Question: (Submitted by Anonymous) Have you ever looked at the injustices within the justice system? Like "a black man in a white mans world". Have you read the new Jim Crow? Being an EMT and a part of the force how do you feel about our surrounding events? Do you think we are targets? Even deeper looking into history, sentences, padded sentences, "pretext" (traffic violation pull overs turning into drug searches, etc".)- how do you suggest blacks, especially black men to stay safe? Is there a way?
Answer: (From Tyrell) Our justice system needs a major overhaul. Our founding fathers and those who helped shaped it what is is today were in a completely different climate where it was ok to believe someone was less than a person, or where your race legally determined your status. I am a firm a believer in a process but our system needs a complete review just like we do workplace policy. I have worked in law enforcement and I have seen wonderful professionals truly take their oath seriously, save lives, protect property, and make a big difference. On the flip side I have seen how the system screws over the officer and the person needing their help. What has saved me is my undeniable commitment to always do what is right. I would rather loose my job and be struggling to pay my bills than do something unethical. Our issue now is we can't seem to come to the table together, speak honestly and work towards one goal. We need the police, but what we don't need is a group of individuals who feel inferior simply because they wear a badge and carry a gun. I'm sorry, I will not do what you say just because you say so. I will comply if it is the law.
We need to also look at the punishments in comparison to each other and the crimes' impact on the nation. How is it ok for someone to get sentenced to six months in jail for rape, but someone else regardless of race get 15 years for simple assault. Also I believe judges have too much discretion. The law should have some absolutes like if you kill someone, you do a minimum penalty and the judge should not be able to override that.
My suggestion for us as a people is that we first educate ourselves on our rights, the issues, the facts and then strategically respond. Matching is great as it shows solidarity but it does not force action. What does is getting in the room with the four or five decision makers and discuss the impact of their decisions. Make them understand that they will be held accountable and we demand their actions be in our best interest.