Court should limit police power

editorial cartoon by Isela Peña
editorial cartoon by Isela Peña

When an individual encounters a police officer, whether it be while traversing the sidewalks or cruising the streets, that person should feel safe, or at least more so than usual.

But for many people, the presence of a cop brings a sense of uneasiness and trepidation. A large sector of the populous believes police officers have too much power-and that they abuse the power granted to them.

This should come as no surprise. With the recent events that have come to light involving the Los Angeles Police Department’s Rampart Division, it is easy to understand why so many feel this way.

Now, the Supreme Court is set to make a decision of which the ramifications are far-reaching. The dilemma before the justices is whether officers have the right to stop and search an individual who runs from them. The decision could specifically affect aggressive police tactics in high-crime neighborhoods.

If the court decides police officers can stop someone for the simple fact that they ran, it would give that much more power to a group that often abuses the power it has.

There is public concern over police methods that might unnecessarily sweep up innocent people. And there is particular concern over the possible use of “racial profiling” tactics, which target individuals based on skin color.

At first glance, the solution may seem simple. If someone runs from the cops, that person must have committed some crime. There must be some reason why the individual feels compelled to flee.

But granting the police that power would give them great latitude in making the judgement on why someone might be running down the street. Such an interpretation would allow officers to stop and search a person running by a bus if they think the person looks suspicious. That is ludicrous.

It may not always be the case that someone who is running while police are present is actually running from the police. Unfortunately, many individuals are fearful of police officers. They may have witnessed others being wrongfully interrogated or persecuted by those designated to ensure their safety, or had a similar experience themselves. The result of that is a lack of trust, possibly even fear, and for good reason.

At the LAPD’s Rampart Division, an unfolding corruption scandal has provided evidence of the way power is abused and the tactics some officers may use to put someone behind bars.

Richard A. Devine, representing Illinois in its appeal to the Supreme Court, said, “Flight is inherently suspicious.” But the Fourth Amendment prohibits “unreasonable” search, and it seems unreasonable to search someone who runs, if there is no other evidence to suggest involvement in a crime. There should be a right to “go one’s own way,” as Justice Sandra Day O’Connor said.

Other Stories

Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of the Campus Times Editorial Board.

Isela Peña

Latest Stories

Related articles

Proposed law would weaken Public Records Act

A bill introduced by Assemblywoman Blanca Pacheco, D-Downey, will add provisions to the existing California Public Records Act, allowing certain police officers to remove their names from public databases. 

Commentary: Menendez brothers deserve clemency

I am a strong believer that Erik and Lyle Menendez should be released from prison and living out their lives at home with their families – following their well-known case. 

Vendor Faire sells handmade crafts at Heritage Park

Small businesses gathered at the fourth annual Heritage Orange Blossom Vendor Faire to show off home-based and handmade items to the La Verne community Saturday at Heritage Park. The event featured 30 vendors for guests to browse and shop from. 

Alumnus receives award for thought provoking photography

The Los Angeles chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists honored Ben Camacho, a freelance documentary photographer, investigative journalist at KnockLA and University of La Verne alumnus, on Wednesday night at the association’s 47th annual Distinguished Journalist Awards event.