Question 1
Discuss aspects of escalation and de-escalation regarding conflict.Question 2
Discuss the concept of maintaining an orderly community.Answer 1
Once conflict has started, each party tends to undergo changes that make the conflict more intense. There are a number of factors contributing to the escalation of conflict. One is an increase in loyalty and commitment which could result if the other side responds with threats. Second, once conflict begins it often escalates because leaders usually persist on a course of action. Another factor influencing the escalation of conflict is the withdrawal of members who are unwilling to participate in more intense conflict, leaving the group to those who are more eager to engage in hostile actions. A third factor bringing about escalation is the coming about of an upward spiral of violence created by aggression from one side. Conflict, however, cannot escalate indefinitely. De-escalating factors could be the possession of superior coercive power to repress the opposition. An additional factor in de-escalation would be the splitting of group membership. For example, placating the more moderate factions within the opposition may seriously weaken those who hold more extreme positions. Third party involvement could also be a de-escalating factor. For example, third parties can act as negotiators or increase one side's power to the point where the other side can no longer bear the cost of intense conflict. Finally, in de-escalation there might be a redefinition of "reasonable" in terms of demands or leaders. The leaders of one side who formerly seemed militant may now appear "reasonable"—an appearance that can only increase their bargaining power with the other side.Answer 2
There is no prescribed formula to indicate to us how we should maintain an orderly community. Each situation is unique, and must be resolved through intricate knowledge of the community, its concerns, and its priorities. However, before a police agency can develop an effective order-maintenance program, it must first initiate a program of self-critical analysis; the goal of this program is to scientifically and rationally place the police role into proper perspective as it relates to community needs, tolerances, and expectations. Such an analysis must include the realization that police-community relations means responsive, effective, and considerate police operations. The primary consideration of police operations should be the concerns and changing priorities of the community's citizens. In addition, the police department must make an effort to provide the community with staff assistance directed toward identifying and resolving the causes of crime and violence, whether those causes are legal or social. It should also be noted that police officers are involved in a balancing act between rigid enforcement and community tolerances, which is complicated by their own personal beliefs. A partnership must exist between the police and the community. This partnership is very important in laying the groundwork for an accommodation between the police department and the community organization.