friendfromlowry;1802984 wrote:So what do we do?
1) Put an end to profiling. If that leads to an uptick in crime (which I'm not sure is a certainty), so be it. It's what the community wants.
2) Saw an interesting suggestion that there is little need for police interaction at routine traffic stops - run the plates, snap a pic, and mail the fine. Stolen vehicles and reckless driving/DUI is obviously a different issue.
3) All juries should reflect the diversity of the country - THAT is a jury of your peers (and if that requires change of venue, so be it).
4) Decriminalize (not legalize) drugs
5) Prosecutors should be accountable for racial and socioeconomic inequities in plea bargains, but I'm not sure how you evaluate that (studies exist, but that is not a feasible option).
The two biggest issues here are perception of racism and bias in the justice system when a big part of that is simply socioeconomic inequities, and that perception will persist so long as African Americans remain disproportionately poor. The other issue is that violent crimes are more concentrated in poor urban areas, which leads to increased police presence, and increased police interactions....primarily a result of gangs and drugs. Problem is I don't know if you can really break the gangs (which Chicago did, to disastrous results) without legalizing drugs.
The first 4 above would seem to be pretty quick, easy fixes that could have a significant impact.