Rachel Harmon on Policing | Conversations with Tyler
In this enlightening conversation with Tyler Cowen, Rachel Harmon, a legal scholar specializing in police reform, delves into the intricate and multifaceted issue of policing in America.
She discusses the challenges of data collection, the role of body cameras, the potential benefits of department consolidation, and the impact of gender diversity in police forces.
Harmon also explores the role of the Department of Justice, the potential for higher educational standards for police forces, and the need for a shift in focus from arrests to serious crimes.
The Role of the Department of Justice
The Department of Justice should have the right to file suit against Police Departments for patterns and practices of unconstitutional conduct.
These lawsuits have substantial costs and have not always resulted in lasting reforms, but they have been important symbolically and practically, signaling the federal government’s commitment to civil rights and setting national standards.
The Potential of Body Cameras
Body cameras provide one perspective on an encounter, but they are not yet a significant form of data in policing.
However, they are expected to become more important over time.
The effectiveness of body cameras in improving police conduct is still uncertain, with studies showing mixed results.
Common Misconceptions about Policing
A common misconception among law students about policing is that it’s all about constitutional law.
The law plays a critical role in setting standards and considering the costs and benefits of policing, suggesting that a broader understanding of the law is necessary for effective police reform.
The Need for Higher Educational Standards
While slightly older police officers tend to be better in certain respects, and education is often associated with age, we cannot select our way out of problems in policing.
Some selection against problematic officers is possible, such as screening out those who have committed misconduct in the past.
I don’t think that we can select our way out of problems in policing. – Rachel Harmon
The Complexity of Data Collection
Collecting data from over 18,000 law enforcement agencies in the United States is a daunting task.
The diversity of these agencies further complicates the process, and there has been a lack of national effort to collect this data in a coherent way.
The Pros and Cons of Department Consolidation
Consolidation of police departments could be beneficial, especially for very small departments that cannot maintain the desired standards.
However, consolidation has both costs and benefits, and it is not the solution to all problems in policing.
The Impact of Gender Diversity
While communities value diverse police departments, diversity is not seen as a solution to problems in policing.
The idea that if the police force were half women, cases of violent aggression might fall significantly is discussed, but it is pointed out that police officers and regular people are not similarly situated with respect to violence.
The Demand for Accountability
There is a need for better accountability in policing.
This includes setting standards that reflect the full costs and benefits of policing, ensuring that officers are responsive to these standards, and that they face consequences when they do not meet these standards.
The Debate on Police Salaries
The idea of increasing police salaries to attract higher quality officers is discussed.
While reducing salaries can lead to a decrease in quality, it is uncertain whether increasing salaries would necessarily lead to an improvement in the quality of policing.
The Importance of Shifting Focus
The current system incentivizes arrests, even above prosecutions, which doesn’t necessarily protect public safety and can increase harm.
The focus should be on arresting serious crimes rather than minor offenses.
The Role of Social Workers in Policing
Some aspects of policing could be better handled by social workers, who are trained to deal with people in crisis.
Prioritizing the health and well-being of police officers is also important, as officers who are overly stressed or hurt are more likely to hurt others.
The Issue of Sexual Assault by Police
Sexual assault by police is more common than the public realizes and is often difficult to report and prove.
There is a need for thorough investigations and accountability in these cases.
We have been struggling with balancing the harms and benefits of policing since… – Rachel Harmon
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