Overview
In 2014 a young African American man was killed in Ferguson, Missouri after an altercation with a local police officer. Ensuing violent protests, media scrutiny and activism by the fledgling Black Lives Matter group and others generated an opposition to police tactics that continues today. When crime rates in some areas rose, St. Louis Police Chief Dotson postulated that a “Ferguson Effect” whereby police officers may be reluctant to enforce the law in some situations may be a result of the scrutiny. The potential for such an effect has enormous implications for police leaders, policy and practice in law enforcement. This assignment requires you to compare two articles, read them, and discuss how they are related to the overall topic of law enforcement leadership and civil liberties. One article is part of the weekly reading and each student will find another article on the same subject, using the Liberty University library resources. Please ensure your finished product reflects how the articles relate to the discipline of law enforcement. In addition to an introduction and conclusion, make sure to cover the following pertinent questions as you prepare your Critical Review assignment.
