Of course, in the real world everyone knows police are not the crime problem. Rather, violent criminals are the crime problem. American government has a first moral duty is to protect citizens from being terrorized and murdered by violent criminals. The recent home invasion, the horrific murder and burning of a Washington, D.C. businessman, his wife, son and housekeeper are but one tragic example. Clearly, there is urgent need for a public service campaign to educate and protect Americans from violent crime. Americans deserve transparent disclosure information and factual data on violent crime in America. The public service campaign on violent crime should focus specifically on assault, rape, murder. The violent crime information reports would require disclosure of race and sex of violent crime perpetrators, and race and sex of violent crime victims. Violent crime information reports should be regularly broadcast on TV news networks and available online. The public service campaign on violent crime should be similar in scope to the ongoing public service campaign to prevent death from smoking. The reports would provide critically needed disclosure information to clarify and inform Americans who is committing violent crime in America. The violent crime reports would also provide valuable information on how to avoid becoming a victim of violent crime, a national call to action, e.g., firearm training. Do contact your congressman. Demand violent crime disclosure. Now.
4
been there, done this in major cities before; the entire justice system is rigged and none-trustworthy, especially for Black people. white oppressors don't build programs that safeguard the poor and oppressed. just talk, next week/day they will be engaged in doing the same things, that is, even if these measures come to fruition. for example, instead of chokehold it will be called a law enforcement takedown.
1
Checking stun gun use vs reports should be 100% until actual experience with "paper work completion" . Basic rule in quality control - new or modified process do 100% over check until results show process is stable and working then reduce sampling gradually.
"Forgetting paper work?" that is sloppy unprofessional behavior that "good officers" don't forget.
Personally for now the overseers.should be hired by DOJ since he who has the gold writes the rules.
"Forgetting paper work?" that is sloppy unprofessional behavior that "good officers" don't forget.
Personally for now the overseers.should be hired by DOJ since he who has the gold writes the rules.
2
It took me 6 paragraphs to get to what the police have agreed to. It seems like you really buried that lede. If a person has been following this situation for sometime, (and how could they not?) he/she would be aware of what led up to it. With the 24 hour news cycle on radio/tv/digital it's hard not to miss what has been going on between the police and blacks across the nation. That said I'm glad some curbs have been put on police.
1
The deal described is better than nothing. But what would really end gratuitous police brutality is the trial and conviction of police who have murdered and maimed unarmed civilians. We know that police don't have a great time as prison inmates. If criminal police are never convicted of their violent crimes, sociopaths will continue to find law enforcement an attractive career option. In what other line of work can you get away with regularly attacking unarmed civilians.
5
The tough new standards on police can hamper police efforts to deal with true dangers even as they may prevent many police from harming and killing us for no sensible reason.
It would be better for everyone, including all police, if so many police were not so racist in the first place - then they would be far more effective in fighting crime, their judgement would be vastly better, and we could trust them to use their judgement. Unfortunately we're not there yet; in many places we're not even close.
Any "us against them" framing of the issue will subvert progress - potentially deepening America's racial divide and exacerbating our violent racism.
Just like in Israel and other zones of violent conflict, the lines of conflict desperately need to be redrawn between the warmongers and the humanists; rather than where they languish, neglected, between the visually obvious yet trivial differences in race, nationality or spiritual subscription.
Superficial visual differences play better to a TV audience than anything respectful of the individual or with substantial consideration. Inasmuch as "the medium is the message", the image-bite format of TV "news" is antagonistic to a better life for We the People, and is often be more of an emotionally entertaining curse that blinkers us.
We all need to read.
It would be better for everyone, including all police, if so many police were not so racist in the first place - then they would be far more effective in fighting crime, their judgement would be vastly better, and we could trust them to use their judgement. Unfortunately we're not there yet; in many places we're not even close.
Any "us against them" framing of the issue will subvert progress - potentially deepening America's racial divide and exacerbating our violent racism.
Just like in Israel and other zones of violent conflict, the lines of conflict desperately need to be redrawn between the warmongers and the humanists; rather than where they languish, neglected, between the visually obvious yet trivial differences in race, nationality or spiritual subscription.
Superficial visual differences play better to a TV audience than anything respectful of the individual or with substantial consideration. Inasmuch as "the medium is the message", the image-bite format of TV "news" is antagonistic to a better life for We the People, and is often be more of an emotionally entertaining curse that blinkers us.
We all need to read.
1
As I read right here in a comments section several days ago: Police should get out of their cruiser and walk their neighborhoods. They should talk with adults and children on the streets and think about what they hear. They should make friends with small business people and treat everyone with respect. Perhaps then, people will fear them less and count on them more. Treating others with respect and listening to what they have to say are two-tried-and-true ways of earning respect.
5
‘officers were already overburdened with paperwork… requiring documentation of every instance in which a gun leaves its holster…could discourage officers from pulling out their weapons….’”
That is insane.
No cop would be deterred from pulling his gun if the situation really warranted it because of the paperwork - if they were 'in fear for their life'. What it would do is stop cops from drawing their weapon in circumstances and situations where it is not warranted.
And what about technology - why not make it so every time the weapon is unholstered it is recorded. If everything else that people do can be tracked why not that? Would be a positive use of technology that benefits society - rather then the way technology is used at present.
That is insane.
No cop would be deterred from pulling his gun if the situation really warranted it because of the paperwork - if they were 'in fear for their life'. What it would do is stop cops from drawing their weapon in circumstances and situations where it is not warranted.
And what about technology - why not make it so every time the weapon is unholstered it is recorded. If everything else that people do can be tracked why not that? Would be a positive use of technology that benefits society - rather then the way technology is used at present.
2
I welcome this focus on lawful use of force by police! As an ardent supporter of lawful community policing, I feel that lethal force should be an absolute last resort, only justified if the officer’s or another citizen’s life is in clear imminent danger. So yes, bring on the training and oversight. Recruit individuals who have the ability and temperament to perform correctly under that kind of daily stress and pressure, and train them in the correct and lawful use of force. But don’t forget the flip side to that coin: citizens have to respect police authority for this to work. I feel for many of these communities, that is a serious problem.
4
The Cleveland Police Department is 66% white in a city that is 53% black. With a black mayor Frank Jackson and black police chief Calvin Williams the Cleveland Police Department is an inhuman inhumane colored criminal corrupt colonial apartheid terrorist organization when it comes to "serving and protecting and policing" unarmed innocent black civilian men, women and children.
As long as the "bad cops" can get away with "murder" it does not matter that most cops are "good". They are all condemned and defined by their conspiratorial silence as the four letter plural word for swine as bad cops were once defined by the Black Panther Party.
Mayor Jackson and Chief Williams are as incompetent and clueless and guilty of creating an atmosphere where this type of cop's on safari behavior was normal and acceptable as their colored "peers" in Baltimore, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.. Profiling, stalking and stopping black men, women and children for doing any and everything while colored black by American socioeconomic political educational slave and Jim Crow history.
Tamir Rice, a 12 year old black boy playing with a toy gun before he was shot to death, looked like he could have been the son of President Obama, Mayor Jackson, Chief Williams or LeBron James. Where is their outrage and shame?
As long as the "bad cops" can get away with "murder" it does not matter that most cops are "good". They are all condemned and defined by their conspiratorial silence as the four letter plural word for swine as bad cops were once defined by the Black Panther Party.
Mayor Jackson and Chief Williams are as incompetent and clueless and guilty of creating an atmosphere where this type of cop's on safari behavior was normal and acceptable as their colored "peers" in Baltimore, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.. Profiling, stalking and stopping black men, women and children for doing any and everything while colored black by American socioeconomic political educational slave and Jim Crow history.
Tamir Rice, a 12 year old black boy playing with a toy gun before he was shot to death, looked like he could have been the son of President Obama, Mayor Jackson, Chief Williams or LeBron James. Where is their outrage and shame?
3
"The new rules in Cleveland prohibit officers from using force against people for talking back or as punishment for running away."
If the police in Cleveland need these rules to be codified, the people of Cleveland have a lot of explaining to do.
If the police in Cleveland need these rules to be codified, the people of Cleveland have a lot of explaining to do.
6
Uses of force that are constrained by the consent decree highlight what are apparently considered common or normal police actions:
- tasering or pepper spraying people in handcuffs
- tasering or pepper spraying people who passively resist arrest
- using electric shocks from a taser as a pain compliance technique
- hitting people in the head with guns
- using force on people not suspected of criminal conduct
- attacking people solely because they talk back to or flee from police
- pointing guns at people when there is no expectation that lethal force will actually be needed
Even the term ‘use of force’ starts to look like a euphemism. If you commit a violent act against someone because you are angry or frustrated it’s not an ‘inappropriate use of force’; it’s an attack – regardless of whether or not you carry a badge.
- tasering or pepper spraying people in handcuffs
- tasering or pepper spraying people who passively resist arrest
- using electric shocks from a taser as a pain compliance technique
- hitting people in the head with guns
- using force on people not suspected of criminal conduct
- attacking people solely because they talk back to or flee from police
- pointing guns at people when there is no expectation that lethal force will actually be needed
Even the term ‘use of force’ starts to look like a euphemism. If you commit a violent act against someone because you are angry or frustrated it’s not an ‘inappropriate use of force’; it’s an attack – regardless of whether or not you carry a badge.
