Group Articles: "The History of Police Brutality"; "Why Reforms Haven't Changed Police Culture"; "Criminal Justice Reform"

 Article link: The History of Police Brutality


As the issue of police brutality is beginning to be brought into discussion more and more, it was interesting to read more about the history of it. The combination of information and statistics in this article helped me to better understand what was being explained and the problem at hand. A common phrase is that we must learn about the past in order to create a better future and I do believe that by further researching the history of police brutality and studying our past mistakes we can work to prevent this problem in the future.


Article link: Why Reforms Haven't Changed Police Culture


First of all, it's especially interesting (and perhaps slightly more disturbing) to read about when these occurrences happen locally. Oakland is in the San Francisco Bay Area, it's only so far away. I feel like when things happen nearby it makes it feel a lot more real. Additionally, the fact that this article is an interview also makes it feel more real. It reminds us that any of us could experience these kinds of things.

More importantly, this article was very uncomfortable to read. The terrible things that these cops have done are really disturbing, from brutally attacking suspects to planting drugs and other evidence in order to falsely accuse someone. It really makes you think about how often these things happen and wonder how many of these corrupt cops have gotten away with the things they've done.


Article link: Criminal Justice Reform


This was a very fascinating read. The statistics alongside the information really put into perspective just our vast and widespread this issue is.

Additionally, the way the article is sort of broken up and organized into different categories made it significantly easier to read and understand. I certainly learned a lot from this one.

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