Good cops and bad cops

I am reminded of the words of a man on the street who said something like "the police sometimes act as judge, jury and executioner", to which I believe that some members of the public would agree. Examples coming from many of our larger cities would perhaps support those words. Let it be said, as well, that modern technology is working against the police as cameras have picked up improper and illegal police activities in the U.S. and in Canada, producing evidence against the police. Without that type of evidence, the police have been getting away with "murder", so the saying goes. Police brutality has been a way of life and action on the part of police authorities around the world for far too long. This brutality must stop. All those responsible for police activities need to acknowledge this most serious of problems and do whatever is necessary to bring about the positive and appropriate changes in police behaviour.  
 
We need good police work, we need the safety and security that can be provided by a professional, competent, honest and humane police force. As I have indicated many times we need the Police Service and the Police Service needs (or could use) a positive citizenry. Trust does not come with wearing the "blue", it must come through a frank and open discussion of the malady that is within the ranks of the police communities around the world and senior administration making the necessary and appropriate changes. My world is here in Ottawa; this is where I expect the best police services to exist.
 
The $64,000 question to all $65,000 police constables or at whatever salary level and of all officers: “How trustworthy are you?” And to the public, a penny for your thoughts; do you trust police officers, do you fear the police based on what you have seen on TV news programs or have read in publications?

Is there rot at the core of police services? I would hope not! Are there a few "bad apples" wearing the "blue"? My feeling is yes! History certainly has something to tell us about that. There was once a question asked of a police polygraph being administered to all police officers on a voluntary basis, with the question: “Have you been personally involved in any criminal activity over the past two years?” How many would step forward?
 
Let the Ottawa Police Service become the model for all police services in Canada, North America and around the world. That could be an obligation to which I believe all superior officers, the Police Services Board and our elected officials would agree.
 
Let us stand together, building well constructed "bridges" for our children and their children into a world of safety and security of person and property. We can do it!