7
These are not standards, they represent a political act aimed at placating another vocal subset at the expense of citizens and small business owners who will always bear the brunt of looter happiness.
2
So you think cops should be allowed to taser someone who is in handcuffs? Hit people on the head with guns? Attack people who talk back? This helps small business owners -- how?
6
The invention and refinement of a single device - the miniaturized, portable digital camera now included in most phones - has revolutionized the nation's consciousness of police abuse. No one can doubt that within a few years, these devices will be present on all police dashboards and uniforms.
We need our inventors and designers to step forward now with an additional device - the cloud-linked holster monitor. No paperwork.
We need our inventors and designers to step forward now with an additional device - the cloud-linked holster monitor. No paperwork.
1
No problem, we could do the same for a myriad of civilian offenders, Say, base jumpers with priors in national parks who remove their ankle bracelets. Far fewer body recoveries, less bad press for parks who seem to have the need to suck up to flightless birds.
So, given that the DOJ found numerous instances of the "unlawful use of force" by police officers in Cleveland, will there be indictments? Will any of the police officers that perpetrated these excessive or lethal uses of force be charged with a crime (assault, battery, manslaughter, murder, false arrest, conspiracy, obstruction of justice, etc.), or has the DOJ decided to give them a pass on their criminal acts?
5
Don't hold your breath.
I don't know, these standards seem pretty low to me.
"...de-escalation techniques whenever possible and appropriate, a prohibition on retaliatory force, mandatory reporting and investigation standards following use of force, and medical care for the subjects of force."
These seem like they should be the bare minimum for use of force standards. If the NYT feels that these are "strict", it makes me wonder what they consider to be lax standards.
"...de-escalation techniques whenever possible and appropriate, a prohibition on retaliatory force, mandatory reporting and investigation standards following use of force, and medical care for the subjects of force."
These seem like they should be the bare minimum for use of force standards. If the NYT feels that these are "strict", it makes me wonder what they consider to be lax standards.
5
Most would rightly assume these are already part of the system...it is mind boggling that they are not.
3
I am sure that these 'standards' have always been in existence. They may as well read, "do good and don't do bad." However, to inhibit further unrest, everything needs a shiny new coat of paint.
Please provide the restrictions placed on criminals! While police brutality and overreaction are unconscionable and should be dealt with harshly, such measures are counter productive if criminals and mobs are given free reign because they "have the right to vent" or because of some premature, perceived or manufactured grievance. Furgeson and Baltimore being two glaring examples.
5
Restrictions are already in place for citizens. They're called LAWS. When citizens break the laws then they become criminals. We have tons of laws in place to restrict criminal behavior but some folks simply persist.
2
"Manufactured grievance"? I don´t think so.
1
I for one reserve my right to vent all I like, either alone or as part a great big venting mob. Venting sure beats corruption, killings and self-perpetuating prejudice any day. Heck, I'd die on the battlefield for your right to assembly and your right to vent. They are what you and I are doing here. The more we all vent, the clearer the air. There are plenty of countries where venting and assembly are both criminal: they are HORRIBLE places.
There'd be less crime if so many of our police weren't so racist.
There'd be less crime if so many of our police weren't so racist.
2
One of the biggest problems with white police officers and black citizens is what I call an overwhelming fear factor. The young black male is greatly feared no matter what. A single, unarmed black male walking down the street minding his own business evokes more suspicion and terror than a white biker gang armed with guns, knives, chains, and brass knuckles.
4
One of the biggest problems with white police officers and black citizens is what I call an overwhelming crime factor.
And why is their crime? After centuries of making sure Blacks were below second class citizenship, with poor schools last hired, first fired with absolutely no future in sight, yet drugs seem to be everywhere and the only abundant source of income if you are really to take the risk. All of these conditions and the imposed limitations of finding a legal job all lead to your so called crime factor. If White communities experienced these same realities, there would be a higher crime rate in their communities. People will do what they have to do to survive.
If you want the crime factor to go down, then invest in these areas instead of allocated funds to every other community. There is more funding given to build prisons than to building schools in the inner cities. It is quite obvious that it is much easier to say there is a crime factor than to fix it. Black lives should matter. But America has proven over and over they do not matter at all.
If you want the crime factor to go down, then invest in these areas instead of allocated funds to every other community. There is more funding given to build prisons than to building schools in the inner cities. It is quite obvious that it is much easier to say there is a crime factor than to fix it. Black lives should matter. But America has proven over and over they do not matter at all.
2
It is impossible to have a rational conversation with anyone who believes it is appropriate for a policeman to jump onto the hood of a car and empty his weapon through the windshield into the unarmed occupants of the vehicle (in addition, mind you, to numerous other officers having done the same thing, only with less zealousness.) What exactly was the perceived crime? And, what is the statutory penalty for that perceived crime? Their car backfired, and the police immediately assumed - without any evidence to corroborate - that someone fired a weapon at them, and gave chase. The car did not continue to "backfire" with deadly force as the occupants fled. The car did not run down officers. Even if you assume some officers "reasonably believed" they had been fired on once, no one was shot and the car and occupants no longer represented even a perceived ongoing threat.
It is important for all the defenders of law enforcement in this case to understand that the decision exonerating the one officer tried so far was based solely on the inability to prove that the bullets he fired were the billets that killed these innocent individuals. I repeat: these innocent individuals.
So, if you want to defend law enforcement in this instance, tell me what crime these individuals were suspected of, and why it was necessary/appropriate to execute them, whenever whatever crime you imagine (like the police did) they might be guilty of had ended.
It is important for all the defenders of law enforcement in this case to understand that the decision exonerating the one officer tried so far was based solely on the inability to prove that the bullets he fired were the billets that killed these innocent individuals. I repeat: these innocent individuals.
So, if you want to defend law enforcement in this instance, tell me what crime these individuals were suspected of, and why it was necessary/appropriate to execute them, whenever whatever crime you imagine (like the police did) they might be guilty of had ended.
15
Thank you. Well put.
One could go on and on but the bottom line is that it appears some Cleveland police see the City as some sort of Hollywood cop movie they are starring in.
I applaud the settlement decree reached with the Justice Department. However, until the entire culture of policing completely changes, we are still going to have these problems. Change is needed in the philosophy of policing, hiring requirements, training, community outreach and involvement, oversight and accountability.
One could go on and on but the bottom line is that it appears some Cleveland police see the City as some sort of Hollywood cop movie they are starring in.
I applaud the settlement decree reached with the Justice Department. However, until the entire culture of policing completely changes, we are still going to have these problems. Change is needed in the philosophy of policing, hiring requirements, training, community outreach and involvement, oversight and accountability.
6
Justice Department reforms mean the Hobbesian elements in Cleveland will declare open season on residents and businesses, especially whites. Past "reforms" after the '60s riots are historical evidence of this.
The city's only 37% white. The neutering of police will lead to more White Flight, as the crime and disorder—as seen in Baltimore and Chicago with record-setting murder numbers since the April riots—will become the new norm under the left boot of the Justice Department and activists. Ironically, black lives will also be lost as collateral damage caused by such misguided policies that embolden criminals.
The political left doesn't understand crime, nor how to prevent it. God forbid I owned property in Cleveland, I'd throw up "for sale" signs ASAP.
The city will go the way of Detroit and Baltimore—another haven for civil rights activists and community organizers' poverty racket.
The city's only 37% white. The neutering of police will lead to more White Flight, as the crime and disorder—as seen in Baltimore and Chicago with record-setting murder numbers since the April riots—will become the new norm under the left boot of the Justice Department and activists. Ironically, black lives will also be lost as collateral damage caused by such misguided policies that embolden criminals.
The political left doesn't understand crime, nor how to prevent it. God forbid I owned property in Cleveland, I'd throw up "for sale" signs ASAP.
The city will go the way of Detroit and Baltimore—another haven for civil rights activists and community organizers' poverty racket.
5
So, short of free reign for police to engage on wanton acts of "unlawful" and excessive, brutal and lethal uses of force, criminals will rule the city?
Relax Chicken Little, the sky is not about to fall.
Relax Chicken Little, the sky is not about to fall.
3
So cops have to be allowed to taser someone in handcuffs in order for you to feel safe?
2
White flight is the reason for the crime and disorder. They are able to move to where the jobs are, and the people left behind are not.
Well, as we know as police back off and have more restrictions the murder rates go up substantially. Great case in point is Baltimore, since the justice department and city officials told the police to back off murder rates rose 40% this month. All of the victims are minorities. in NYC as Stop, Talk and Frisk is now firmly established shooting and murders have risen as well. Again it is minorities getting shot.
The number of black people shot by police is very, very small compared with minorities shot in the commission of crimes. Yes, abuse by police should be stopped but most police officers perform their jobs well. We need to start also paying attention to blacks as the victims of crimes, where most of the killings occur. We are not seeing the forest through the trees, and it is unfair to minorities.
The number of black people shot by police is very, very small compared with minorities shot in the commission of crimes. Yes, abuse by police should be stopped but most police officers perform their jobs well. We need to start also paying attention to blacks as the victims of crimes, where most of the killings occur. We are not seeing the forest through the trees, and it is unfair to minorities.
3
People who want to live without police to attempt to protect their lives and property should be free to do so. As the song says," Don't call us, we'll call you."
