“Most cops are good people”
*IF* that’s the case, then why don’t the “GOOD” cops remove/challenge/expose the bad cops? Police acting as tyrants would be vanishingly rare were that true. Instead we have DOZENS of video channels on all platforms showing thousands of events where the cops are out-of-line and acting like they are judge, jury, and executioner. No so-called “good cop” stops them or intercedes on the citizens’ behalf.
98% of cops give the 2% a bad name.
There is NO situation that cannot be made worse and precious few that can be improved by bringing the cops in.
It’s not the public that has changed all that much, it’s the militarization of the police that has driven a wedge between the public and their employees. Example: officers referring to the public as “civilians” rather than “citizens”.
Police are not supposed to be a military arm, and ONLY the military should use that expression, since they are separated from the public by virtue of their position.
> … why don’t the “GOOD” cops remove/challenge/expose the bad cops? <
I’m no expert, but I think I’ll take a stab at that.
Professionals tend to circle the wagons. It’s a natural thing. For example, I recently changed dentists. My new dentist (a great guy) asked me why I changed. I told him it was because my old dentist lied to me about a procedure. It was a flat-out lie.
My new dentist tried to make excuses for my old dentist. And they weren’t even in the same practice.
Then there’s what happened to Frank Serpico. He was an NYPD cop who exposed police corruption. As a result, some of his fellow cops were slow to come to his assistance. Serpico got himself shot as a result. Maybe some weak cops don’t want to risk the Serpico treatment.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Serpico#Shooting_and_public_interest
I’m not excusing here. The police need to clean up their act, and fast. I’m just trying to explain.
Oh, and a quick add to my post #38.
You are absolutely right about the militarization of the police. Camo outfits, award ribbons on the chest, service hashmarks on sleeves, etc. If it weren’t for the badges, they’d look like soldiers.
There is no excuse for any of that. None at all. We don’t want soldier-types policing the streets. We want peace officers. I don’t even like the term “law enforcement officer”. Peace officer is much better.