Civil Liberties - Essay Example

Civil liberties are freedoms entitled to the citizens of any country. Civil liberties are enshrined in the country’s constitution either by doing first amendments, legislation, or by common law. In the United States of America, Civil Liberties allow citizens to think, speak their minds, assemble with any group of people, worship, and subscribe to the religion of his or her choice freely with private or government interference. This paper will explore among other things, the benefits of civil liberties, police simulation programs, and how the police are essential in upholding, protecting, and ensuring every citizen has equal access to civil liberties.

Police officer stimulation is necessary for all police officers in the United States of America should undergo in order to efficiently execute the constitutional role required to protect civil liberties. While civil liberties are protective in nature, it is still imperative for the police to make sure that all American citizens are entitled to these liberties. While on assignment with The New York Police, various cases relating to civil liberties were presented. On such occasions, simulation training comes to mind. The police have to deliver correct judgments without contravening the Constitution. While still on duty with the NYPD, striking students emerged rioting from their college. Controlling rioting students can be quite a challenge. They were protesting because one of their own had been run over by a hit-and-run motorist. They have the right to assemble and speak their mind, but the manner of their protest was more likely to disrupt various activities and inconvenience other motorists (McReynolds 322).

The situation presented below is sandwiched between upholding civil liberties for students, and a possible confrontation with the same liberties for the public and motorists. The police simulation program comes in handy in such situations. Trying to reach an amicable solution that upholds the Constitution and is acceptable to all the affected parties is the ultimate goal. The students had to be put under control and their rights were clearly explained to them. Their freedom to speak their mind and associate with whomever they wished would not be disregarded. Getting such students, with infuriating tempers, to calm down is a big test for police simulation capacities. Explaining to them that they have to execute their constitutional rights in a manner that freedoms to other people are curtailed at their expense is necessary. Motorists are inconvenienced because the students are causing traffic build-up. The freedom of movement of motorists is curtailed at the expense of the freedom of speech being exercised by the students. Reaching an agreement with the students, without necessarily having to put them under control using force is the best solution. In the end, the students clearly understand that their rights have been respected as stated in the constitution while they too have to act in a way that will show their respect for other citizens. This decision warrants a promotion.

The assignment brings with it various benefits. First, civil liberties create awareness that these are constitutional rights available to any citizen of the United States of America. The police are a key factor in promoting the spirit of these liberties. It is in the authority of the police to ensure that all people have equal access to these constitutional rights. Civil liberties develop a unifying feeling between blacks and whites. The majority (white) and the minority (blacks) all have equal rights in the Constitution. This helps to curb the superiority feeling of white Americans while trying to reduce the inferiority feeling within blacks. The government too has the power to uphold civil liberties. This can be reached effectively by dispensing justice equally to all citizens in courts without partiality or favor. The government also has to provide equal employment opportunities to all citizens, improve equal access to education and provide equal healthcare and other social services. (Amar 422)

Understanding the benefits of civil liberties makes one appreciate the value of upholding civil liberties thus making better citizens. Respecting all people, whether black or white and respecting their entitlement to civil liberties will surely make one a better citizen. (Hibbing et al 78). Generally, all citizens are a critical part of improving the citizenship of others. Giving other people chances to exercise their freedoms makes me a much better citizen.

History and political science make one appreciate the value of the American government in working to provide equal rights to all citizens. The American government has legislated into law the principal components of civil liberties that help in making the lives of its citizens easier. Unlike the recent past when the American government was associated with racism, a lot has been done today, civil liberties have been upheld and attitudes towards the government have changed. The beliefs that the government is a government of the rich are now outdated.