Sure, but they place a lot of other people in danger so as a result people choose to have police protection. I lived in the South Bronx for five years during its worse days, and I can tell you NO ONE wants the police to have a higher presence on the streets than the people of the South Bronx.
The number of innocent children killed by drug gangs was a daily event. We should try and look at the entire oroblem.
The number of innocent children killed by drug gangs was a daily event. We should try and look at the entire oroblem.
1
So, if the police are prevented by DOJ from engaging in the "unlawful use of force," the crime rate goes up? I suppose the irony of that completely escapes you.
2
I'll start believing in 'Good Cops' when they start testifying against bad ones.
13
Obviously you are fortunate enough to have never needed a cops' help or protection. I've never needed either myself, but I'm glad they are here.
2
Uffdaron, I can't imagine how you arrived at such an illogical conclusion.
5
uffdaron,
You seem to believe that a police state is great for everyone, especially for folks that the police never search. (If they did search, the daily court rooms would have serious demographic switch)
You seem to believe that a police state is great for everyone, especially for folks that the police never search. (If they did search, the daily court rooms would have serious demographic switch)
1
I have two words to sum up what the Obama WH through the DOJ just did in Cleveland: Unconstitutional overreach.
What other police procedures that are Constitutionally protected under Amendment X will the Obama WH infringe upon? Now a police officer in Cleveland has to pause and worry about excessive federal pressure before he or she even unholsters a service weapon in the line of duty? Those kinds of pauses are how cops die.
This is a bloody red steak thrown to a wild mob by a White House that never misses an opportunity to demagogue and make bad situations worse.
What other police procedures that are Constitutionally protected under Amendment X will the Obama WH infringe upon? Now a police officer in Cleveland has to pause and worry about excessive federal pressure before he or she even unholsters a service weapon in the line of duty? Those kinds of pauses are how cops die.
This is a bloody red steak thrown to a wild mob by a White House that never misses an opportunity to demagogue and make bad situations worse.
4
So how does a cop die if he can´t taser a man already in handcuffs?
2
DCBarrister -
The police always seem to pause in your neighborhood. Why shouldn't they pause in all neighborhoods?
The police always seem to pause in your neighborhood. Why shouldn't they pause in all neighborhoods?
1
What does it tell you when the Police Department in a major American city has to be told after--what, 200 years--that beating someone on the head with a hard implement--a pistol--can, and will, be dangerous to the victim's health? DUHHH!!!
http://thetruthoncommonsense.com
http://thetruthoncommonsense.com
4
Meanwhile, down the street, 9 people are murdered, 29 shot and wounded over the weekend. While race is not published, I would bet most are black. The New York Times says nothing.
5
You are forbidden to say such a thing. The P C police will soon be after you with a federal marshal or 2 and a fed prosecutor. Courtesy of our emperor.
2
Mr. Barker _
Those people murdered are all victims of the war on drugs. If I were to wage that same war in your neighborhood, people that look like you would be KIA also in that war.
Those people murdered are all victims of the war on drugs. If I were to wage that same war in your neighborhood, people that look like you would be KIA also in that war.
Perfect example of how leftist elites among a minority stay in power while pulling the strings. Uniformed America is in free fall.
Now, the community must adopt higher standards on raising kids who take personal responsibility for their actions, kids who show respect for authority, stay off drugs, stay in school, work hard and stop having babies out of wedlock?
4
The problem is that there is no future for the poor in this country. The lack of opportunity is getting worse every day.
1
The behavior that you speak of occurs in many rural areas of America also, but the war on drugs never seems to reach those neighborhoods, but only the neighborhoods in the inner city. Would you like to guess the reason for this?
I am 73 years old and I have never had an incident with the police. Is there something I do not understand concerning police incidents? I have had moving violations but none of them were in anyway negative. My mother is from Argentina, so I am considered Hispanic. Could it be that the non-police folk are bringing it on themselves?
1
People from Argentina look like America's majority population from far away. Try tanning for a while, and then reassess your hypothesis.
Or it could be that you have only come into contact with 'good' cops?
Good. Now that police have been put in their place peace and prosperity will reign in the ghetto.
To much power in the hands of the incompetent.
6
That's why we have to have elections so often to get rid of the political crooks and vote buyers who promise everything for nothing.
2
Why is nobody comparing the situation in the 20's with prohibition with what we have now with the drug war. We have attempted to prohibit drug sale/usage and there is now big gangs to sell drugs. The retail and low lever distribution levels seem centered in the Black communities. Cops to enforce the drug laws have to continually interact with young black men that have little to do but give the cops a hard time. Cops get bitter and frustrated and soon somebody gets shot or beat up.
Prohibition brought us the big criminal gangs and if there had been better documentation we would probably have know about police abuse and corruption. We ended prohibition and things got better. Banning drugs seems to have had the same effect, creating gangs and police violence. Why wouldn't ending the drug prohibitions put a end to the gangs and likely end the police actions that aggravate the black community?
Prohibition brought us the big criminal gangs and if there had been better documentation we would probably have know about police abuse and corruption. We ended prohibition and things got better. Banning drugs seems to have had the same effect, creating gangs and police violence. Why wouldn't ending the drug prohibitions put a end to the gangs and likely end the police actions that aggravate the black community?
7
This sounds like a model code that should be followed by AL police departments. New York certainly needs the follow-up. You cite a no-shooting at moving vehicles rule that apparently resulted in real change. But the ban on chokeholds certainly did NOT work. We need to get serious here--lives are at stake.
8
Cops' Lives Matter.
2
uffdaron -
Cops' lives do matter, especially those cops that get caught on camera phone shooting folks in the back.
Cops' lives do matter, especially those cops that get caught on camera phone shooting folks in the back.
Ìt is somehow so 21st Century American that the federal government must act as a mediator between our community police and us.
Our police aren't of, by and for us, they are a constabulary put in place to hold us down.
Now, let's wait and hear the Cleveland Policeman's union announce that we've been disrespectful toward them by suggesting the cease killing us with careless recklessness.
Our police aren't of, by and for us, they are a constabulary put in place to hold us down.
Now, let's wait and hear the Cleveland Policeman's union announce that we've been disrespectful toward them by suggesting the cease killing us with careless recklessness.
9
No more pistol whipping for back talk ? Golly
10
“…If we don’t ensure that our officers and our community have a better relationship, then a lot of what we’re trying to implement now in terms of this agreement are going to be hard to do,” Chief Williams said…“
What the police are “trying to implement” under the agreement is reduced instances of the unlawful and unjustified use of force. So, is the good chief saying that unless “officers and our community have a better relationship,” presumably putting part of the obligation on the community, there will continue to be instances of unlawful and unjustified use of force by the police? Is this like blaming the victim? --“…unless my wife stops talking back to me, I can’t promise I’ll stop hitting her…”?
What the police are “trying to implement” under the agreement is reduced instances of the unlawful and unjustified use of force. So, is the good chief saying that unless “officers and our community have a better relationship,” presumably putting part of the obligation on the community, there will continue to be instances of unlawful and unjustified use of force by the police? Is this like blaming the victim? --“…unless my wife stops talking back to me, I can’t promise I’ll stop hitting her…”?
2
This is good, but it's too late for Tamir Rice and others killed by the Cleveland PD.
5
Maybe the issue is WHO we choose to wear the badge.
Do we choose the linebacker with an attitude?
Do we choose the ex-combat vet with anger and PTSD issues?
First off, I don't know anyone who is a thinker who would want to take on the risk of being a cop. Especially today. Their reputation is really tarnished.
You call out a cop to help with a domestic issue and you might end up with a dead relative. I'd never call a cop, and our police force doesn't have the bad rep that others do. Not yet anyway.
I don't have the answer. But hiring the bullies, and the insecure from high school is not the answer.
Do we choose the linebacker with an attitude?
Do we choose the ex-combat vet with anger and PTSD issues?
First off, I don't know anyone who is a thinker who would want to take on the risk of being a cop. Especially today. Their reputation is really tarnished.
You call out a cop to help with a domestic issue and you might end up with a dead relative. I'd never call a cop, and our police force doesn't have the bad rep that others do. Not yet anyway.
I don't have the answer. But hiring the bullies, and the insecure from high school is not the answer.
12
The thing that strikes me most about this settlement is that prior to this the police in Cleveland were allowed to pistol whip people. Maybe I'm naive but I would have thought that would be against the rules everywhere.
8
“…Peter Moskos, a former Baltimore police officer who is an associate professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, said… ‘officers were already overburdened with paperwork… requiring documentation of every instance in which a gun leaves its holster…could discourage officers from pulling out their weapons….’”
It’s telling that police advocates don’t feel pointing a gun at a person is noteworthy enough to merit documenting --because of the paperwork involved.
Here are a couple considerations that may help put Mr. Moskos complaint in context.
> People who handle weapons know that among the first rules of gun safety is never point your weapon at anything you’re not immediately prepared to destroy (naturally, this includes people).
> Having a weapon pointed at you (in other words, being one step from being killed) is probably one of the most frightening and traumatic events of person’s life.
Presumably (hopefully), Mr. Moskos is well aware of these pretty-hard-to-deny realities. Nonetheless, to him the ensuing paperwork is the problem. This tells us just how trivial he (and probably most police) views such dangerous and terrifying actions.
It’s telling that police advocates don’t feel pointing a gun at a person is noteworthy enough to merit documenting --because of the paperwork involved.
