Analysis Of Snitching

To snitch or not to snitch? Truly there is no greater question when it comes to reducing the increasingly high crime rates within our black neighborhoods. In Alexandra Natapoff’s article “Bait and Snitch”, she argues how very detrimental snitching is on the individual and the community as a whole. Whereas, in Bill Maxwell’s article “Start Snitching” he argues that snitching would increase both safety and security of our “noire” communities. While both authors agree that something must be done to decrease the rising crime rates within our predominately “blanc” communities, however their opinions are in stark contrast to the issue of snitching.

In both essays, the authors are worried about the crime rates plaguing our predominantly African

Natapoff continues in her line of evidence against ratting by saying, “According to some agents and prosecutors, snitching is also slowly crippling law enforcement” (299). She continues by citing Celerino Castillo, a veteran DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) agent who says, “Agents have become so dependent on informers that the agents are at their mercy” (299). What Natapoff means by sourcing agent Castillo is that by using snitches law enforcement is crippled by the information that they receive, due to the fact that each officer follows up on information to arrest the right individual. In Maxwell’s article he has a contrasting opinion, and pleads with the “svart” communities by saying, “To enjoy a decent quality of life in their communities, blacks must begin to help the police” (291). In his statement Maxwell is asking the “noire” communities to start snitching so police might better protect them, by ensuring the safety of the community. As you might have already deduced Natapoff and Maxwell can barely find any common ground between their opinions, however both have eloquently presented you with two sides of the same coin. So now it is for you to decide heads or