Communities across the United States each bring their own historical perspectives to their interactions with law enforcement. These perspectives are shaped by past experiences, cultural values, and collective memories—factors that can lead to ongoing trust or heightened skepticism toward the police. Although this course will place a strong emphasis on the relationship between Black African American communities and law enforcement, it will also consider how other groups’ histories and contexts influence their viewpoints.
The framework for our study revolves around three areas:
- Making of the Stigmas – Understanding how historical practices, policies, and events laid the groundwork for perceptions of policing, particularly regarding surveillance, control, and mistrust.
- Shaping of the Stigmas – Examining how real-life encounters, media portrayals, and systemic issues reinforce or change these perceptions over time.
- Shifting of the Stigmas – Exploring ways to foster better relationships through strategies such as community outreach, specialized training, and systems of accountability.
In our most challenging moments, law enforcement is called to fulfill the dual mission of serving and protecting. This is a significant responsibility—one that requires mutual understanding to be carried out with dignity for every individual. By studying how stigmas were made, shaped, and are shifting, we can better equip officers and our communities to engage in respectful, effective connections that honor the complexity of our shared experiences.