Here are a couple considerations that may help put Mr. Moskos complaint in context.
> People who handle weapons know that among the first rules of gun safety is never point your weapon at anything you’re not immediately prepared to destroy (naturally, this includes people).
> Having a weapon pointed at you (in other words, being one step from being killed) is probably one of the most frightening and traumatic events of person’s life.
Presumably (hopefully), Mr. Moskos is well aware of these pretty-hard-to-deny realities. Nonetheless, to him the ensuing paperwork is the problem. This tells us just how trivial he (and probably most police) views such dangerous and terrifying actions.
12
So have they fired the officer who was found innocent and the Judge who made the ruling?
7
Circle justice is one of the answers Native Americans have developed and it is extremely effective. This is an opportunity for us all. We cannot end violent policing as long as we teach our young police officers that they are at war. Circle justice changes all of that.
3
In general, military infantry squads in war situations exercise better fire control than so called Peace Officers here at home.
16
Because they know the federal possees of lawyers and marshals will not be undermining their authority and freedom to protect themselves and the Commander in chief won't be betraying them for votes. Whole different world friend...no comparison.
1
Because they know they will not be undermined by an onslaught of federal marshals and lawyers trying to buy votes for a questionable leader and they know if they are attacked, they are expected to retaliate with extreme prejudice to protect themselves and their team mates.
Different world totally....
Different world totally....
1
Perhaps the most ignorant comment about policing I have ever read. The rules of engagement are much stricter for the police than the military
1
Now, when will the omnipotent Justice? department set and enforce standards on the mobs and rioters??? Or don't cop shooters have to be controlled?
10
There would be no mobs without the criminals and outlaws standing behind the badge to hide their crimes of murder and violence. Don't cops who are killers have to be controlled? Those who kill cops are caught. Convicted, sentenced, and punished. Those cops who kill walk away, with promotions, pensions, and freedom.
11
@ Walter Rhett - "There would be no mobs without the criminals and outlaws standing behind the badge to hide their crimes of murder and violence."
No cops equals no crime. Let's try that by removing the cops from the inner cities.
No cops equals no crime. Let's try that by removing the cops from the inner cities.
1
Obviously "Tired of Hyprocrisy" you are breathing new life into the phrase. Equally as obvious, you have never lived in an Eastern inner city--Washington, DC (Langston, Shaw, Deanwood, Anacostia, Sursum Corda), Philadelphia, Baltimore, Newark, Jersey City, and others where the number one complaint by citizens was the failure of police to respond when called! Wait times often extended to 3 to 4 hours for break-ins and robberies, sometimes to days, and not infrequently to no-shows for police after numerous calls!
Hypothetical make-believe is easy, but it fails to consider the most basic facts by people who have no idea of how systems work to defeat inner city progress. In the case of police, by harassing street players (to the tune of 2600 injuries in 4 years in Baltimore refused by jailers) while simultaneously ignoring legitimate calls because all units were "busy." Does the truth matter to you?
Quit pushing deleterious make-believe as "protection" when the truth is occupation. Nobody is protected when 100 police engage in a vehicular chase that results in 137 rounds fired at unarmed persons or an unarmed person chokes while saying, "I can't breathe."
But actual factual proof emerged during the NYC Dec. slowdown, when summons dropped from 4,077 to 347 a week, with arrests down 66% (Dec., busy crime month!)--and crime did not go up! That's right: crime did not go up! Arrests dropped but crime did not go up!
NYC police tried that strategy and it worked!
Hypothetical make-believe is easy, but it fails to consider the most basic facts by people who have no idea of how systems work to defeat inner city progress. In the case of police, by harassing street players (to the tune of 2600 injuries in 4 years in Baltimore refused by jailers) while simultaneously ignoring legitimate calls because all units were "busy." Does the truth matter to you?
Quit pushing deleterious make-believe as "protection" when the truth is occupation. Nobody is protected when 100 police engage in a vehicular chase that results in 137 rounds fired at unarmed persons or an unarmed person chokes while saying, "I can't breathe."
But actual factual proof emerged during the NYC Dec. slowdown, when summons dropped from 4,077 to 347 a week, with arrests down 66% (Dec., busy crime month!)--and crime did not go up! That's right: crime did not go up! Arrests dropped but crime did not go up!
NYC police tried that strategy and it worked!
2
OMG - Half of the "new standards" should have been "standard" procedures for any police officer or in any police unit any where! Scary. I do understand how the police and other law enforcement officials must have a certain amount of leeway so that people fear them and there won't be out right bedlam. I come from a family full of them. I also know the high amount of corruption and abuse of power that goes on. These stories are far from new. This has been going on for years and has been able to be kept hidden as they cover for each other (The "Blue Code"). The police unions are incredibly strong and they are often backed by corrupt politicians. It is very hard to hold them accountable or get rid of bad cops. Much is hidden and much is presented to the public that obscures the real truth. Whether you are held accountable in this society depends on who you are, who you work for and who you know. I truly feel sorry for the large number of police who collect an honest pay, go to work, try to do a good job, are not corrupt and don't abuse their power. This incredible situation shows that no matter how ridiculously blatant the excessive use of force is they will not be held to same standards and will not be held accountable as they are too enmeshed with the various agencies, politicians and people who are suppose to be upholding the justice. system.
12
Is fear really necessary? As a white person, I grew up trusting the police, but I never feared them. Wouldn't trust and maybe respect, as well as gratitude for their service, be more appropriate? I think that, once they earn that in the Black community, the police too will be happier. But it will take awhile.
11
Respect and tolerance and appreciation is not a one way street. Until the citizens of a neighbor hood or town or city have some idea what civilized behavior is, they will be suspected and treated as dangerous. That does not excuse police abuse or violence, but it does explain police fear and overreaction to threats.
yes, it seems that we are supposed to be more obedient in order to be treated well by police...
The events of the past year in Cleveland and other parts of America should be enough to convince thousands of young activists to put down their protest signs, stop posting notes saying "police are the problem" and finally put on a badge and carry a gun themselves.
Become a cop.
Check back with us in 10 years OK?
Become a cop.
Check back with us in 10 years OK?
6
The safeguards imposed on Cleveland police need to be applied nationwide to protect all citizens from the increasingly out of control, law-breaking, and violent police forces in every city and state.
6
Police who are up against increasingly out of control, law-breaking, violent citizens.
7
Violent crime is at historical lows. Where did you get your misinformation? FOX?
3
On the news last night I saw the head of the Cleveland Police union say in regard to the report 'they can't prove anything' so when you say 'the police accept' that seems a bit misleading. The police are being forced to swallow what their macho swagger desperately resists would be more accurate.
8
And now that we've got the police busy at their desks filling out forms, let's see what happens to the crime rate.
The good people of Cleveland are about to find out what happens when you have an anti-police President and AG and it ain't good.
The good people of Cleveland are about to find out what happens when you have an anti-police President and AG and it ain't good.
9
Don't Police Departments have computers and software?
Has the DOJ negotiated terms of engagement with the criminals too?
9
Cops are paid to know better and enforce our laws and not treat lawbreakers in most cases? Like an infantry soldier in battle. "Protect and serve"
Are you compairing the cops to criminals.
Are you compairing the cops to criminals.
1
So, in your opinion police should be permitted to use deadly and brutal force in anyway they see fit without any legal constraint? --that'd the effect of your comment.
1
If you are caught committing a crime, you should be prosecuted, and not pay a fine and have your army of lawyers allow you to settle out of court, without admitting to anything.
The Obama/Holder DOJ extracts consent decrees from local law enforcement agencies. This is all well and good where warranted by illegal, anti-social behavior. However, it addresses only half the problem, much less than half by the numbers.
What is lacking is a demand that "the black community" sign a consent decree that says "we will never run from a police officer - afoot or in a vehicle, we will never resist arrest, particularly by committing battery on a law enforcement officer; we will in every instance immediately comply with orders given by a law enforcement officer." Were such a decree signed and lived up to, cases of excess force would likely decrease 95% in 3 to 5 years.
What is lacking is a demand that "the black community" sign a consent decree that says "we will never run from a police officer - afoot or in a vehicle, we will never resist arrest, particularly by committing battery on a law enforcement officer; we will in every instance immediately comply with orders given by a law enforcement officer." Were such a decree signed and lived up to, cases of excess force would likely decrease 95% in 3 to 5 years.
5
Only the "black community" George? Go read the Constitution including the Bill of Rights, it is meant to apply to the "black community."
5
So you condone the excessive use of force on unarmed civilians?
5
"We will never resist arrest...." Are you kidding? Try reading some of the stories of wrongful arrests in the Black community before you ask for such a stupid promise.
4
In 1990 or so an off-duty Cleveland policeman put a gun to my head while I was stopped , in mid-day at a light near a construction site, in my car and threatened to shoot. What followed was one of the worst days in my long life. Eventually all charges were dropped. But it was me vs. the police and the officer lied in black and white (written record) about what happened e.g. no mention he pulled a gun. I reported this when there was an outside investigation of the police force in Cleveland a year later. I have always believed if it had been night or if I had been African-American, the outcome would have been far worse. And when the Rodney King case happened in L.A. a year or so later, I was in tears and believed him implicitly.
