Thinking Critically Questions Chapter Seven

Public Attitudes Toward Police About 50 percent of Americans rate the police as either good or excellent at solving crimes. Why isn’t the percentage higher?

Why do you think that racial groups differ so greatly in their attitudes toward the police?

Police Selection

What do you think are the most important qualities for police officers to have? Why?

How much formal education do you think police officers should have? Why?

Discretion

Many states have mandatory arrest laws that require police officers to arrest any suspect that has battered a spouse or domestic partner.

Do you support mandatory arrest laws in domestic violence cases? Why or why not?

Why do police generally not like to respond to domestic violence calls?

Discretion

There is much debate on how much control should be placed on the decisions of police officers in arrest situations.

How much control should be placed on them and why?

Discretion

What are some of the arguments in favor of and opposing the reduction of police discretion?

Racial Profiling

Explain the concept, “driving while black or brown” (DWBB).

What is the perceived basis for such a practice?

Police Stress

Does police stress lead to police brutality? Explain.

Does deadly force lead to police stress?

Explain. Give an example.

Corruption

How would you control police corruption?

In other words, How would you police the police?