The Factors that Contribute to Conflict between Law Enforcement and Members of A Community

Other variables that lead to conflict between the police and the community they serve to reflect the greatest challenge that faces contemporary society. The overdependence on punitive enforcement, especially for minor offenses, has brought about a constant confrontational dynamic that fuels the deep-rooted mistrust against the policy in communities facing systematic issues of high crime rates, restricted access to social services, and racism (Walden, Javdani, and Allen, 2014). Such factors lead to damaged community-police relation thus making it harder for police to conduct their most crucial duty; to protect the safety of the public and respond to violent crime. How Perceptions of Power Contribute to Conflict Situations Power originates from authority (traditional, informal, and official), control of and access to resources, access to information and knowledge, the aptitude to harness network and alliances, and voice and basic legitimacy.

Power can be exercise and perceived as both a function of social relations and a tangible resource (Deutsch, Coleman, and Marcus, 2011). Designative power originates from one’s position like a Detective or CEO. Such people are given this kind of power due to their job or position. Distributive power is the one that a person holds over another individual. This kind of power is perceived in relationships where there is a dominating individual and a weak individual and is seen as one of the greatest causes of conflict. Integrative power is the kind of power whereby each party is equal. The framework is comprised of a facilitator guide equipped with conflict information, exercises, presentations, and plans ready for training day or roll call delivery, and extra training resources.