Campos Espinoza 1

Stephanie Campos Espinoza

Ms. Parrish
College Preparation English 3A
20 November 2013
Authority in West Valley City, Utah
Within an environment there must be some sort of authority that can be established. In
cities, the authority is divided between various groups of people such as police officers, highway
patrol, firefighters, educators, etc. Some are taken more seriously than others although there is a
balance in power within our communities. Some positions of authority are also less trusted than
others. Some may say that police officers tend to abuse their level of authority at times.
Personally, I have only had one experience with police officers and one with firefighters.
With the police officer I was pulled over because of the fact that I had a black air freshener. The
officer told me that he was suspicious that I had illegal substances within my car and wanted to
take a look around although I told him that I was not okay with it because he didnt have a valid
reason for it. I was not speeding, making any driving errors, or looking suspicious; I just had a
black air freshener. He then began speaking to me in a tone where it seemed as if he wanted to
come off as threatening me thinking that this would change my decision about letting him inspect
my vehicle. I did not mind it although I felt as if he could have been spending his time more
wisely rather than harassing me. My experience with a firefighter was completely different. A
few months ago a pipe burst in my basement so the firemen were called and they were helpful,
considerate, and appropriate the entire time that they were aiding my family.
It is two different experiences that can change a persons outlook on authority. Also how
authority is portrayed in pop culture such as movies, music, or novels. Police officers are often

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seen as an opponent rather than a friend. Those that are given the privilege to become a part of
communitys authorities should be given the proper training to focus on important situations in a
city. They need vital training in order to know how to react within high stress level situations.
Those that are given the privilege to become an authority figure within a community should not
abuse their level of authority to do as they please. For example breaking common laws such as
running stop signs, parking illegally, etc. I believe that this would help the community gain trust
within those responsible for their safety.
Danielle Willard was shot and killed due to the fact that a police officer assumed she was
participating in a drug deal in front of an apartment complex in West Valley City, Utah (located
within Salt Lake County) in October 2012. The woman was not armed or arguing with the police
officer that approached her although she did not cooperate with the officer. Instead, she decided
to reverse her vehicle which made the police officer feel threatened leading him to fire against
Willard. Multiple shots were fired and she was killed instantly when she was shot in the skull.
Later her family filed charges against the police officer claiming that she should not have been
shot for her actions. After investigations of the case were done, it was determined that of the
angle and the speed Willard was going she would not have been able to hit the officer. The case
is still being disputed.
Due to incidents such as Danielle Willards, communities begin to question the ability
and mind set of local authorities. They begin to lose trust within them because it makes it seem
as if they have not been properly trained to act under pressure. As if their first instinct is to shoot
and fire. A community must feel safe in their area and must build a trusting relationship with
authority members.

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We must come together as community so that incidents involving death should not occur
again. Unfortunately, we are not able to live that type of society however we can lower the
amounts of deaths. An individual should be given a trial for committing a crime and later
receiving punishment rather than receiving instant death. All of the responsibility should not
only come from local authorities but also from the citizens within the community. They are
responsible for cooperating with local authorities to make the process go more smoothly. An
incident like Danielle Willards would not occur if individuals would be more cooperative with
authorities. Except that does not take away the responsibility of authorities to approach
individuals in a non-threatening way. They should be able to resolve issues in a non-threatening
manner and not abuse their title to intimidate an individual.