Bad Boys II

[GMDino]

(05-28-2020, 09:06 PM)Belsnickel Wrote: Coming at this from the policy perspective, this is tough. Not saying I disagree with you, just that what we want is very difficult to do.

So, first, we have to acknowledge that there is human error. LEOs are being asked to make split-second decisions in situations that the body is not in its best decision-making mode for. In addition, they are often tasked with roles they are not trained for and we expect them to carry them out without error. Please note, this part does not apply to the shit stain in Minneapolis. Kneeling on dude's neck for over seven minutes is inexcusable.

Second, who does the investigating? Civilian review boards often don't understand what I just described. District Attorneys are often working with LEOs and tasking them with investigating a department they work with can damage a valuable relationship. IA and/or state police have the perception to fight against of the "blue wall of silence" (I think that's what it's called) and the public won't necessarily trust cops investigating themselves.

Third, what do you do with the officer once charged and potentially convicted? I'm a strong advocate against solitary confinement because it is cruel and unusual based on the research surrounding it, but putting a cop in prison or jail? That's not going to turn out well.

There is a lot more to it all than this, but these are just some basic considerations that came to mind when thinking about this. As an analyst, I would have to look at all of these things and try to create a policy that would be effective to recommend to lawmakers. This isn't me saying that we shouldn't do it, this is me saying that we have attempted to create a process and it is imperfect. It is imperfect because this is a difficult thing to solve.

We agree more than we disagree.

Everything you say there just reinforces how serious it has to be taken when an officer takes a life.  And that that process must constantly be checked and revised and improved where possible.  Would a special "cop jail" be appropriate? And if it's found that one did kill or steal or whatever does that lack of potential safety mean they shouldn't couldn't be punished?

Officers have immense power.  They can take your freedom, your property and your life.  That kind of power need constant vigilance.  Do I know exactly how to do that perfectly?  Of course not.  But that doesn't mean it doesn't need done.