Peer Stories: Disturbed
The following story was taken from a survey we conducted on people's attitudes towards law enforcement.
"After leaving the library one day I was wrongfully detained by a GSU Police officer. I am okay with the Police doing their job and keeping communities safe, but they need to realize that they are not the Constitution, they are not the law, they are not the judge and prosecution, their opinion is not what makes the difference, they are law enforcement, they serve to protect.
This one officer embarrassed me in front on my friend that I was walking with from the library swearing that I had committed a "crime" in a place I was not even near, all because I matched a description, he asked no questions, which I would have been more than happy to answer, he just accused me as he and his police colleagues swarmed me on the corner I was walking by. I was completely disturbed by this situation, especially since my student fees go toward the salary he makes to keep me safe. To be bombarded as I did was disgusting.
When I went to the GSU Police Headquarters to question the encounter I was told that I should stop asking questions before I got into some trouble that I could not get out off and relax before I start something that I might not want to finish. So how do the police fix their relationship with youth, how about establish a relationship that is pro-community, stop being against anti-police brutality movements, every offices should be proud and ready to support any campain for the end of police brutality."
