3 Black Chicago cops discuss policing in the city

[Layzeebeaver]

1. I'm curious why all three are black?

Why were these three chosen for the interview?

Were there white or latino or other officers offered the chance to be interviewed as well?

Here's my rough summary transcription of the key points: and my commentary

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1) Black People mistrust the police - with proper cause due to the history of how they have been treated by the police: Fair point

2) But you can't lump every police officer in the same bunch - there are so many great police officers out there from all nationalities: This the classic "one bad apple" excuse - and does not address the systemic issues in play

3) Police have been undercut by politics - and feel that are not being supported by city hall- the mayor. They don't like politicians getting involved in police procedures: You can't have it both ways.

4) It will take years to reverse all the police training - you can't stop your trained behaviour just because the mayor says so: This is being presented as an excuse for police officers to favour their historical training instead of contemporary policy changes

5) If police don't react with force, suspects can feel like they can do anything: There are so many red flags with this thread of illogic, I can't even begin to peel that onion...

6) New funding for additional support services is OK - but you will still need the police in every situation. Imagine a city without the police: This is a logical fallacy - no one is suggesting that the police are to be eliminated.

7) Black officers are turned away from white neighbourhoods: Yes, I'm sure that happens.

8) One Black officer indicated he stopped white racist cops from doing certain things: I wonder if he reported it?

9) They do not approve of the police union: I'm with them on this point!

10) They want people to see them as human beings: This final point is the worst thing to say, especially in light of how the police do not appear to be viewing Black Americans as human as reflected in how they are treated in policing situations. Just getting Black Police Officers to say this is really sneaky. This is the main point of this 5 minute interview. The police want people to be more sympathetic to the plight of the police and they send 3 Black officers to give the message. I'm not sure if I should be confused or mad.

If I missed anything just correct me.