Police Brutality
From time to time we see on TV the actions, and sometimes the brutal actions of police officials against our citizens. If it were not for modern technology we would never become aware of these incidents. Without cameras and recorders the evidence that points to brutality would not be there.
When police brutality does take place there are two sides to the story. The police action is most often justified on the basis of the force exerted having been necessary. What I most often see does not agree with police statements. The police frequently have unions which come to their defense. Lawyers are also there to assist in every way possible.
What happens to the abusing and brutal officer? What happens to the abused citizen?
While under investigation police officers most often have their salaries continued although they are not on duty. This is most appropriate even though investigations may continue for quite some time. The question then comes up as to why it must take so much time. There is a story of one officer who actually completed a master’s degree in criminology during the time of an investigation, at full salary. Is this justified?
I believe that whatever rights that citizens have, these can be violated by the police.
Some officers are downright criminals.
We need the police. We deserve the best possible services that they can provide. They deserve our respect but when they do not show respect to citizens, where does that leave us? We question, we develop doubts and in the end our trust in them and our respect for them are diminished.
At times brutality and physical violence are also extended to verbal abuse and mental cruelty. Police officers sometimes show intolerance toward minority groups, older citizens, people of other languages and religions. There is a clear deficiency here. What facets of character or of moral integrity are missing?
Are there not tests that might be used to weed out applicants who have those characteristics that might lead to violence? Can training programs not include the development of sensitivity towards the aged, or individuals who might be experiencing physical or mental difficulties? Are the poor and the homeless treated in the same way as those individuals who are wealthy, who have big homes, expensive cars and no doubt political and social connections? I don't think so!
Something needs to be done!
When police brutality does take place there are two sides to the story. The police action is most often justified on the basis of the force exerted having been necessary. What I most often see does not agree with police statements. The police frequently have unions which come to their defense. Lawyers are also there to assist in every way possible.
What happens to the abusing and brutal officer? What happens to the abused citizen?
While under investigation police officers most often have their salaries continued although they are not on duty. This is most appropriate even though investigations may continue for quite some time. The question then comes up as to why it must take so much time. There is a story of one officer who actually completed a master’s degree in criminology during the time of an investigation, at full salary. Is this justified?
I believe that whatever rights that citizens have, these can be violated by the police.
Some officers are downright criminals.
We need the police. We deserve the best possible services that they can provide. They deserve our respect but when they do not show respect to citizens, where does that leave us? We question, we develop doubts and in the end our trust in them and our respect for them are diminished.
At times brutality and physical violence are also extended to verbal abuse and mental cruelty. Police officers sometimes show intolerance toward minority groups, older citizens, people of other languages and religions. There is a clear deficiency here. What facets of character or of moral integrity are missing?
Are there not tests that might be used to weed out applicants who have those characteristics that might lead to violence? Can training programs not include the development of sensitivity towards the aged, or individuals who might be experiencing physical or mental difficulties? Are the poor and the homeless treated in the same way as those individuals who are wealthy, who have big homes, expensive cars and no doubt political and social connections? I don't think so!
Something needs to be done!
posted by croweagle at
4:34 PM
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