The correct approach to teaching someone, be it a dog, a child, or a coworker, is to use more honey than vinegar, is it not?
We are taught to positively reinforce rather than negatively reinforce actions, correct?
For an example of the power of positive reinforcement watch this educational clip:
Very Educational Clip
Now that we've settled that, let's get to the heart of the issue.
Recently there has been a great deal of news involving police, the actions of police, and the public image of police. With the events of Ferguson and the death of Eric Garner, there has been a lot of positive and negative activism. I propose a new course of action that can prevent many future problems, restore a positive image of the police force, and be fun for everyone.
I propose that all police stations take a certain percentage of the money brought in from fines and use it for positive reinforcement of good behavior of citizens.
Think about it.
You're driving along the freeway and you are actually going the speed limit. All the other cars seem to be zipping past you and going 'with the flow of traffic'. Then you see lights flash behind you, but they aren't the normal lights of a police cruiser, rather they are less harsh, and a friendly and exciting jingle is playing over loudspeakers. You get a better look in your mirror and it is indeed a police cruiser that is hailing you to pull over. You come to a stop on the side of the road and the trooper comes to your window. He asks, "Ma'am/sir, do you know why I pulled you over today?"
"I'm not too sure" you reply.
"I'm here to reward you for being an outstanding citizen!"
The officer then hands you a $20 dollar bill and you drive off with a smile on your face.
If we had this sort of system don't you think more people would want to drive the speed limit? They would want to obey laws? They would want to pick up trash off the sidewalk on their leisurely stroll in the afternoon?
"How would we ensure they aren't just giving the money to white or privileged people?" you ask.
That is an excellent question.
If the police were required to give the percentage of money earned off fines and they were required to only give it back to the areas those fines were taken then the problem would balance itself out. If they had to reward drivers on a free way a set percentage of the fines earned, then the freeways with the highest rate of infractions would also be the freeways with the highest rate and/or magnitude of reward. The neighborhood with the highest crime rate would also be the neighborhood with the highest opportunity for reward. The neighborhood with the low crime rate would have a low amount of reward, but that neighborhood doesn't really need this system.
With this system the money would go to where it is needed most and build positive reinforcement in the places that need the greatest behavioral change. In those neighborhoods, where there often is tension with the police, there would be a positive image of the police rewarding good citizens.
The system would be self-sustaining and would automatically focus on problem areas. It would reward positive behavioral changes. Lastly, it would reinforce a positive image of the men-in-blue whose job it is to keep us safe.
Let's make a change!
#LetsMakeAChange
If you think this system is worth a try, leave a comment and share this post with your friends.
If you think I'm crazy and ignorant, leave a comment and share this post about this ignorant man with your friends.
If you are on the police force, think about this. Give it some serious thought. Perhaps even bring this idea or a similar and plausible idea to the powers-that-be.
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