7.1 What Makes Something an “Issue”?
William M. "Bill" Overby, MCJ
How do we know when something is broken? Can something be revived, maybe even made stronger and more purposeful, with modifications? And do we ever listen to the opinions of others and align with their viewpoint only to discover later that there were flaws in their thinking, biases at work, or an error in their perception of a situation?
Professionals in policing have considered the above questions. This may have led them to counter with questions of their own. How do we prioritize what needs attention first? If we make changes to one facet of police response, how are people in the community affected? Are the members of the criminal justice workforce, police specifically, adversely challenged? Do even minor changes to a criminal justice policy or process throw the work of police officers out of balance? Do the costs of reconfiguring the system to make needed changes create a burden that society is prepared and able to afford? Are proposed changes to criminal justice policy, procedures, or protocol consistent with precedents established by the courts in past decisions?
Listen carefully and thoughtfully to what others say regarding their knowledge or experiences with the issues in the criminal legal system. It is wise to suspend the urge to rush to immediate judgment when listening to others and, if you disagree, approach a rebuttal discussion with civility in mind. Hearing all sides is similar to the work of a police officer who investigates all avenues and points of view in a situation before making decisions. In this way, well-informed decisions can be made. Our experiences may be similar or diametrically opposed for a host of reasons. Finally, recognize and accept that some issues may be difficult, and perhaps impossible, to resolve in our lifetime due to things outside our control.
Perhaps the best advice is to listen carefully to what the perceived issue is. Sort out what is factual versus what has been twisted by misunderstanding, inaccurate historical accounts, media spin, personal or political agenda, or mistake of fact. It is only then that we will have the details to make informed decisions for ourselves and for communities.
