Policing and Criminal Justice Focus Group
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Policing and Criminal Justice Focus Group
Date of focus group : December 14 , 2020 Facilitators : Lynnette Barton and Eric Tucker
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How would you describe race and ethnic relations here in Arlington and why do you feel the way you do ?
• The consensus on this question by and large was that the group felt positive about race and ethnic relations in Arlington . The sentiment in general from the group was that they have lived places where relations are far less positive .
• Quote from one participant , “… it appears to be better here in Arlington than it is in most cities of comparable size .”
How would you describe the relationship between the police and the ethnic minority communities in Arlington ?
• One of the members of the Focus Group related to an incident about a meeting he attended with members of the Arlington community . The Focus Group member related that the members of this particular group related being truly terrified of the police . This member of the Focus Group communicated that this has not been his experience but based on his experience in that group , “… quite a bit of work needs to be done .”
• Another view that was expressed was that there doesn ’ t seem to be any initiative on the part of individual police officers to interact with the community . This view was expressed by more than one member of the Focus Group .
What personal experiences have you had with the Arlington Police Department ?
• One member described an incident where he was pulled over by a police officer in Arlington for no other reason that he could identify other than the fact that he was black . The Focus Group member said that the officer couldn ’ t give him a valid reason , but the Focus Group member said that he was still respectful , however the officer was “ less than pleasant .”
• One of the Focus Group members related an incident that occurred at her apartment . The Focus Group member described an incident that occurred after a young boy was killed on her street . As the investigation ensued , the Focus Group member said that she had a visitor come to her apartment . An Arlington police officer came to her door soon after the visitor came . The Focus Group member communicated the police officer knocked but then forced themselves into her apartment . The Focus Group member related the process being scary and traumatizing . The Focus Group member said that if the officers could have communicated differently she would not have had experienced the event as so invasive and traumatizing .
• Another account was from a Focus Group member who is a Dallas police officer . The Focus Group member said that he was pulled over by and Arlington police officer , and he told the officer when he pulled him over that he is a Dallas police officer and has several guns in the vehicle . The Focus Group member said that the officer only heard and focused on part of what he said . The Focus Group member said the Arlington officers only response was , “ Why do you have guns in the car ?”
• Another Focus Group member related an encounter that he had with police as a new homeowner . The Focus Group member said that it was he and his wife ’ s first home , and they set off their home alarm . This triggered a police response . When the police arrived and knocked on the door the Focus Member said that he answered the door to police officers with guns drawn on him .
• Many members of the Focus Group related experiencing the Arlington police officers as being arrogant .
Unity Council Report 100