good post but the cops are bringing a lot of this on their own actions.
Cops are trained to use guns, billy clubs, tasers, and hand to hand combat. Usually they are much larger than the average guy and they have handcuffs. I cannot think of any circumstance where the cops would be justifed in beating someone to death. It is the mentallity that they must get complete submission, regardless of the reality of the situation.
This guy was most likey mentally ill. He could have easily been rendered harmless.
Traditionally size and weight and sex, were part of the hiring requirements, today 50 year old grandmothers can become cops.