Question from a reader:
I often feel that the police response is inadequate. Does this tend to escalate gradually? What do you think?

Considering the Current Situation of Perceived Inadequate Police Response

It’s not uncommon to feel that something is “off” with the police response. I’ve felt that way several times myself. Recently, especially on social media and in the news, there
has been a growing voice of dissatisfaction regarding police responses. I would like to explore whether such situations tend to escalate gradually from my own experiences and a legal perspective.

The Role and Expectations of the Police

First, let’s consider the basic role of the police. The police exist to protect public safety. They are expected to prevent crime, respond quickly when it occurs, and protect victims. However, there are times when we question how well the police actually meet our expectations. I once sought help from the police due to a minor trouble in my neighborhood. The officers who arrived at the scene responded very seriously, but the issue was not resolved. I was hoping they would “do something,” but ultimately, it was disappointing that it did not lead to a resolution. Such experiences may contribute to the feeling that “the police response is inadequate.”

Causes of Escalation

Several factors can contribute to the feeling that police responses are inadequate and lead to escalation.

Lack of Communication

The first factor is the lack of communication between the police and citizens. Police officers handle many tasks daily and may sometimes fail to fully listen to citizens’ voices. We citizens also find it difficult to speak calmly in emergencies, which can lead to misunderstandings. This mismatch in communication may amplify dissatisfaction with the police.

Lack of Transparency

Next, the lack of transparency is also an important point. When the internal information and criteria for police decisions are unclear, it can feel unfair from an external perspective. For example, if the reasons for a police decision in a particular case are not disclosed, citizens may question whether that decision was justified. This can lead to a decline in trust and escalate feelings of “the police response is inadequate.”

Social Background

Furthermore, the social background cannot be ignored. Recently, especially with the spread of social media, police actions are evaluated in real-time. While this can be positive, it also means that inappropriate responses can spread instantly. As the information we have becomes more diverse, the police are also subjected to that pressure.

Considering Actual Cases

Now, let’s think about a specific example considering these factors. Imagine a case where the police responded to a minor noise complaint in a town. A local resident reported to the police that the noise from a party happening late at night was bothersome. The police arrived at the scene and checked the level of noise. However, the officers only warned the party host without taking specific actions (such as stopping the party or removing participants). As a result, nearby residents were troubled by the noise again, leading to increased dissatisfaction with the police. In this case, some may argue that the police fulfilled their role, while others may feel that “they should have taken stronger action.” It’s understandable that emotions can run high from both perspectives. Accumulating such cases leads to the spread of the sentiment that “the police response is inadequate.”

What We Can Do

So, what can we as citizens do? Of course, it is our right to feel dissatisfied with the police, but it is also important to take action to address that dissatisfaction.

Open Dialogue

First and foremost, let’s strive for open dialogue. Communication is essential for the police and citizens to understand each other. Participating in local crime prevention activities or community events may help bridge the gap with the police.

Conveying Opinions

Additionally, providing feedback to the police is important. For instance, if you are dissatisfied with their response, it is crucial to calmly convey what specific issues were problematic. Emotional statements can be counterproductive, so it is necessary to organize your thoughts before expressing your opinions.

Conclusion

The factors contributing to escalating dissatisfaction with police responses are varied, with lack of communication, lack of transparency, and social background being significant elements. We citizens also have areas where we can strive to improve our relationship with the police. Of course, not all police officers may respond ideally. However, it is important for us to raise our voices and aim for a better society. What I’ve learned in the entertainment industry is how crucial “disseminating information” is, and this applies to any field. I hope our voices can serve as a catalyst for change, even if just a little.