Washington needs a diverse police department
In 1966, Tony Patterson, a Washington city police officer, was asked by a colleague how he handled arresting people from his own neighborhood. Without hesitation, he said, “I treat them the way I would want to be treated. I know who they are, and I speak their language.”
Patterson was just one in a long line of black police officers who have served the city of Washington. Although I can think of 100 reasons why this is important, Patterson summarized it best when he said, “I know who they are.”
The current city administration has totally broken down where its ability to negotiate differences is concerned. Lack of negotiation and the inability to use basic communication skills within city hall has resulted in the suffering of constituents and has compromised the city’s reputation. It has also broken a 70-year relationship between the city and its second-largest demographic. The erosion of this relationship is the result of self-serving priorities, with the blame lying squarely at the top.
When questions are raised about the lack of diversity within the uniformed city police department, it is said to be the result of processes and procedures. But then, when these processes and procedures result in zero diversity, it means it is the high time to get creative and use the numerous resources that exist within the county. Failure to do this demonstrates satisfaction with the status quo.
Surrounding police departments more accurately reflect the demographics of their communities than Washington’s. For instance, North Strabane Township has 19 officers with two of those being black and one female. North Franklin Township employs nine officers, which includes one female and one black officer, and Chartiers Township has 11 officers, one of whom is black. The recent growth within Washington County due to the Marcellus Shale industry has resulted in diversity as never witnessed by most residents. This has given the city the opportunity to show just what it is made of, and perhaps it has done just that.
Recently, a town meeting was held to discuss crime, its prevention and the neighborhood watch program. I fully support this program, as it is recognized as one of the best crime prevention concepts in North America. Since it is a form of community policing, it requires a partnership between police officers and citizens. However, a neighborhood watch program can only reach its full potential when those in law enforcement look like the people in the community. Not having minorities or women in the city’s police department will hamper its ability to function impartially and effectively. By its presence, the police department will earn the respect of the communities they serve and thereby reduce the likelihood of tension in the city.
Dean Ellis
Washington