Quote:
Originally Posted by MTK
Even if it's a small number of unjustified acts, it's still a big issue.
Cops can do better. The justice system can do better. Racism continues to be a problem. I hope we can all agree on that.
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I am not disagreeing. I believe the media fans the flames of unrest & makes matters worse, not better. What I have trouble believing is how people think the situation with police has not improved with modern technology.
My father was a city cop and then a CHP (California Highway Patrol) from the early 60's to early 80's. Trust me they got away with crap they would not get away with today. Fortunately for most my dad was more into abusing his family and not the general public.
When I was 12 my grandma came and rescued us. My dad didn't hit my 10 year old sister. I got the worst of it. I heard my dad tell my mom don't ever waste your time calling the police on him as he knows them all. My dad bragged about being able to inflict pain and not leave marks. When I was 18 during a visit he said something to my girlfriend behind my back that made her cry. I invited him to step outside as I am bigger and stronger than him now and don't have to take his crap. He just said he could shoot me and get away with it.
Today thanks to cell phones people like my dad end up in jail, spousal abuse seemed to be pretty common among his peers back then. The fear of being caught on audio or video has to get some of the cops otherwise prone to overstep their bounds in check.
As for the rest of them I am afraid better over site and pay could improve law enforcement. The last cop I had personal contact with was about a 15 years
ago, a cousin who was a county sheriff in So Cal. As of then they still were only psychologically evaluated post academy if there was a major incident.
Since people can develop mental issues at any stage in life I believe a mental evaluation of a law enforcement officer should be done on a yearly basis.
While the cop that killed George Floyd had a history of complaints, I believe the job does turn good people bad, and those guys need weeded out.
I find it perfect comedy how on shows like cops all policemen say they were attracted to the job due to wanting to serve the community. Not only did I meet many a cop from my dad. I used to go to a fitness center where cops and fireman got free memberships. The majority said it was great pay and benefits for a job not requiring college education or specific skills. A few others said they had relatives that were cops, the old family tradition. Possibly raising the pay rates more would even attract better people.