One Military Veteran’s Perspective on Policing, Accountability, and the Double Standard That Must Change
WSVN 7 Miami News

One Military Veteran’s Perspective on Policing, Accountability, and the Double Standard That Must Change

When Tyreek Hill was pulled over for a minor traffic violation in Miami, it should have been a routine stop—an everyday interaction between a citizen and the police. Yet, what unfolded was a troubling escalation, with Hill, a well-known Black athlete, being treated as though he posed a grave threat. Despite Hill’s calm demeanor and willingness to cooperate, the officers acted in ways that not only infringed on his rights but further eroded the public’s already fragile trust in law enforcement.

As a Black man, a retired U.S. Army Ranger with 21 years of service, and now a scholar focused on high-performance teams and leadership, I’ve spent my career navigating complex environments where trust, accountability, and effective leadership are paramount. I’ve seen firsthand how, in the military, training and accountability ensure that even in volatile situations, we engage with civilians with the utmost care. We were always reminded that success depends on the local population’s trust, whether we were working in Iraq or Afghanistan, and that even in combat, our actions must align with principles of responsibility and respect.

In contrast, the way law enforcement in the U.S.—especially in incidents involving Black men like Tyreek Hill—handles civilian interactions often highlights a disturbing double standard. Despite many police departments having missions to "protect and serve," incidents like these suggest a gap between stated values and actual practices. In Miami, this incident sharply contrasts with the department's mission to "enhance the quality of life by preventing crime and building partnerships with the community."

Accountability in High-Stakes Situations

In my military career, I’ve been part of teams with vastly different missions. Some were focused on winning the trust of the local population, while others had clear, strategic objectives unrelated to civilian engagement. However, regardless of the mission, if civilians were involved, military members were extensively trained to handle those interactions appropriately. We understood that the long-term success of our mission—whether building stability or completing a tactical objective—relied on how we engaged with the people in those environments.

I don’t know exactly how police training is structured, but the repeated negative outcomes in incidents involving minority communities suggest that a key element is missing. Where is the extensive training on de-escalation and cultural awareness? Where is the accountability that ensures officers are held responsible for their actions in the same way military members are? The patterns of disproportionate responses by police officers suggest that these systems are not in place or are inadequately enforced.

The Dangers of Inaction

A critical issue in law enforcement today is the culture of inaction following police misconduct. When there is no accountability, a dangerous sense of being "above the law" can develop. This unchecked power not only leads to over-policing but also turns law enforcement into an instrument of intimidation rather than public service. Officers, knowing they will likely face minimal consequences, may begin to operate not with the mindset of protecting communities, but of controlling them. This transforms the police from protectors to enforcers of fear, a dynamic that disproportionately affects marginalized communities.

As a Black man, I’ve seen how unchecked police power deeply impacts people of color. The cycle of bad policing creates a breakdown in trust that reverberates through entire communities. Law enforcement loses the cooperation it needs to do its job effectively, and marginalized groups are left feeling even more alienated and unsafe.

Leadership and Accountability: Lessons from the Military

In the military, every team member, regardless of rank, is trained to be accountable. Whether you’re the commanding officer or the most junior member of the team, there is an expectation that you take ownership of your actions. If an incident occurs, investigations are immediate, and accountability stretches across the entire chain of command. This distributed accountability fosters a culture of trust, respect, and responsibility.

In law enforcement, however, responsibility often seems to stop with the police chief, leaving many immediate supervisors and officers without consequences for their role in misconduct. This gap in accountability is what allows systemic issues to persist. By contrast, the military’s insistence on accountability at all levels ensures that mistakes are addressed swiftly and lessons are learned.

A Call to Action for Leaders

As I reflect on my experiences in the military and now as a scholar of high-performance teams, one thing is clear: leadership and accountability are the foundations of trust. Without them, no team—whether in the military, corporate, or law enforcement—can function effectively. The solution is not just about reforming policing but about instilling a culture where accountability is expected at every level.

Cities like Miami must take bold, transparent steps to reform policing practices. They need to ensure that every officer is trained not just in the technicalities of the law but in cultural sensitivity, de-escalation techniques, and how to engage with the communities they serve. Every officer, from the rookie to the supervisor, must understand that their actions have consequences—not just for them, but for the communities they are sworn to protect.

A Safer, Just Future for All

The stakes are too high for inaction. As leaders, whether in law enforcement or other sectors, we must demand more from those in positions of authority. Leadership, accountability, and trust are the bedrock of any successful institution. Without them, we risk perpetuating the same cycles of mistrust, division, and harm. The time for meaningful change is now—for law enforcement, for communities, and for all of us who believe in the possibility of a safer and more just future.

About Dr. Michael Woody

Dr. Michael Woody (Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army Retired) is the founder and CEO of Three Six Zero Leadership, a leadership consulting firm. Dr. Michael Woody is an expert on High-Performance Teams, Toxic Leadership, and Leadership Development. Learn more about Dr. Woody at https://www.high-performanceteamhpat.com/ . Message Dr. Woody here on LinkedIn to have him speak at your event.

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