Beyond the Rodney King Story: An Investigation of Police Conduct in Minority Communities

This study, spurred by the 1991 beating of African American Rodney King by four white police officers in Los Angeles, examines racism in the police departments of Miami, Houston, St. Louis, Indianapolis and Norfolk, Va., as well as Los Angeles. According to the report, ``The relationship between the police and black communities is a continuing source of friction'' nationwide; and King's experiences don't represent a worst case: ``Rodney King and his family...are blessed, because had they been in Indianapolis he would have been killed.'' Findings relate that beatings, shootings, strip searches and other forms of harassment are ``standard'' practice by white law-enforcement officers in dealing with urban minority members. As for antidotes, the study recommends ongoing training of police, implementing community-oriented policing and establishing civilian review boards for police departments. This is important reading for all citizens. (Dec.)