Callousness, cruelty, and ruthlessness are what colored people face because of the aggressive actions of officers. Colored people not only face these violent actions much more commonly, but also they get treated much more harshly. It is crucial for us to be aware of these issues and try to help each other. As more instances of unjust arrests arise, it becomes more necessary for everyone to learn how to protect themselves and one another from these discriminatory frisks.

Brutality is using excessive force and savage physical violence. Sad to say, but eight years later, after the tragic death of Trayvon Martin and many other black and brown people that have died wrongful deaths at the hands of officers, brutality is still very prevalent in conversations today. On March 2nd in Bedford-Stuyvesant, three undercover cops were seen on video (recorded by @lilomorton on Instagram) stopped and exited their vehicle to approach a young African American man, who was only walking, to say, once realizing they were on video, “you had a bulge in your coat.” It is saddening to see officers abusing their powers and more so saddening to see the immediate submission of the targeted young man.

Something everyone should take note of is the way an officer's demeanor can change immediately upon realizing they are on video. All caution is gone with the wind, which is something to use to our advantage. Before gaining the courage to record the situation, it was simply their word against ours. However, being that a lot of the illegal stop and frisks have been occurring outside in public areas, this is a call to action to not let doubt and fear creep in as your video of this illegal interaction could truly be the deciding factor of the fate of that young man or woman’s future or lack thereof depending on the outcome.

Two days later, on March 4th, there was a second instance in the Canarsie section of Brooklyn, much closer to home for me (although I grew up in Bed-Stuy, Canarsie is my neighborhood now). A young man was in a park at 8 pm (which did not close until 9 pm) was approached by one man in plain clothes demanding that he stay right where he is and not to move. According to the victim, the officers from the 69th precinct never identified themselves, or did they even answer any of the young man's questions - which he had a right to ask! Videos show that same young man later being tackled by many officers as well. It is sickening to watch and see how the police justify giving the young man a summon and saying he resisted arrest. When in all actuality, if you’re not identifying yourself as an officer, how was the young man supposed to know?!

These are two separate instances in two different sections of Brooklyn, but the story is still the same. The lesson for us who were not there but could very well end up in a situation like that is also clear. Educate yourself about illegal stops and frisks: the police are not allowed to stop and pat down anyone on the street! Learn your rights because the possible outcomes for each day are unknown. And these abusive officers that are driving around neighborhoods in packs of two or three are banking on two things:

Us not knowing our rights and being fearful of speaking up or even making a phone call by reaching in our pockets to call for help because we fear of being killed. However, in that instance, look around! People have their eyes peeled now for funny behaviors, so call out for help and have faith that your call will pull on bystanders' hearts and have them record the problem.
Officers bank on bystanders to get intimidated and also be fearful of being arrested. They hope that nobody records them so they can continue whatever illegal action or excessive use of force that is taking place. However, if you ever find yourself in a position as a bystander, use that to your advantage! Record! Gather more people around and most importantly be an ally for that young man or woman in that situation.

If we know better, we can do better, so it starts right here, right now with us.

— By: Kiandra Jones