Bridging The Gap Between The Minority Community and Law Enforcement

There is a biased divide when it comes to police officers and the black community, however, progress is in motion to bridge the gap between the two. When the probability of minority to Caucasian officers is disproportionate or non-reflecting of the communities in which they have sworn to serve and protect, officers that are placed in communities of people that do not look like them will likely strike fear rather than security in the eyes of its residents. In 2014 Houston Police Department (HPD) was known for deploying a large number of minority officers into the field compared to the unfair contrast to white officers, and the underrepresented Hispanic officers.

Though Officer Chris Sherman, who was previously employed by the HPD, and now serves as an Explosives and Weapons Specialist K-9 Handler for the state of Texas, is both Anglo and Hispanic, he has a growing concern for the minority communities, like the TSU’s surrounding area, because they continue to find it hard to believe police are actually here to serve and protect their surroundings.

“A few bad apples taint the whole bunch,” Sherman said; “I want to make sure the minority communities know that there are many minority and white officers who are on their side. There to protect the community and strive to correct the wrong doings of officers that have left a long lasting negative impact, from the past.”

When it comes to Officer Sherman, and others like him, completing their jobs effectively and efficiently it’s tougher then any typical occupation. Not only are they trying to complete their job they are attempting to redirect the history of the system in the most impactful ways. Sherman finds it very important to be ethical, he speaks on how he “feels obligated to correct the wrong doings of previous non-ethical officers.”

Sherman uses his free time to socialize with the community in which he works as much as possible. He makes speeches explaining his job is to make citizens feel safe in their communities. He feels he was put in his position to enable a sense of peace of mind for not only minority youth but also their parents. Sherman recognizes that there is a direct correlation between citizens respect for officers that represent the culture of the community versus those that appear to be outsiders.

“I was naïve to think there was minimal corruption in law enforcement and as I became more involved I realized corruption at all levels. There is corruption in every aspect of life, it was wrong to think that all officers are like me, with my values,” Sherman shared. He is courageous and willing to put himself on a limb in order to shed light on a topic that officers typically flee from.

White officers or minority officers that resemble more of an Anglo persona find it hard to participate in groups such as the National Black Police Association although they have similar goals. It appears to be a divide and conquer scenario within the police force itself and it creates greater levels of division in its entirety.

People like Officer Sherman are hard to come by, yet growing in numbers. Without an organization, he is actually out there in the field physically and emotionally trying to bridge the gap to the point where color can’t be seen as something that matters when it comes to the levels of respect you receive from your fellow officers and their community . Officers like Sherman are building a platform for future officers to adhere to the job originally signed up for and fulfill the intent to support the cause of all people.