The Resistance to Police Accountability and Reform: A Realist’s Guide

Introduction

Despite numerous calls for increased police accountability and reform, a pessimistic view of the situation reveals that many officials and police departments continue to resist meaningful change. With a multitude of examples demonstrating a lack of transparency, adherence to outdated policies, and reluctance to embrace civilian oversight, it becomes clear that the desire to maintain the status quo may be hindering progress.

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The Fight Against Civilian Oversight

Civilian oversight of police departments has been a contentious issue, with officers often expressing disdain for the idea of civilians evaluating their actions. This resistance is exemplified by the often hostile reaction to the establishment of civilian review boards, which aim to increase transparency and accountability. Despite the potential benefits of such boards, many police officials and unions continue to resist their implementation, seemingly prioritizing the maintenance of traditional power structures over the promotion of public trust.

The Code of Silence: A Barrier to Accountability

The so-called "code of silence" among police officers, in which they refuse to report or speak out against the misconduct of their colleagues, has long been a barrier to achieving true accountability. This unwritten rule, often reinforced by high-ranking personnel, perpetuates a culture of impunity within the force. Until there is a concerted effort from the top to dismantle this code and foster a culture of transparency and integrity, meaningful police reform will remain elusive.

Questionable Disciplinary Practices

An examination of disciplinary practices within police departments reveals a troubling pattern of officers evading punishment for misconduct. In some cases, suspensions are ordered but never served, while other officers manage to delay or avoid discipline through the use of grievances and disability leave. These instances of officers seemingly escaping the consequences of their actions only serve to reinforce the notion that police departments are resistant to change and reluctant to hold their own members accountable.

Resistance to Bail Reform and Access to Counsel

Efforts to reform the bail system and improve access to counsel for individuals in police custody have also been met with resistance from some police officials. Despite evidence that these measures can contribute to a more just and equitable criminal justice system, there are those who continue to oppose them, arguing that they undermine law enforcement efforts. This opposition to reform further emphasizes the desire of some officials to maintain the status quo, even at the expense of justice and fairness.

The Great Blue Wall of Silence: In Conclusion

Taking a pessimistic view of the current state of police accountability and reform, it becomes clear that significant obstacles remain in the quest for meaningful change. With resistance to civilian oversight, a persistent code of silence or "blue wall," questionable disciplinary practices, and opposition to bail reform and access to counsel, it appears that many police officials and departments are more concerned with preserving their traditional power structures than with promoting transparency, accountability, and public trust. Until this mindset shifts, the prospect of true police reform will remain a distant and elusive goal for the realist to contemplate in accordance with any decent realist’s guide to the subject, which will advise contemplators not to hold their breath when feel good bills are proposed to play the role of legislative window dressing.

James FitzPatrick

NL Resident since 1959

For decades, we have needed a large sized group of average New London residents from all walks of life as a governing body to oversee policing practices