10
@ Ellen NicKenzie Lawson - "In 1990 or so an off-duty Cleveland policeman put a gun to my head while I was stopped , in mid-day at a light near a construction site, in my car and threatened to shoot. What followed..."
Never mind what followed, please tell us what actions preceded the "off-duty Cleveland policeman put a gun to my head"? Why?
Never mind what followed, please tell us what actions preceded the "off-duty Cleveland policeman put a gun to my head"? Why?
They shouldn't be shooting non violent offenders who flee. Cops are supposed to catch people, not shoot them down when they are fleeing. This does not apply to violent offenders who have just committed violent crimes and who have weapons. Our Atlanta cops always ran down the defendants on foot.
3
police abuse white people too. I remember some years back watching a Portland, OR police officer handcuff a white man. The cop had the guy against his the police car. The suspect never struggled but I assumed he said something that mad the cop mad because the cop suddenly swung his foot hard against the suspect's leg while pulling the suspect from the shoulder the opposite direction. The suspect plunge against the asphalt head first. I was 75-feet away, but could hear the suspect's head strike the asphalt. The susoect lay motionless. I know several white people beaten severely and unnecessarily by Portland Police. Abuse by police is a potential problem for all colors, but much more common for dark skinned or featured people. Enough is enough. Reform is long overdue.
12
This does not touch the prosecutors, judges or the courts who are equally as bad.
3
No, that's a different problem
They should stop calling it the Justice Department and start calling it the Settlement Department.
4
There really does need to be national standards on data collection of the use of police force.
That said, requiring that there be a report every time a gun is unholstered is ridiculous. For data collection to be valid it needs to be reasonable and not a burden.
That said, requiring that there be a report every time a gun is unholstered is ridiculous. For data collection to be valid it needs to be reasonable and not a burden.
1
A good start - but when are Whites going to start dealing with their fear of People of Color.
4
When people of color stop intimidating
1
Possibly ... when some, but certainly not all ... stop frightening us.
Oh dear. Superior Whites frightened by inferior Black people. How sad.
Perhaps Whites should not have started the intimidation, in the first place, then Whites would have nothing to fear but their own self-hatred.
Perhaps Whites should not have started the intimidation, in the first place, then Whites would have nothing to fear but their own self-hatred.
This is rich.
The Obama Administration is making statements about things that are unconstitutional.
Wow
The Obama Administration is making statements about things that are unconstitutional.
Wow
5
All my congratulations to the police department of Cleveland we hope that they are implemented in other states
2
The obvious question: Given the problems with police tactics across our country why are these common-sense standards not adopted and/or mandated for all police departments?
6
According to studies of police personality, those hired generally possess positive characteristics making them strong candidates to successfully fulfill their job responsibilities. Racism is not prevalent. Over time, however, common negative characteristics emerge which have come to characterize "the police personality". These include:
distrustful of outsiders
cynical
conservative (not necessarily politically, but rather resistant to change)
suspicious
pessimistic
pragmatic
prejudicial
and holding other widely-shared attitudes about and beyond the mainstream view.
In other words, those hired show high potential that is often lost on the job. It isn't that police officers are inherently racist, it's that their job conditions bring out multiple negative characteristics. That suggests to me that it would be constructive to empathize with individual officers and seek to reform the system at large.
distrustful of outsiders
cynical
conservative (not necessarily politically, but rather resistant to change)
suspicious
pessimistic
pragmatic
prejudicial
and holding other widely-shared attitudes about and beyond the mainstream view.
In other words, those hired show high potential that is often lost on the job. It isn't that police officers are inherently racist, it's that their job conditions bring out multiple negative characteristics. That suggests to me that it would be constructive to empathize with individual officers and seek to reform the system at large.
5
This bad relationship between the police and Afro-Americans has been going on for centuries, before the birth of this nation starting with Slave Patrols.
I cannot see how rules and regulations are going to change the police culture of bleeding blue, never snitching which protects the very few but deadly bad police and using deadly force as the first response when confronting a Black male or other minorities.
Saying "I feared for my life" (along with "he reached for my gun" or reaching for anything) has become a free-get-out-of-jail Card.
When police officers are back walking beats with back up, involved in the community doing policing functions (sport, outreach program, big brother) and can distinguish who is good from bad, then this relationship has a chance. This will lead to the community protecting and communicating with the police. Both the police and the community know trust. They now need to learn how to trust each other.
Finally, "Pistol whipping is prohibited….” So pistol whipping was okay before this agreement?
I cannot see how rules and regulations are going to change the police culture of bleeding blue, never snitching which protects the very few but deadly bad police and using deadly force as the first response when confronting a Black male or other minorities.
Saying "I feared for my life" (along with "he reached for my gun" or reaching for anything) has become a free-get-out-of-jail Card.
When police officers are back walking beats with back up, involved in the community doing policing functions (sport, outreach program, big brother) and can distinguish who is good from bad, then this relationship has a chance. This will lead to the community protecting and communicating with the police. Both the police and the community know trust. They now need to learn how to trust each other.
Finally, "Pistol whipping is prohibited….” So pistol whipping was okay before this agreement?
5
Even though we have a problem we still have forign goverments running show we need to be american first a goverment of the people. england still has a influence to where we are 2nd class ,in the side line they still look at minorites as a lesser people ,but they bought a few that play the game
These rules should apply to every police department in the country.
2
There were 29 shot and 9 dead in Baltimore and the 56 shot and 12 dead in Chicago during this Memorial Day weekend. The chilling effects of these Justice Department restrictions on urban police may save a few black lives but will result in the deaths and crippling of far more young black men than they will save.
Of course, for the Liberal Media and Liberal Advocacy Groups that result is preferable to the loss of one Michael Brown or one Freddie Gray.
Of course, for the Liberal Media and Liberal Advocacy Groups that result is preferable to the loss of one Michael Brown or one Freddie Gray.
4
Support your claim with facts
29 shot, 9 dead in bloody Memorial Day weekend in Baltimore
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/05/26/2-shot-dead-in-bloody-memorial-day-...
56 shot, 12 killed in violent Memorial Day weekend in Chicago
http://wgntv.com/2015/05/26/56-shot-12-killed-in-violent-memorial-day-we...
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/05/26/2-shot-dead-in-bloody-memorial-day-...
56 shot, 12 killed in violent Memorial Day weekend in Chicago
http://wgntv.com/2015/05/26/56-shot-12-killed-in-violent-memorial-day-we...
I have lived in the "inner city" in the northeast. The solution must start somewhere, and police departments are one good place to start. The police, after all, are (at least we used to think) charged with keeping the peace and enforcing the laws.
But to your point, yes, young men of color will continue to kill each other for some time. Why? Because they have also been ingrained/brainwashed by the larger (inherently & historically racist) society/culture, and they too have learned that Black lives DON'T matter. They learn this in school, at home, on the street, and when they look for a job.
As I said, I lived in an inner city for almost 20 years. I'm a white woman. I felt safe most of the time. Why? I was usually seen as a teacher or social worker or health care provider. (I am nor ever was any of these.) I also did not portray any sense of generalized fear. (In fact, as a homeowner, what I was most afraid of was White speculators/slumlords.) Just once I had an issue with an undercover police officer, who spoke rudely to me and started to behave belligerently. My response was that as a taxpayer I paid his salary and he worked for me, so he'd better knock it off. I remember his partners pulling him away and telling him to calm down.
If you've never lived in a racially and socioeconomically diverse community, you probably have no idea how lucky you were to be born white in America.
But to your point, yes, young men of color will continue to kill each other for some time. Why? Because they have also been ingrained/brainwashed by the larger (inherently & historically racist) society/culture, and they too have learned that Black lives DON'T matter. They learn this in school, at home, on the street, and when they look for a job.
As I said, I lived in an inner city for almost 20 years. I'm a white woman. I felt safe most of the time. Why? I was usually seen as a teacher or social worker or health care provider. (I am nor ever was any of these.) I also did not portray any sense of generalized fear. (In fact, as a homeowner, what I was most afraid of was White speculators/slumlords.) Just once I had an issue with an undercover police officer, who spoke rudely to me and started to behave belligerently. My response was that as a taxpayer I paid his salary and he worked for me, so he'd better knock it off. I remember his partners pulling him away and telling him to calm down.
If you've never lived in a racially and socioeconomically diverse community, you probably have no idea how lucky you were to be born white in America.
Peter Moskos, who is extremely pro-police, is worried that some officers might get disciplined if they forget to fill out forms. Huh? How is that different from any other job? It's a small price to pay for preventing more murders by police...
18
The police could not determine that not a single shot had been fired by the 'suspects,' sent dozens of patrol cars after one vehicle, fired over a hundred rounds and killed two unarmed people. Who was in charge of the operation?
If this isn't incompetent police performance, what is? Shooting up pre-school? How many of the 100+ shots missed the vehicle and endangered other people?
Blindly condoning any police action no matter how outrageous is "not" supporting the police. It's supporting out-of-control police misbehavior that makes people fear the police and not want to cooperate with them. The criminals could not be happier. It makes good cops' jobs harder.
If this isn't incompetent police performance, what is? Shooting up pre-school? How many of the 100+ shots missed the vehicle and endangered other people?
Blindly condoning any police action no matter how outrageous is "not" supporting the police. It's supporting out-of-control police misbehavior that makes people fear the police and not want to cooperate with them. The criminals could not be happier. It makes good cops' jobs harder.
