– What
type of dilemmas? For example: Discretion vs. Control, Individual vs.
Organization, Change vs. Stability, Purpose vs. Process.
Discretion vs. Control: This case
describes the conflict between providing police officers the freedom to act
however they want and instating control measures to prevent power abuses. Using
policies such as Stop-and-Frisk involves a fine line between allowing officers
to make decisions in the field and ensuring that these decisions follow
specific guidelines and do not result in hearings for discriminatory practices.
Individual vs. Organization: The
behavior of certain police officers in Eric Garner’s case and the broader theme
of police brutality present questions regarding the relationship between
individual conduct and the organizational culture in the NYPD. One of the
critical dilemmas that must be examined is whether the actions of a few
officers reflect issues encompassing the entire organization.
Change vs. Stability: The case
presents a dilemma in policing strategies that are outlined, including the
“Broken Windows” and the possible resistance or support for change and
enhancements. It creates public debate about the need to preserve law enforcement
practices’ stability and adaptation, especially concerning decreasing crime
rates and guaranteeing people’s safety and social demands change.
External
research that is not part of the case to make the case better.
Introducing research about implicit
bias into the Eric Garner case study can deepen the discussion by looking into
how implicit biases about race could still shape the conduct of even benevolent
policemen, as the studies by various organizations such as Project Implicit indicate
(Greenwald & Lai, 2020). Given how these biases can factor into disparities
in stop-and-frisk or use of force discussions facilitate student consideration
of training methods and accountability systems relating to implicit bias while
leading to more extensive conversations about how implicit bias impacts beyond
policing and into everyday life as mapped out by leading critical race
theorists like Patricia Hill Collins (2004). This advanced understanding can
open paths to seeking solutions for a more just and equitable society, as
groups such as Campaign Zero recommended.
References
Greenwald, A. G., & Lai, C. K. (2020).
Implicit social cognition. Annual review of psychology, 71,
419-445.
Varley
P. A (2016) Rising Storm: Eric Garner and the Explosive Controversy Over Race
& Policing. HKS Case No. 2057.0. Harvard Kennedy School Case Program. https://case.hks.harvard.edu/a-rising-storm-eric-garner-and-the-explosive-controversy-over-race-policing.