City of Un-Brotherly Love

In a month that has put the negative public scope on our nation’s police force with the acquittal of the officers responsible for the death of Sean Bell, officers in Philadelphia did not contribute to the already growing discontent between the masses and the individuals chosen to protect them.

In actions that we captured on video Monday May 5, three men that were allegedly fleeing the scene of shooting were introduced to ‘reasonable’ force by Philadelphia police officers. The three men were seen being punched, kicked, and stuck by an estimated 8 officers. From the footage it appears that all police protocol was dismissed as the suspects were dragged from the car before any instructions were given. Miranda rights and hand cuffs are notably absent on the arrest stage, instead the 3 grown men are seen assuming the fetal position and covering their heads in the seemingly only human response to buffer their bodies from the impeding blows. 2 of the 3 men were struck in excess of 20 times each. The irony of the situation is that it was the suspects displaying the only human element to the chaotic scene. It was officers demonstrating a hostility that should be reserved for self defense not criminal apprehension.

What fuels an officer’s aggression, or in this case, a group of officers, to abandon their ‘protect and serve’ civic duty? One part of American society would conclude that it is racially motivated since a majority of the officers where white and the suspects were black. Another part would point to the recent death of police Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski who was shot and killed while attempting to apprehend bank robbery suspects just 2 days prior to this situation. Though both of these reasons could be successfully argued, I want to focus on the officers’ inabilities to control their aggression and their seemingly no concern for the punishment that might be result of such negligent use of police force.

Police Commissioner Ramsey reiterated to reporters on the day after the public octagon that “emotions are running very high in the department right now because we just had our third officer killed in the last 2 years…obviously that puts a lot of stress and pressure on the officers. But, having said that, we do expect them to maintain a standard of conduct on the street that is above reproach.” I can’t imagine that it is easy to be a police officer. Pay is not competitive, hours are long and demanding, and you are held to a higher standard because of the responsibility that comes with the job. But, it is a conscious choice to enter the force. By the time of graduation, one should be very aware of the expectations and duty that is forever tied to that career choice. In most cases, you are not going to be able release your anger or frustration because that is not your job. Your job is to focus on protecting the public and enforcing the law. But, when an officer is guilty of stepping out of that which they are charged with protecting than the law needs to protect the public just as well.

In an effort to save political capital and head off social unease Mayor Nutter said “It is not acceptable…to do anything less than the professional standards we expect from our police officers. The behavior that was at least exhibited on the tape is unacceptable.” Fortunately, we have the tape. As one of the attorney’s of one of the suspect’s states, "We don't take into consideration the emotions of police officers when it comes to the discharge of their duties. ... Your emotional state, being tired, doesn't justify what's on that video.” This is superb rationale. The law is supposed to be free of emotion; it is supposed to provide justice. Despite the tragic death of a colleague only days before, the emotional burnout still lingering in the department cannot provide a blanket of coverage that safeguards the officers from their actions.

Charges have yet to be filed against the officers involved in incident. But, early this week 4 of the officers involved were dismissed from their positions. Though this is a good start, it is not a guarantee that justice will be achieved. If the justice system wants to toe the racial divide, then it will not administer a strong ruling in the case that has yet to take place. City officials have proactively came out and stated that “The videotaped beatings of three restrained men by several members of the Philadelphia police force were inexcusable but had nothing to do with race.” But, I find this hard to believe. There are few things that create more fear in our government than the idea that race is the cause for social unrest. In fact, almost any means to avoid the possible fallout are taken to ensure that our social ‘norms’ are kept intact. It might be too early to see what the black communities reaction will be to this incident, but I am guessing that if any civil disobedience does take place, that it will peaceful in nature.

The gross mishandling of the Sean Bell case in New York didn’t lead to an all out assault on the officers responsible for the wrongful death on an innocent man. The response was protest. Standing alongside one another in peaceful protests was the civilian reaction to the tragedy; where the government’s response was to maliciously attack three men. What if we lived in a society where the opposite was reality? What if civilians took to the streets and sought physical retribution for wrongs to them. How fast would the court system prosecute? If those who are charged with the responsibility to protect and serve fail in all regards to do their civic duty, then there is no accountability. Philadelphia’s rich history is represented by the Liberty Bell. The revolutionary era crack is rumored to be an inescapable symbol of liberty and justice for all. If there is any pride left in the idealism of liberty, then justice needs to be delivered on behalf of those wronged, regardless of race or class.