How we can make racism a solvable problem -- and improve policing | Dr. Phillip Atiba Goff

Summary

In this thought-provoking talk, Phil, an expert on racial disparities in policing, challenges the conventional definition of racism, advocating for a shift from focusing on intentions to measuring harmful behaviors. Drawing from his research and work with the Center for Policing Equity, he highlights the power of data-driven solutions to combat racism in law enforcement. Through real-world examples, he shows how cities have reduced racial disparities in policing by identifying gaps in police behavior, offering a hopeful path forward. His vision includes delivering a nationwide ‘CompStat for justice’ to transform policing and reduce racial inequities across the U.S.

Takeaways

• 😀 Police chiefs are interested in working with the speaker because of their expertise in addressing racism in law enforcement.
• 😀 The speaker is not a psychologist, but a scientist focused on studying the association between Blackness and crime.
• 😀 Racism should be defined as behaviors, not attitudes, as actions are what harm people, not intentions or feelings.
• 😀 Measuring behaviors, like police use of force, can help solve issues in policing, just as crime data is used in law enforcement.
• 😀 CompStat, a data-driven tool used in policing, could be adapted to address racial disparities in policing.
• 😀 The Center for Policing Equity works with police departments to analyze data and identify racial disparities in force used against Black communities.
• 😀 A data-driven approach has led to successful outcomes, such as fewer arrests, fewer use-of-force incidents, and fewer officer injuries in cities like Minneapolis.
• 😀 Identifying specific problems (e.g., homelessness or substance abuse) can guide effective solutions, such as delivering social services instead of calling the police.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the importance of community involvement in identifying and solving problems of racism in policing.
• 😀 The goal is to scale the tools for justice across the U.S. to address racial disparities, incarceration, and other systemic issues within the criminal-legal system.
• 😀 The speaker envisions a future where measurable actions lead to a generation that solves racism, not as an impossible problem, but as something achievable.

Q & A

Why do people often compare the speaker to Dr. Phil?

People often compare the speaker to Dr. Phil because of his PhD in psychology and his bald head, suggesting that he has a similar role in providing advice and solving problems. The comparison highlights his expertise, although the speaker clarifies that his work is not about clinical psychology or emotional therapy, but rather about understanding and addressing systemic issues like racism in policing.

What is the primary reason police chiefs consult the speaker?

Police chiefs consult the speaker because he is an expert in understanding and addressing racism within the police force. His research focuses on how racial biases influence police behavior, particularly in the context of Black communities, and he provides data-driven solutions to reduce racial disparities.

How does the speaker define racism differently from the common view?

The speaker defines racism not as a product of hatred or ignorance, but as a problem of harmful behaviors. He challenges the common notion that racism is rooted in attitudes and instead frames it as something that can be measured through actions and policies, making it a solvable problem.

What is CompStat, and how is it used in policing?

CompStat is a data-driven system used by police departments to measure crime patterns and hold departments accountable for public safety. It helps direct police resources and attention to areas with rising crime rates, improving police effectiveness by tracking and addressing specific issues.

How does the Center for Policing Equity apply a similar approach to CompStat for addressing racism?

The Center for Policing Equity applies a similar data-driven approach, analyzing police use of force and other behaviors through the lens of racial disparities. By identifying measurable gaps between expected and actual behaviors, they help police departments address areas where racial discrimination is most prevalent.

What role does data analysis play in the Center for Policing Equity's work?

Data analysis is central to the Center's work. They analyze police department data to understand how factors like crime, poverty, and neighborhood demographics influence police behavior. The goal is to identify patterns of racial disparities and work with departments to close the gap by adjusting policies and actions.

Can you provide an example of a city that benefited from the Center's data-driven approach?

Minneapolis is an example of a city that benefited from the Center's work. The police department used data to identify that a disproportionate number of use-of-force incidents involved homeless individuals, people with mental health issues, or substance abuse problems. By redirecting resources to address homelessness and mental health, the city was able to reduce incidents of police use of force.

What is the significance of measuring police behavior in addressing racial disparities?

Measuring police behavior is crucial because it allows for objective tracking of racial disparities and enables targeted interventions. By shifting the focus from the intentions of officers to the actual behaviors that contribute to racial inequality, meaningful change can be implemented based on data and measurable outcomes.

How does the speaker address the idea that racism is an unsolvable problem?

The speaker argues that racism often feels like an unsolvable problem because it has been defined in ways that make it difficult to measure and address. By redefining racism as a behavioral issue rather than an issue of personal attitudes, he believes that it becomes a solvable problem that can be tackled using data-driven solutions.

What are the long-term goals of the Center for Policing Equity?

The long-term goal of the Center for Policing Equity is to implement a 'CompStat for justice' approach in police departments across the United States, aiming to reduce racial disparities in police stops, arrests, and use of force. They envision scaling this model to serve 100 million people in the next five years, ultimately transforming policing practices nationwide.