Chat with Dr. Thad Johnson

Building Trust and Addressing Bias: The Importance of Community Engagement and Responsible AI Use in Policing with Dr. Thaddeus L. Johnson, Georgia State University

Stephen A. Morreale, Worcester State University, Host: The CopDoc Podcast

Note: This article is created from an interview between Steve and Darrel Stephens on The CopDoc Podcast.? It has been distilled and synthesized for reading by the author with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI text generator.

Introduction:

In an episode of the CopDoc Podcast with Steve Morreale, Dr. Thaddeus Johnson, a former police officer turned educator and scholar, joins the conversation. Dr. Johnson brings a balanced approach to the discussion, highlighting the importance of evidence-based decision making and the need for community investments alongside effective policing strategies.

Community engagement plays a crucial role in fostering trust between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. It involves creating an environment where individuals feel safe reporting crimes and interacting with the police. Trust is built when community members believe that the police will respond appropriately to their concerns without resorting to unnecessary force. Unfortunately, there have been instances where individuals hesitated to contact the police due to fears of potential harm or excessive use of force. This article highlights the importance of community engagement, officer rewards for positive interactions, and responsible AI use in law enforcement to address these concerns.

The topic of police discretion and its impact on policing and community relations was explored. The discussion shed light on the challenges faced by police officers, the need to understand their humanity, and the repercussions of unsupervised actions. This article delves into the key points raised during the conversation and emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues to create a more equitable and compassionate policing environment.

Empowering Communities and Police:

Dr. Johnson's unique perspective stems from his experience as both a police officer and an educator. As a Black man, he acknowledges the complex dynamics between the Black community and law enforcement. He challenges the popular narrative of defunding the police, emphasizing that many people in the Black community are not calling for the absence of police but rather for respectful and effective policing that protects and serves their neighborhoods.

Evidence-Based Decision Making:

Dr. Johnson advocates for a holistic approach to criminal justice reform and community development. While acknowledging the limitations of conducting randomized control trials (RCTs) in the context of policing, he emphasizes the value of a comprehensive body of knowledge accumulated over the years. This broader evidence, including research studies and the experiences of communities, should guide decision-making processes.

Underinvestment in Social Services:

One key issue Dr. Johnson addresses is the underinvestment in social services and the resulting burden placed on police officers. He highlights the need for community empowerment and investment in social conditions to address the root causes of crime. By reducing the reliance on law enforcement for non-criminal issues, such as mental health crises or social work, communities can alleviate the pressure on police and foster better relationships between officers and citizens.

Accountability and Leadership:

Dr. Johnson calls for a balanced approach to accountability, emphasizing that justice is not solely about holding individuals accountable but also about incorporating elements of mercy and grace. He suggests that leadership should be held accountable for fostering a culture that perpetuates misconduct among police officers. Instead of solely focusing on individual officer misconduct, attention should also be directed toward city officials, state agencies, and certifying bodies that influence policy, funding, and the quality of policing.

Looking Towards the Future:

Dr. Johnson urges policymakers and community leaders to adopt a long-term perspective when addressing crime and community well-being. It is crucial to think beyond short-term solutions and consider the intergenerational impact of policies and practices. By empowering communities, investing in social services, and building trust between police and citizens, lasting positive change can be achieved.

Creating a Safe Space:

To ensure effective community engagement, it is essential to create an environment where individuals, particularly vulnerable community members like grandmothers, feel safe discussing their concerns. This includes addressing fears of police misconduct and excessive use of force. By rewarding officers for engaging with the community, trust can be built gradually over time. Building positive relationships between officers and community members can help bridge the gap and promote safer neighborhoods.

Lessons from the DARE Program:

Although the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program did not succeed in reducing juvenile drug use significantly, it did highlight the importance of fostering positive relationships between police officers and communities. The program facilitated interaction and communication, making juveniles and communities feel closer to law enforcement. This demonstrates that cultivating good relations with the police can have a lasting impact on future generations.

The Complexity of Police-Community Relations:

Changing the dynamics of police-community relations is not an overnight process. It requires proving the value of community engagement and overcoming past hurts on both sides. Police departments and officers often face resistance when transitioning from reactive to proactive policing approaches. However, reactive approaches alone may not be sufficient in addressing community concerns effectively. Understanding the lived experiences and perspectives of community members is crucial in bridging the divide and building meaningful relationships.

Overcoming Historical Prejudices:

The historical mistreatment and abuse by law enforcement in certain communities have contributed to deep-seated prejudices that persist across generations. Families carry the stories and experiences of their ancestors, which can shape their perception of the police. By actively listening to the concerns and experiences of community members, law enforcement can identify problems and work collaboratively towards solutions. This highlights the significance of police-community relations, as policing is ultimately a helping profession.

