I don't see any basis for that unless you can find some kind of trend beyond what's on this tape.
Warrior Cops - The Ominous Growth of Paramilitarism in American Police Departments
One of the most alarming side effects of the federal governments war on drugs is
the militarization of law enforcement in America. There are two aspects to the
militarization phenomenon. First, the American tradition of civil-military separation
is breaking down as Congress assigns more and more law enforcement responsibilities
to the armed forces. Second, state and local police officers are increasingly emulating
the war-fighting tactics of soldiers. Most Americans are unaware of the militarization
phenomenon simply because it has been creeping along imperceptibly for many years.
The problem is that the mindset of the soldier is simply not appropriate for the civilian
police officer. Police officers confront not an enemy but individuals who are protected
by the Bill of Rights. Confusing the police function with the military function can lead to
dangerous and unintended consequencessuch as unnecessary shootings and killings.
I've seen the tape about five times today and it gets worse every time I see it. Almost wish about 5 of the guys from Fort Lewis would go down there and have a conversation with his rookie ass.
I wonder how this could affect law enforcement in general? For every time one of these loony tune dudes lights a fire, what does that mean for another fellow on his squad who IS a good cop and pulls somebody over? Is he more likely to get blown away simply because the civilian now is scared of the cops?
Is the civilian rightly scared of the cops?
Is it time to shoot back?
The most ironic part is that the fellow who got shot is Armed Forces Airman, who had survived Iraq, only to get dusted when he gets home.
We, as a nation, cannot tolerate this at all. We, as a people, cannot live with this seige mentality.
We, as adults, must expect, no, DEMAND, responsible behavior from those who work for us.
Oh, and btw, they said on the news tonight the cop is on "paid administrative leave" now.
He oughta be getting his paid leave earning .15 an hour making plates in San Quentin, as far as I'm concerned.