What role did police play in many of the race riots, including those of Chicago, Elaine, and Houston?

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In many of the race riots, including those of Chicago, Elaine, and Houston, police were often either the cause of the trouble, or helped the rioters. For example, during the Chicago race riot of 1919, police officers were accused of either participating in or failing to stop the violence against black residents. Similarly, during the Elaine race riot of 1919, police supported white plantation owners' efforts to suppress black sharecroppers' demands for better wages and labor conditions. In the Houston race riot of 1917, police were said to have arrested and beaten black soldiers, leading to a violent confrontation between white and black residents.

What Role Did Police Play in Many of the Race