The Role of AI and Facial Recognition:

AI technologies, such as facial recognition, have the potential to enhance policing efforts. However, responsible implementation is crucial to avoid exacerbating existing biases and disparities. Studies have shown that facial recognition technology tends to have higher accuracy rates for white male faces compared to other demographics. This disparity can lead to higher arrest rates for Black individuals and contribute to racial inequities in policing.

Addressing Bias in AI:

To mitigate bias in facial recognition technology, it is necessary to refine algorithms by including more diverse training data, especially images of Black males and females. Additionally, establishing appropriate similarity scores and thresholds can minimize false positives and negatives. Law enforcement agencies should prioritize proper training, policy development, and supervision to ensure AI is used as a tool rather than a substitute for human judgment.

The Need for Human Intervention:

While AI text generators, like ChatGPT, can assist in synthesizing information and creating articles, human intervention is vital. AI should complement human expertise, not replace it entirely. Human oversight ensures that articles accurately reflect the nuances, context, and intentions of the original conversation. AI tools are meant to aid in communication and knowledge dissemination, enabling ideas to reach a broader audience, but they should not be the sole means of conveying information.

The Burden of Arrests and Decision-Making:

One aspect highlighted was the extensive work and effort required when making an arrest. Officers must navigate the process of apprehending individuals, filing reports, and preparing for court appearances. Despite potential racial disparities in arrests, it was noted that the court system serves as a crucial checkpoint to evaluate the actions taken by officers. Courts have the power to mitigate disparities and make informed decisions based on evidence and the specific circumstances of each case.

The Complexity of Police Discretion:

The discussion also touched on the concept of police discretion and how it plays a significant role in interactions between officers and the public. Steve Morreale shared an example of how an individual's attitude and behavior can influence an officer's response. While some may argue that this discretion is unfair, it was emphasized that discretion exists in many areas of life and that officers, like anyone else, are human beings with natural reactions. However, the line must be drawn between providing a stern warning and abusing power.

Recognizing Officers as Human Beings:

Thad Johnson pointed out the importance of acknowledging the humanity of police officers. They face numerous stressors, both personal and professional, and it is unrealistic to expect them to never make mistakes or maintain a calm demeanor at all times. Initiatives such as mental health support, including mental health days and trauma-informed sessions, were mentioned as essential components of ensuring officers' well-being. It was stressed that treating officers as human beings and investing in their overall wellness would enable them to exercise discretion effectively and maintain composure in challenging situations.

Addressing Bias and Building Trust:

The conversation shifted to the disturbing incident in Memphis, where unsupervised police officers subjected an individual to excessive force, resulting in his tragic death. The event highlighted the significance of addressing biases, both implicit and explicit, within police departments. It was recognized that the focus should not solely be on the race of the officers but on the race of the individuals being stopped or encountered. The incident eroded trust between the community and law enforcement, further deepening existing divisions. The consequences of such incidents on community safety were also mentioned, as declining trust in police can hinder effective crime prevention.

Conclusion:

Dr. Thaddeus Johnson's insights on The CopDoc Podcast provide a thought-provoking perspective on police leadership, community engagement, and evidence-based decision-making. By acknowledging the complexities of policing and advocating for a balanced approach, Dr. Johnson encourages dialogue and action toward building safer, more equitable communities. Through thoughtful discussions like these, positive change can be fostered, benefiting both law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.

The conversation between Steve Morreale and Thad Johnson shed light on the challenges faced by police officers and the importance of recognizing their humanity. It emphasized the need to provide support and resources to officers, address biases within the system, and rebuild trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. By promoting a deeper understanding of police discretion and the pressures officers face, it becomes possible to foster a more equitable and compassionate approach to policing.

Building trust in communities requires active engagement, rewarding positive interactions, and responsible use of AI in policing. By fostering strong police-community relations, and addressing biases in AI.

Reference

Transcript from interview between Steve Morreale and Dr. Thaddeus Johnson, episode #107, July 25, 2023, www.copdoc.podcast.com

You are encouraged to listen to?#TheCopDocPodcast?and share with colleagues and friends if you find value from the interviews. Find episodes of The CopDoc Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google podcasts, or at www.copdocpodcast.com or at the link below: https://thecopdocpodcast.buzzsprout.com

Please reach out with comments or ideas!

#ThaddeusJohnson #MemphisPolice #GeorgiaStateUniversity #SteveMorreale #TheCopDocPodcast

?