In the cities examined, investigators found minorities had reported human rights violations by police more frequently than white residents and far out of proportion to their representation in those cities. Each of the cities examined had had serious abuse problems that had exacerbated racial tensions. The study found that, since the mid-1960's, incidents of real or perceived police abuse have sparked civil unrest, including costly and violent uprisings, and a lingering distrust between racial minority communities and the police. Recent news stories suggest that nothing has changed. In fact, few would argue that police brutality is not a nationwide problem.
Cases come to light and are scrutinized where there is hard evidence of abuse.
For every case where a videotape is on hand or the physical evidence of abuse is irrefutable, there are dozens more where the victim has only his word in a system stacked against him. And these victims are not necessarily hardened criminals. They are our innocent brothers and sisters, our uncles and aunts, our children. Until true change can be effected, no one among us will be safe. Something must be done.