Yep, that's become the question. -- The mind set that supports behavior, "-- right or wrong --".
We've established that the St. George cops behavior was illegal. -- You consider him a brother, and support him through an 'ordeal' he brought upon himself.
Why?
Why?"
Oooh, oooh, pick me, pick me!!!! Let's see, the standard response to that is: "Because they have a hard job!" That excuses all kinds of anti-social psychotic behavior that would be instantly condemned by most people if a mere "citizen" displayed them. You know what my Mom always said, "If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen." But you'll notice that not too many lay down the badge and gun, and go sell insurance. It's not that power corrupts, it's that power attracts the corruptible.
no no. i don’t know this guy from a hole in the ground. however, if an officer with whom i worked found himself in this situation i’d be sympathetic as far as i thought he was an overall decent guy. there are guys i work with who i would bid a fond farewell to because they have no business being cops. but i’d still race to their PHYSICAL defense if they found themselves in a hairy situation and needed help to avoid physical harm.