20
These are scary times. We have irresponsible politicians (and a president) who encourage anti-police demonstrators who invariably begin looting. Those who fight with police, flee from police, and curse police are now treated like heroes. And every other day we read of another police officer killed in the line of duty-- the attorney general and president are eerily silent about those deaths.
These are scary times. This country has allowed mob rule to set policy. I'm not sure how long young Americans will opt to become police officers. Sad.
These are scary times. This country has allowed mob rule to set policy. I'm not sure how long young Americans will opt to become police officers. Sad.
15
I hope that "Jose Cuervo" doesn't believe that what he calls "anti-police demonstrators" "invariably begin looting," because that's demonstrably false, in two important ways: (1) these are not "anti-police demonstrators - they are protesting state violence enacted by the police and tolerated by the political and social power structure; and (2) of the hundreds of demonstrations since Michael Brown was murdered, police and protestors have "clashed" (in the media's agent-less framing) on a scale that led to looting twice.
Furthermore, if "every other day we read of another police officer killed in the line of duty," then we must be reading about the same ones over and over again. Every death is a loss, and the taking of anyone's life is a tragedy for all involved. Since January 1 of 2015, 16 law enforcement officers have been shot and killed by suspects -- and two of these 16 were dogs, not humans. This includes all levels of law enforcement throughout the United States, including Housing Authority Police, Sheriffs' Deputies, Tribal Police, Local Police, U.S. Marshals with the Justice Department, and so on. These statistics are provided by a very respectful website dedicated to memorializing fallen officers, the Officer Down Memorial Page - www.odmp.org
If you read about police being killed in the line of duty "every other day," you are reading fiction.
Police violence against people of color is real. It's state-sponsored terror. And it needs to stop.
Furthermore, if "every other day we read of another police officer killed in the line of duty," then we must be reading about the same ones over and over again. Every death is a loss, and the taking of anyone's life is a tragedy for all involved. Since January 1 of 2015, 16 law enforcement officers have been shot and killed by suspects -- and two of these 16 were dogs, not humans. This includes all levels of law enforcement throughout the United States, including Housing Authority Police, Sheriffs' Deputies, Tribal Police, Local Police, U.S. Marshals with the Justice Department, and so on. These statistics are provided by a very respectful website dedicated to memorializing fallen officers, the Officer Down Memorial Page - www.odmp.org
If you read about police being killed in the line of duty "every other day," you are reading fiction.
Police violence against people of color is real. It's state-sponsored terror. And it needs to stop.
4
It is the American way to protest abuses by government. No political leaders have encouraged or condoned looting and violence. Unfortunately, cops do die in the line of duty. And when this happens politicians always speak out in support of police, attend funerals etc. Fox so-called News may say otherwise, but that is right-wing propaganda. These are scary times when educated people cannot parse propaganda from fact.
3
Mr. Cuervo, your perceptions are not necessarily accurate. Pres. Obama was anything but "silent" regarding the deaths of police killed in the line of duty. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/21/nyregion/two-police-officers-shot-in-t...
I have not seen anyone praise lottery - certainly not political leaders. Despite what so-called Fox Mews says, maybe socity isn't breaking down.
I have not seen anyone praise lottery - certainly not political leaders. Despite what so-called Fox Mews says, maybe socity isn't breaking down.
Police in many big cities use excessive force, in order to claim the respect of the ghetto inhabitants. The new rules state:
"The new rules in Cleveland prohibit officers from using force against people for talking back or as punishment for running away. "
When a police officer is spotted entering a ghetto neighborhood, all the young men, without exception, run away in all directions. If the police are able to catch one of those young men, they beat him senseless, sometimes causing serious injuries. That is extra-judicial punishment for something that is not a crime. (Running from the police is not punishable by law.)
The police need to learn that they are not a law onto themselves, free to beat up anyone who displeases them.
"The new rules in Cleveland prohibit officers from using force against people for talking back or as punishment for running away. "
When a police officer is spotted entering a ghetto neighborhood, all the young men, without exception, run away in all directions. If the police are able to catch one of those young men, they beat him senseless, sometimes causing serious injuries. That is extra-judicial punishment for something that is not a crime. (Running from the police is not punishable by law.)
The police need to learn that they are not a law onto themselves, free to beat up anyone who displeases them.
16
"A fundamental goal of the revised use of force policy will be to account for, review and investigate every reportable use of force". This measure was agreed upon despite, as the the article goes on to state, the lack of data surrounding the use of force by the police.
The fact there is no data on the use of force also means that the officials in the justice department have no clue as to the nature of the use of force by the police, and are under the impression that each case needs to be investigated as if it were a crime.
However in fact use of force is so par for the job that every arrest is written down as with or without incident, incident meaning the arrest required the use of force. And very often force is used just to apprehend a subject who is suspected of being involved in a crime.
And not only are these officials clueless about the nature of police work, they have a total disconnect with the reality in what investigating each instance of use of force entails. Every investigation is a time consuming process that takes lots of time and manpower. Yet they expect a city police department to have all the resources to take on this task.
There is of course no way this will happen. The Cleveland police department agreed not to fight this oversight because they wanted the federal government off their backs. With this option it is reduced to paperwork correspondence over their compliance, which they found to be the more preferred option. And so the issue is resolved.
The fact there is no data on the use of force also means that the officials in the justice department have no clue as to the nature of the use of force by the police, and are under the impression that each case needs to be investigated as if it were a crime.
However in fact use of force is so par for the job that every arrest is written down as with or without incident, incident meaning the arrest required the use of force. And very often force is used just to apprehend a subject who is suspected of being involved in a crime.
And not only are these officials clueless about the nature of police work, they have a total disconnect with the reality in what investigating each instance of use of force entails. Every investigation is a time consuming process that takes lots of time and manpower. Yet they expect a city police department to have all the resources to take on this task.
There is of course no way this will happen. The Cleveland police department agreed not to fight this oversight because they wanted the federal government off their backs. With this option it is reduced to paperwork correspondence over their compliance, which they found to be the more preferred option. And so the issue is resolved.
4
Thank heavens the Cleveland police department has accepted these tough standards. I hope they adhere to them. These changes are long overdue. Hopefully these standards will be applied in all other cities.
5
It would help for the report to include some details on the new measures and how the police and local communities think they would work.
1
Check back in six months. We will see if criminals kill more people as the cops will be prevented from being proactive.
10
Right. We'll also see if the relationship between the police and citizens becomes less adversarial, and Cleveland more peaceful. Let's hope for this.
"Proactive"? You mean assaulting citizens before there is any reasonable suspicion of criminal behavior? You mean assaulting citizens because you and the police think that it's a crime to be black?
This looks to me like a very good development for the Cleveland police department. I think they will come to realize that the level of violence they employ now is not helping them do their job. As they de-escalate, they will probably find that their ability to protect themselves and control difficult situations is not diminished. Their fear of the population will decrease. They'll experience less resentment and resistance from civilians, and they'll start to get more cooperation in solving crimes. I'll bet this is a step that many police officers have wanted to take for a long time, but were afraid to initiate without support and, let's face it, coercion. Now we get to find out whether it's a wise move or not. But viewing this simply as an attack on the police is narrow-minded. If this program works, the police will gain tremendously, along with the community.
6
Police unions cannot be allowed to control discipline that is necessary and reasonable. In Philadelphia police unions prevented bright enlightened supervisors and police chiefs like John Timoney from accomplishing many of the changes they want and need. Of course, in all large city police departments there are high ranking supervisors who never worked hard on the street to really learn about what street cops face every day. These incompetent supervisors spent their time studying for promotion instead of learning to be good cops and good public servants. The best reformers are those, like Frank Serpico, who were very good at the job, fearless in fighting crime and criminals, but who knew their job was to serve the public, not promote their own ambitions. The two are often in conflict, and this will always be a problem as long as test taking is the only path to promotion. How about 50% of a promotion test based on police activity on the street serving the public and 50% by civil service test. Only good active cops should be able to be promoted to supervisor. That's what my 30 years with the NYPD taught me.
9
I'm not so sure this goes beyond the first paragraph. It's kind of a PSA showing resolve to get tough. Getting tough on whatever; it just sounds generic. Great! I hope it's more than lip service. Will there be followup reporting on this? Considering the political blather besetting the nation in the run-up to 2016, these stories don't have a chance of much more than what you see here.
1
Obama's Justice Department is determined to weaken the nation's police forces. DOJ wants it to be a fair fight between the police and the criminals. As for the innocent civilians who lose their police protection, that's their problem.
10
"DOJ wants a fair fight between police and criminals" Does anyone really believe that federal law officials want criminals to hurt cops? If so, we have a propoganda problem in America that threatens to pull us apart.
Oh please, enough with the Obama stuff. Turn off Fox, get some fresh air.
So upholding the Law within the parameters of the Law weakens police forces. Please explain.
Our lives changed in so many ways after September 11, 2001. Police tactics have changed over the years. In the halcyon days, long before 9/11, police knew people, they knew their turf, they lived there, and they had a lot of friends in various neighborhoods. Later, as transportation and communication improved, more distance was made between a cop and his beat. Along came the batons. That also worked, and police were better at unarmed self-defense. Then came the taser guns and, I surmise, more distance and more injuries to police and to criminals and innocents. After 9/11 the policy was more about shooting. If you examine statistics you will see more bullets fired by police.
