In response to your peers, consider their argument. Do you agree? Disagree? Are there parts of their argument that you agree with? If so, which ones? If not, which parts do you specifically disagree with? Is there something that your peer said that made you reevaluate your position a bit?
Shandra post
I believe that law enforcement should emphasize drug offenders. The reasons why I believe this is because when someone is selling drugs, it doesn’t just stop at the sale. Drugs are a destructive part of addiction; the use of drugs and alcohol is an agent that changes the chemical makeup of your brain and body. The whole process causes changes and problems within the whole system of a person.
Cops should be enforcing the laws for that is the purpose of the police. That being said, I also agree with cops being the agents of change as well. If the police are doing their jobs, knowing their communities, then they will know who’s really selling drugs for what purpose. The law is the law, but there are avenues to not only help people return to living a life that is right with society. Police officers should be proactive in their area to know what is going on but also to know how to help those who struggle or are finding themselves in a life that wasn’t meant for them.
Offering alternatives to punishment and incarceration does not go against the job of a police officer. They are here to “serve and protect”, serving their communities means helping those who need help. Jail time is not for every crime. There is a difference between punishing someone for taking a wrong step in life and for making a life of crime. Police officers are still upholding the law by offering another way from just the usual “straight to jail” avenue by offering those who will accept and take the help vs those who don’t care and know that a quick trip to jail isn’t anything major.
Protecting the community is also protecting that one person who they help get out of that situation. They are providing a positive outlook from a bad situation. Sometimes good things happen to bad people and sometimes bad things happen to good people. There is always a chance that someone can make a lasting difference in the life of another just by reaching out. To me, the police are that force that reaches out into the community. While they are there to enforce the laws, they are doing this with a new age spin on it. Giving people a chance to have a new lease on life. Lots of programs work with the police to help end the cycles of s** trafficking, drug abuse, among the many other forms of life choices out there.
Cameron post
I think law enforcement should focus more on suppliers and higher-level dealers instead of just low-level dealers. The suppliers bring the drugs into communities, so if police only arrest small dealers, the problem won’t stop. Going after the main source would make a bigger difference.
I believe police should arrest offenders who are selling drugs because they keep harming the community. If someone is selling drugs, they need to be taken off the streets to protect others.
Alternative treatment can help offenders who have drug problems by giving them help instead of jail. It can stop them from breaking the law again and make the community safer. Some victims may feel better if the person gets help, but others may feel it’s not fair if the offender isn’t arrested. Arresting people who sell drugs is still important to keep the community safe.
