Hi all,
Firstly, the treatment of MS Wubbles here was reprehensible. That brutal cop
should not only be fired, but should also face criminal charges.
Secondly, we hear many stories of both good and bad cops. The vast majority of
my experiences with police have been positive. But, like Carl, I am white.
Also, I grew up in a very comfortable suburb of Boston. I was taught as a
kindergartener that the police are here to help us when we're in need or in
trouble. AS an adult, I have received help crossing streets and traversing
construction zones by many a police officer; I would like to think that would
have been the same if I were a black blind guy, but I'm not sure on that one.
There is no doubt that police have played terrible roles in representing
wealthy bosses at the expense of workers and police brutality against blacks
and some other poor folks is well-documented.
Thirdly, I have the impression that police behavior was slowly improving during
the Clinton years when community policing programs were in vogue and that
things turned very badly in the other direction shortly after 911 and since.
Why is it that cases of police brutality were not appearing much in the news
until cases like those of Mike Brown and Freddie gray came to light? Perhaps it
is that police brutality increased following Obama's election to the presidency?
IF I were king, (that's a laugh), I'd likely divide police into two groups.
Well, in a way, this is already the case. But the division needs to be far
starker. Military type action ought to be reserved for SWAT teams and should
make up a very small percentage of police. The use of these SWAT teams ought to
be strictly regulated such that the SWAT teams are rarely used. The vast
majority of police ought to be more like social workers and probation officers.
I've thought of removing guns from regular police, but am not sure that's a
good idea. Even English police are now carrying guns. Anyone showing any kind
of military tendencies should not be allowed to serve as a regular police
officer. Finally, the diversity of those serving as police officers ought to be
equivalent to the diversity of the communities in which they serve. I know this
won't eliminate police brutality, but I'd like to think that implementation of
these ideas would move us in the right direction.
Bob Hachey