There are good cops and bad cops. The smarter ones are the better ones.
The FBI is the platinum standard, and all police should emulate the FBI. Take less overtime for managing XY and Z, and hire a few good lawyers to keep watch and to advise police on where the boundaries are. Also, police would do well to focus on fitness and self-defense tactics more than guns. In a lot of cases guns are not necessary.
I have a harsh and relentless distaste and loathing for criminals. To the criminals, I say this: "stop breaking the law. You will be caught. If you are under arrest, then simply lie face down and surrender. Don't resist. Running or speeding away can well be the end of you. DO NOT RESIST ARREST AND OVER TIME THIS BAD SITUATION WILL BEGIN TO HEAL."
Most police are brave and honorable.
There are good cops and bad cops. The smarter ones are the better ones.
The FBI is the platinum standard, and all police should emulate the FBI. Take less overtime for managing XY and Z, and hire a few good lawyers to keep watch and to advise police on where the boundaries are. Also, police would do well to focus on fitness and self-defense tactics more than guns. In a lot of cases guns are not necessary.
I have a harsh and relentless distaste and loathing for criminals. To the criminals, I say this: "stop breaking the law. You will be caught. If you are under arrest, then simply lie face down and surrender. Don't resist. Running or speeding away can well be the end of you. DO NOT RESIST ARREST AND OVER TIME THIS BAD SITUATION WILL BEGIN TO HEAL."
Most police are brave and honorable.
3
So since the Justice department found evidence of many instances of inappropriate use of force, which as far as I can tell constitutes assault and attempted murder, I trust we will be hearing soon about charges being brought against the perpetrators...somehow I think we are in for a long wait...
6
"Cleveland has agreed to document every time officers so much as unholster their guns."
When I was a kid growing up in the 60's in Philadelphia, one of my friends dad was a cop. He told me years later that his dad never once took his gun out of his holster in the 20 years that he was a police officer. What happened?
When I was a kid growing up in the 60's in Philadelphia, one of my friends dad was a cop. He told me years later that his dad never once took his gun out of his holster in the 20 years that he was a police officer. What happened?
7
According to FBI statistics, a black crime wave.
1
the perps got more lawless and protected by a federal government that has learned how to buy their votes with money and racism.
Strict rules of force apply to neighbors, foreigners, and bad cops. Drones, SEALS, and American politicians invent American standards.
Reform is a good start. How about firing the bottom 10% of officers? 3%? 1%? Send a message about what bad policing is.
I do not know the stats for Cleveland, but according to the Civilian Review Board for NYC, of the roughly 35,000 officers:
20% or 7,000 have zero brutality claims
40% or 14,000 have 1 brutality claim
1,000 or about 3% have 10 or more brutality claims, including one with 51 complaints.
Also, police filing "resisting arrest charges" are often trumped up charges that mask brutality. 5% of officers file 40% of "resisting arrest" while 15% file 75% of such charges.
Cross check the list of brutality charges against the "resisting arrest" filers and you surely have a worst 1% in NYC that, when let go, will result in fewer civilian beat downs and lower civil settlements.
Surely, some statistics like that exist in Cleveland about the worst 1% of officers...
I do not know the stats for Cleveland, but according to the Civilian Review Board for NYC, of the roughly 35,000 officers:
20% or 7,000 have zero brutality claims
40% or 14,000 have 1 brutality claim
1,000 or about 3% have 10 or more brutality claims, including one with 51 complaints.
Also, police filing "resisting arrest charges" are often trumped up charges that mask brutality. 5% of officers file 40% of "resisting arrest" while 15% file 75% of such charges.
Cross check the list of brutality charges against the "resisting arrest" filers and you surely have a worst 1% in NYC that, when let go, will result in fewer civilian beat downs and lower civil settlements.
Surely, some statistics like that exist in Cleveland about the worst 1% of officers...
14
With the serious criminal element in cleveland, these new rules will insure that there are more killings and crime in cleveland than ever before. The DOJ has made a huge mistake in interfering with local police. Look at the results in other locations like Baltimore and Chicago, with black on black murders now at an all time record. This federal interference is dangerous and must be stopped.
15
Seriously? You advocate more of the same old same old? You have no problems with cops continuously killing unarmed blacks across the nation? Unbelievable. Where is the logic in not trying to improve things? You think local police departments with long records of unconstitutional abuse of citizens they are supposed to protect and serve can fix their own problems with no federal oversight? What world are you living in?
8
Yes... by all means let the police continue with their brutality without interference... I mean really... their the police.. how could they possibly be abusing their power?
5
Said a guy who does not live in Cleveland. What is your final solution for all those troublesome poor people
War on drugs destroyed USA in a very insidious way... in order to reduce this fictional malaise hitting streets, police departments used increasingly violent methods against minorities starting on 60s.
When arrest rates climbed, minorities broken family structures lead to gangs popping up everywhere.
Police departments general solution: Use even more violence targeting same minority groups to quell the violence they created in the first place.
This cycle destroyed both minority communities as well as departments.
As long as there is a war on drug honey pot law enforcement agencies can dip to keep their humongous budgets operating, political stooges at the top of these hierarchies continue on this endless cycle of violence.
Solution: Admit that we lost the war on drug and move on... legalize drugs, stop being the nanny state.
Some of us may die of a drug overdose that is a given but maybe it is preferably to most of us dying on drive by shootings or brutalized at the hands of cops?
When arrest rates climbed, minorities broken family structures lead to gangs popping up everywhere.
Police departments general solution: Use even more violence targeting same minority groups to quell the violence they created in the first place.
This cycle destroyed both minority communities as well as departments.
As long as there is a war on drug honey pot law enforcement agencies can dip to keep their humongous budgets operating, political stooges at the top of these hierarchies continue on this endless cycle of violence.
Solution: Admit that we lost the war on drug and move on... legalize drugs, stop being the nanny state.
Some of us may die of a drug overdose that is a given but maybe it is preferably to most of us dying on drive by shootings or brutalized at the hands of cops?
5
The majority of Cleveland police want to do their jobs professionally, safely and within the constitution of the United States. The consent decree is a starting point where community and police can come together to get the best outcomes for all. Yes, there have been problems but the people and police of Cleveland have more than proven themselves in terms of getting into the trenches to solve those problems for the good of the city. They only need look to the south at the city of Cincinnati to see what can happen when police and the community work together. This is not an all or none for either the police or the citizens of Cleveland but a call to solve problems and move forward.
2
D-I-S-B-A-N-D the Cleveland police force then rehire and retrain...
7
This is one of those jobs that everyone who has ever watched an episode of Law and Order or Cops knows how to do. Unfortunately, none of us actually have had to do it, therefore most comments are innuendo, biased opinion or conjecture.
Imagine standing in a uniform so that everyone knows who you are, in a high crime neighborhood at night confronting a car full of people, in the vicinity of a shooting.....,most would think who are they, what are they doing. I would not want to be placed in this position, I suppose most of you dont either, and I would almost guarantee that the members of the Civil Right Division or the staff at the NYT would not want to do it either. Eventually, most cops will no longer want to do it either, and when that happens, probably to the delight of the progressive groups, there will be anarchy.
Imagine standing in a uniform so that everyone knows who you are, in a high crime neighborhood at night confronting a car full of people, in the vicinity of a shooting.....,most would think who are they, what are they doing. I would not want to be placed in this position, I suppose most of you dont either, and I would almost guarantee that the members of the Civil Right Division or the staff at the NYT would not want to do it either. Eventually, most cops will no longer want to do it either, and when that happens, probably to the delight of the progressive groups, there will be anarchy.
17
This is simply not so, given the number of police-civilian interactions that occur. In the rural South in the 1950s/60s, citizens knew who the mean and most violent deputies were--those most likely to use force, abuse their power, and even commit rape against women in and out of custody--it was not "conjecture," but common knowledge based on repeated incidents.
Likewise, the sheer number of contacts in many cities are sound evidence. In 4 years, 2600 persons in custody refused by Baltimore's jailers is case-by-case evidence well beyond "conjecture" that Baltimore has a severe problem with abuse and excessive force, further validated by the match of injuries, broken bones, head and serious eye injuries, and over 100+ shootings.
Add taped documentation and the complicity of supervisors and justice personnel, and the emerging picture is clear and persuasive.
This re-writing of history as an interior monologue, unknowable unless you are a cop, distorts common sense and simple observation: the claims, often repeated verbatim, far exceeded cases or consequences for acts that ranged from out of compliance with department regulations to blatantly illegal and criminal.
As one NYT commenter said this week: "It’s what’s cops do best--not admitting error, self-styling themselves as misunderstood heroes and characterizing every criticism as unfair, naive and unpatriotic." Add blame the victims.
Lastly, my brother was a cop and FOP officer, 25 years. I have a firsthand source.
Likewise, the sheer number of contacts in many cities are sound evidence. In 4 years, 2600 persons in custody refused by Baltimore's jailers is case-by-case evidence well beyond "conjecture" that Baltimore has a severe problem with abuse and excessive force, further validated by the match of injuries, broken bones, head and serious eye injuries, and over 100+ shootings.
Add taped documentation and the complicity of supervisors and justice personnel, and the emerging picture is clear and persuasive.
