in all their activities. Fairness involves acting in accordance with internationally recognized standards of human rights. Five specific programs for achieving this goal are discussed. Effectiveness means being responsive to the needs of both individuals and groups. Six programs for achieving this objective are reviewed. Finally, openness means being transparent and accountable, and seven programs for implementing this goal are presented.

Keywords:

• Policing Hate
• Police Forces
• Patrol Officers