Originally Broadcast on The State We’re In on Radio Netherlands International, July 1st 2008

“You have the right to remain silent”. It’s what the police always tell suspects they’re arresting on cop shows.  We expect criminals to stay quiet, but what if law-abiding citizens also refused to cooperate with law enforcement?

That’s what prosecutors who work in low-income African American neighborhoods are facing as the code of silence spreads beyond criminal circles to the community at large. The code has found expression in street fashion with t-shirts and ball caps emblazoned with the words “Stop Snitching”. It’s also been the subject of bootleg dvds and Hip Hop songs.

As witnesses refuse to testify, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to successfully prosecute violent crimes. Local and state governments are responding with tougher sentences for witness intimidation and expanded witness protection programs. But some say these measures are missing the bigger picture; namely that over twenty years of draconian law enforcement under the so-called “War on Drugs” has led to growing mistrust of the police on the part of many African Americans. And many people’s unwillingness to talk to the police is rooted in anger as much as fear.

Jonah Engle Reports from Newark.