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It is a very difficult job. And having witnessed highly effective and professional policing in action, it is impressive and much appreciated. The lion’s share of police officers meet that standard.
But, I have seen officers evolve over their career in a bad direction.
Over time, one can become callous and frustrated — that “bad guys” don’t play by the rules, so why should we play by the rules — that the system is rigged in favor of the “bad guys” so play to win — the ends justify the means.
One can lose their horizon, lose their sense of humanity, where each shift becomes “us vs them.” It is a slow burn. And “anyone who makes my job harder, is going to pay some street justice.”
It does not take long before all suspects are lumped into the same bucket — ”Charlie” — the enemy. My Lai.
My guess is that Officer Chauvin wandered down the dangerous path years ago, like many officers before him.
“Cracking skulls” has its moments, even in 2020.
But rhetoric and leadership makes a huge difference in effective policing. As does training training training.
The bad guys versus good guys mentality especially. That is Copland 101. And yeah, when they start down the road that they shouldn’t play by the rules cause the shitbirds don’t, you get these situations.
Training, and departmental leadership also. They are the keys.
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in the afterlife.