There is something deeply wrong with the police (as a whole) in this country

[DemocracyMouse]

I'm sorry, but I've had too many ridiculous and unnecessarily negative encounters with American police. They are tense, impestuous and spreading divisive propaganda. Why aren't any of them fired for terrorising citizens with bastardized American flags with ominous black, grey and blue stripes? And why do police departments tolerate slogans like "Blue lives matter" which undermines the peaceful message of Black Lives Matter? Are they trying to reverse centuries of effort to dismantle police abuse? So they can go fascist??? Wake up America! These people support Trump. Trump kept a copy of Mein Kumpf by his bed according to Marla Maples, his ex. He promotes beating up journalists.

Why does the police leadership tolerate all this? The police are supposed to HELP citizens, not scare us into oblivion.

And below is a link to another instance of a f'd up cop KILLING a mere child WHO IS UNDERSTANDABLY FREAKED OUT BY THEM. Their well-established untrustworthiness is to blame for scaring that kid in the first place.... Oh, he had it coming??? No! He's a kid! Some kids run when they're scared. You. Don't. Shoot. Them.

Don't tell me there are far more "good cops" – why aren't they helping to properly hire and train better colleagues? Why do they allow the other abusive cops to remain?

And it's only getting worse. I was pulled over by one crazed cop last year for going 40 mph in a 30 mph road and he was shaking like he was on drugs. I thought he would kill me if I merely sneezed. And just the other day, when I pointed out that their orgy of strobe lights was making the center of town a driving hazard — it was BLINDING and not in the least bit serving its intended purpose — this one cop aggressively pointed at me and barked to move along. Do they train these asshats to bark? Are they all on drugs? Low IQ hires?

THIS IS ALL WRONG

And below we see, once again, a cop shooting a child DEAD for BEING A CHILD. Sorry it's Raw Story, but they were the first to bring it to my attention (and who freakin' cares about the messenger, our country is filling up with hateful cops on steroids).

I know the answer is love (and better policies), but THIS SH*T has to stop.

https://www.rawstory.com/2019/10/this-was-an-execution-outrage-as-video-shows-california-police-officer-shooting-unarmed-teen-in-back-of-head/

[DemocracyMouse]

1. I'm sorry that was so long! I'm just deeply fearful for this country

[tikka]

2. After watching a lot of British television cop show

The thing I noticed when I started watching "The "Rookie" is that their guns come out so easily and quickly. I realize that their job is dangerous. Their response is based on the chance of meeting someone armed with a gun. Getting rid of guns would do a lot to reduce the stress and danger of the job.

[DemocracyMouse]

3. I agree. But there has to be many other changes. Fundamental changes...

to the very definition of policing. For example, they should be redefined as peacemakers or problem solvers or somesuch.

[Nitram]

5. Good point, DM.

[Nitram]

4. I agree. Nationwide, police departments have created a culture that encourages an authoritarian,

violent approach to any perceived lack of cooperation. Police have learned that if they shoot and ask questions later, they can always state that they felt threatened, and/or that they thought they saw a weapon. Some even plant weapons on people they've shot. But the universal code of silence that results in a closing of the ranks and a refusal to testify against fellow officers, along with sympathy from the courts and the public in general, usually results in acquittal even in cases with unambiguous video evidence.