COM-FPX3700 ASSESSMENT 3 INSTRUCTIONS: CONFLICT AND POWER
The Dynamics of Law Enforcement-Citizen Encounters: A Conflict and Power Analysis
The relationship between law enforcement and the civilian population has become a central point of civic discourse, often defined by episodes where perceived abuses of power lead to escalating conflict. In the American legal landscape, police officers are tasked with the crucial mandate of upholding the law.
However, the execution of this mandate is inherently complex, as the very authority granted to officers creates a significant and often contested power imbalance. When officers become complacent or fail to exercise empathy, or when citizens perceive officers as acting with impunity, these differing viewpoints become the fertile ground for conflict. A prime example is the recurring accusation of excessive force, where an officer may feel they are justly using necessary power to ensure safety, while the citizen views the act as an unwarranted abuse of that authority.
The Perception of Institutional Power and Conflict
Law enforcement agencies are institutional repositories of significant power within society. This authority is governed by legal statutes, but the mere existence of this control is often the root cause of friction. Conflict frequently erupts when officers are perceived to transcend these legal boundaries, adopting a mindset that places them above the law or that diminishes the humanity of those they police (Peterson et al., 2019). This perceived hubris—or abuse of power—opens the door to deep, systemic conflict with the communities they serve.
Conversely, conflict is also fueled when citizens feel victimized by the very institution meant to protect them. This feeling is particularly acute among minority groups, where historical and personal experiences may enhance the perception of being unjustly targeted or subjected to excessive force as a demonstration of overreaching power. Negative perceptions thrive in environments where mutual respect is absent, where fear is prevalent, or where cultural differences are misunderstood. The portrayal of law enforcement in media also significantly shapes public opinion, sometimes misrepresenting the balanced use of power and thereby deepening the structural conflict between the police and the populace (Peterson et al., 2019).
Applying the Relational Theory of Power to Conflict Resolution
To effectively address this persistent conflict, it is beneficial to analyze the dynamics through the Relational Theory of Power. This theory posits that an individual’s perception of power is not static; rather, it is continuously shaped by a lifetime of experiences, including education, personal successes or failures, cultural background, and personality (Jordan, 2017).
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A shift in a person’s power perception—whether moving from a follower to a leader role, or feeling disempowered by external forces—is inevitable. Accepting this reality is crucial for resolving community-police conflict.
Since humans naturally co-exist and establish relational hierarchies, the key to reducing conflict is promoting mutual respect. By acknowledging the diverse factors that influence individual perceptions of power, both law enforcement and citizens can build common ground. This relational approach suggests that accepting change in others’ perspectives and respecting individuals regardless of their background can significantly enhance the ability to achieve successful conflict resolution.
Strategies for Managing Conflict and Power Disparity
Several strategies can be employed to reduce and resolve the ongoing conflict rooted in the power disparity between police and citizens:
- Accommodating Strategy: In this approach, one party prioritizes the other’s needs to avoid altercation, essentially ceding the power dynamic temporarily to secure immediate peace. While this prevents confrontation, it may not address the underlying conflict issues.
- Compromising Strategy: This is a more effective method where both parties engage in mutual concessions to achieve a common, positive outcome. Success here is entirely contingent upon a foundation of mutual respect and open, honest communication. Without trust, any perceived compromise is undermined, and the underlying conflict remains unresolved.
- Collaboration Strategy: This is arguably the most constructive strategy. It involves discussion, active listening, negotiation, and information gathering, often requiring input from broader team members or community leaders. The collaborative strategy is designed to address the core issues of conflict by pooling ideas and viewpoints, ensuring that solutions are built on a shared understanding and mutual respect. This approach rebalances the inherent power difference by treating all parties as equals, thus creating sustainable conflict resolution.
By consistently employing the compromising and collaborative strategies, law enforcement and community members can move toward an agreement built on transparency and communication. Focusing on mutual respect, establishing clear boundaries, and recognizing the relational nature of power are essential steps in transforming a cycle of conflict into a foundation of community trust.
References
Arias, V. M., Amiot, C. E., & Ryder, A. G. (2019). Identity configurations and well‐being during normative cultural conflict: The roles of multiculturals’ conflict management strategies and academic stage. European Journal of Social Psychology, 49(5), 970–991. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.2566
Jordan. (2017). Relational-Cultural Theory: The Power of Connection to Transform Our Lives. The Journal of Humanistic Counseling., 56(3), 228–243. https://doi.org/10.1002/johc.12055
Peterson, E., Reichert, J., Konefal, K., and Holihen, K. (2019). Procedural justice in policing: how the process of justice impacts public attitudes and law enforcement outcomes.
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