The relationship between police and the Black community has a long and often fraught history in the United States. One of the earliest forms of policing in America can be traced back to the institution of slavery, where slave patrols were established to enforce slave codes and prevent enslaved individuals from running away or rebelling.

During the Reconstruction era following the Civil War, police in the South were often used to enforce discriminatory Black Codes, which restricted the freedom and rights of newly freed African Americans. This led to widespread abuse and violence against Black individuals by law enforcement.

Throughout the 20th century, police brutality and discrimination against Black communities continued to be a pervasive issue. The civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s brought attention to police violence and the unequal treatment of Black Americans by law enforcement.

One of the most well-known incidents of police violence against the Black community is the beating of Rodney King by Los Angeles police officers in 1991, which sparked widespread protests and highlighted the issue of police brutality.

More recently, the Black Lives Matter movement has brought increased awareness to the issue of police violence against Black individuals and has called for systemic changes to policing in order to address racial bias and discrimination.

Overall, the history of police in relation to the Black community in the United States is complex and marred by instances of brutality, discrimination, and systemic inequality. Efforts to reform policing practices and address racial disparities in law enforcement continue to be important issues in the fight for racial justice and equality.