Abuses of Power
Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2016 9:03 am
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/27/nyreg ... &smtyp=cur
The job of an officer is a thankless one. The risk of imperilment is greatly heightened by the job and it's description. I do not envy those who take it upon themselves to choose this profession in life, however; I recognize that they knew what they were signing up for when they did. Police are not figures of authority although they'd like you to believe so. They are there to serve and protect, nothing more, nothing less. I believe over time individuals who are not truly suited for the position have been attracted by the allure of false authoritative power. Surely in the above linked case, a thankfully non-lethal abuse, but a clear sign of an abuse all the same.
There is a fundamental problem with our police force today. It starts with the allure of power combined with the fraternity found within. It allows the few bad to corrupt all completely. I've had this discussion with various people and they always mention how it is a small number that are actually bad. I'll nod and concede that the number of truly bad officers is likely quite small, however; are not those "good" ones that witness and/or lie for the bad now bad themselves. We all know the unspoken rule not to tell. It can be inferred by documentation of events and shown to exist. This is my problem with the notion that the corruption is ever truly small. By not standing up against abuses witnessed, by lying for those who committed those abuses, that supposed "good" officer is not good, but corrupt. Sadly we find that officers willing to stand up against abuses often find themselves without jobs. It has become an unfortunate truth in our society.
I welcome discussion and debate as I'm sure many have opinions.
The job of an officer is a thankless one. The risk of imperilment is greatly heightened by the job and it's description. I do not envy those who take it upon themselves to choose this profession in life, however; I recognize that they knew what they were signing up for when they did. Police are not figures of authority although they'd like you to believe so. They are there to serve and protect, nothing more, nothing less. I believe over time individuals who are not truly suited for the position have been attracted by the allure of false authoritative power. Surely in the above linked case, a thankfully non-lethal abuse, but a clear sign of an abuse all the same.
There is a fundamental problem with our police force today. It starts with the allure of power combined with the fraternity found within. It allows the few bad to corrupt all completely. I've had this discussion with various people and they always mention how it is a small number that are actually bad. I'll nod and concede that the number of truly bad officers is likely quite small, however; are not those "good" ones that witness and/or lie for the bad now bad themselves. We all know the unspoken rule not to tell. It can be inferred by documentation of events and shown to exist. This is my problem with the notion that the corruption is ever truly small. By not standing up against abuses witnessed, by lying for those who committed those abuses, that supposed "good" officer is not good, but corrupt. Sadly we find that officers willing to stand up against abuses often find themselves without jobs. It has become an unfortunate truth in our society.
I welcome discussion and debate as I'm sure many have opinions.