NYPD Commish: It Hurts Relations When Cops Are ‘Rude’

NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton wrote an op-ed for The Washington Post today talking about how to fix the relationship between the police and minority communities. He understands that there are some who believe police officers are “racist, brutal and even murderous” agents of a criminal justice system that “incarcerates vast numbers of minorities, especially young black men.”

Bratton said it’s important for people to understand they’re not “living in a police state.” They’re being protected by a police force that has their best interests at heart. However, he acknowledges there is a trust issue the NYPD needs to deal with.

This is what he had to say about police sometimes overreaching:

On the police side, we must recognize that our methods require refinement. We can be abrupt — sometimes rude — with the people we encounter, and that leaves a lasting impression, particularly in our most vulnerable communities. People in these communities suffer most from the crime that persists in the city, but they are also the least satisfied with the police. That’s a serious challenge.

You can read the full op-ed here.

[image via Shutterstock]

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Follow Josh Feldman on Twitter: @feldmaniac

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