This re-writing of history as an interior monologue, unknowable unless you are a cop, distorts common sense and simple observation: the claims, often repeated verbatim, far exceeded cases or consequences for acts that ranged from out of compliance with department regulations to blatantly illegal and criminal.
As one NYT commenter said this week: "It’s what’s cops do best--not admitting error, self-styling themselves as misunderstood heroes and characterizing every criticism as unfair, naive and unpatriotic." Add blame the victims.
Lastly, my brother was a cop and FOP officer, 25 years. I have a firsthand source.
5
I've seen the videos of the police who have killed citizens. I don't see the scenarios you listed in your post. And even in high population areas, there is no reason to behave in a dangerous or improper manner.
If you don't want to be placed in that position, of course, don't do it. For those who want to be in that position, get the best training possible and do it without disregard for human life.
If you don't want to be placed in that position, of course, don't do it. For those who want to be in that position, get the best training possible and do it without disregard for human life.
2
If anarchy is the absence of government, then I think you've misidentified the group pushing toward it. Progressives aren't the ones clamoring for less government.
1
The police have a job to do and that is to protect the public. When the public becomes more important than the law anarchy reigns. Look at Baltimore. A mayor out of her league demeaning the police that are protecting the town. If the do gooders want police restraint let them get out on the streets and show the police how to do it. They will not and should not be given right to speak.
15
Idiotic synopsis police have themselves to blame let's take away their lethal weapons instead of trying to turn every city into a West Virginia
6
If you think shooting unarmed people who have committed no crimes multiple times is "the law," then you are the one abusing your right to speak.
4
Well, that's the thing, isn't it. In many cases they are not protecting the public. They are killing innocent people and have been for a long while and getting away with it clean. It's time to put a stop to it, whatever it takes.
3
There is no issue/problem/situation in America, for which Obama and his Justice Dept don't see a Federal Government solution for.
Incredible.
When will the Federal Government start enforcing dog ordinances?
Incredible.
When will the Federal Government start enforcing dog ordinances?
12
If state and city governments could oversee their local police and stop them killing innocents, why don't they? It's obvious to me they can't or won't ever. So who else is going to be new sheriff in town and clean things up? The UN? The Hague? Nope. The Feds have always been the big dog that gets called when local politics trample on human rights. Read up on the 60's.
4
@Ron "The Feds have always been the big dog that gets called when local politics trample on human rights. Read up on the 60's."
Interesting how we had riots in the 60s and rioting now. Interesting how the Feds forced busing solutions destroyed our big cities. Interesting how the Feds "war on drugs", civil forfeiture, etc locked up and/or killed Americans by the millions.
Are you really sure, the cure is better than the disease?
Interesting how we had riots in the 60s and rioting now. Interesting how the Feds forced busing solutions destroyed our big cities. Interesting how the Feds "war on drugs", civil forfeiture, etc locked up and/or killed Americans by the millions.
Are you really sure, the cure is better than the disease?
1
@ Baron95 What about the postitive results? Blacks can now vote. Blacks aren't lynched at the rate of 1 every four days. Blacks can now walk down the street without having to step off the sidewalk to make room for white folks. A black man can now look in the direction of a white woman without worrying about being dragged out and lynched in the middle of the night. Blacks can now sit at the front of the bus, go into any restaurant and get served, and on and on and on. Do you think the South could have gotten these results without Federal intervention? I don't think so. This was forced cultural change and it worked.
1
The Baltimore police are on a working strike. This kind of action has been seen many times, many places across the country. (LA: 1992, Ferguson, 2014, New Orleans, 2005, Baltimore, April 27, 2015, etc.) It is used as a threat: if we don't get what we want, you don't get anything. It appears that hard core criminals, most likely drug runners, have quickly caught on and are taking massive advantage of the virtual police strike.
The Federal government intervened in Cleveland, ah..because...you..know...that little thing called a constitution, which was long ago ruled as a superior power over the states.
No one is forcing the police to back down. No one will attack or criticize an officer who shoots someone to save his life or that of the public.
This should not be a liberal/conservative matter. In fact, conservatives, loving as they say they do the rule of law and our constitution, should be in the forefront of demands for restraint. But, in fact, American conservatives are not actually conservative. They are royalists whose primary goal is the protection of established powers and established economic class standing. They wish above all to "conserve" the existing order without challenges.
If the Baltimore police force believes they can't enforce the laws, then the entire force should be fired. By the way, I was on the streets of Baltimore checking things out the night of the riots, April 27th.
The Federal government intervened in Cleveland, ah..because...you..know...that little thing called a constitution, which was long ago ruled as a superior power over the states.
No one is forcing the police to back down. No one will attack or criticize an officer who shoots someone to save his life or that of the public.
This should not be a liberal/conservative matter. In fact, conservatives, loving as they say they do the rule of law and our constitution, should be in the forefront of demands for restraint. But, in fact, American conservatives are not actually conservative. They are royalists whose primary goal is the protection of established powers and established economic class standing. They wish above all to "conserve" the existing order without challenges.
If the Baltimore police force believes they can't enforce the laws, then the entire force should be fired. By the way, I was on the streets of Baltimore checking things out the night of the riots, April 27th.
11
How many bottles did you "check out" of that trashed liquor store?
3
None, thank you. What I was mainly interested in seeing was the police response, of which I have made an informal study down through the years. Besides, by the time I got there, the looting was done. I only put the reference to having been there on the comment above because it was written as a response to another posting.
The rules are excellent but the enforcement thereof is inadequate. Until criminal prosecution of rule violators is regular pursued, the abuses will not be sufficiently discouraged.
4
Tamir Rice, a twelve year old boy is gunned down in cold blood by police. The police kill two unarmed individuals because their car back-fired (137 bullets later). To read most of the comments here, those deaths are unimportant - what really matters, is that police cannot do this blatantly anymore. It would be unbelievable, but this the USA, where white racism and white fear rule the day (I say this in response to many of the commenters).
14
This is another one of those Liberal "panaceas" that will not work.
Wait and see how violent crimes soar... I feel sorry for the Black and other minority people in these neighborhoods who will not be able to go out on the streets for fear of being caught up in gang and other violence...
... As for the Police, why should they risk their lives by taking any overt action to counteract any violent crimes if everytime they take action they will have to basically "stand trial"
Duty you say..? Let the Politicians worry about Duty...
Wait and see how violent crimes soar... I feel sorry for the Black and other minority people in these neighborhoods who will not be able to go out on the streets for fear of being caught up in gang and other violence...
... As for the Police, why should they risk their lives by taking any overt action to counteract any violent crimes if everytime they take action they will have to basically "stand trial"
Duty you say..? Let the Politicians worry about Duty...
10
So let's let the police have complete reign. Is that your solution? No rules, no accountability. If you look at a cop wrong, you can die. Why not let's give them all fully automatic weapons with a license to kill anyone they deem fit? Sounds good to conservatives I guess. That should clean up the streets and make them safe for who?
2
Why is it that you don't feel sorry for those same "Black and other minority people" who are law-abiding and afraid of setting foot on the streets for fear of being mistreated or killed by the police?
Regarding your question of why the police should risk their lives counteracting crime? The answer to that one is simple; IT IS THEIR JOB to do so! If they can't or don't want to fight crime, while also obeying the law, they should find another line of work.
Regarding your question of why the police should risk their lives counteracting crime? The answer to that one is simple; IT IS THEIR JOB to do so! If they can't or don't want to fight crime, while also obeying the law, they should find another line of work.
1
So talking back and running away, driving a car that backfires, selling loose cigarettes are considered violent crimes?
It's melodramatic to say every time they [police] take action they will have to basically "stand trial". Police just have to explain why they reacted as they did - why is that such a big deal? Everyone else in any other job has to defend their actions and especially if it leads to abuse, discrimination and death.
It's melodramatic to say every time they [police] take action they will have to basically "stand trial". Police just have to explain why they reacted as they did - why is that such a big deal? Everyone else in any other job has to defend their actions and especially if it leads to abuse, discrimination and death.
This comment is only for the use and memory of those old enough to remember cartoonist Bill Mauldin and his two prime characters, Willie and Joe, the lowly GIs during WW2. In their foxhole while the bombardments are still going on, Willie turns to Joe and says: "Got your body camera on, Joe?"
3
Have the self righteous ideologues in Justice Department Civil Rights Division ever had to arrest a violent, out of control individual?
15
Have you? Before you answer, because it can't really truly be verified that you did, remeber that is human being being arrested and the police are not given a license to kill undesirables (by you or Fox).
1
One of the root causes of conflict between cops and citizens is personality. Cops are trained to be unemotional, unflinching, and regimented people just like the military. The trouble is, the vast majority of people are emotional and full of the imperfections of human nature. This conflict gives rise to desires by the cops to "Bring people in line" and to act like them. When the cops don't like human behaviors, they tell the legislators of governments to pass laws outlawing that human nature. The relationship betwen political leaders and the police is an intimate one in which an adversarial stance is taken and a desire to "Control" the public becomes their goal. The political leaders and the cops are socially isolated from the public. It's a "Them and us" attitude on the part of both cops and citizens.
What is truly needed are incentives for cops to mentor the public to do what is right and good just like parents teach their kids right and wrong. Unfortunately, when kids are grown up, the parents are absent and the cops are those overseeing people's behavior. Then that regimented versus fun loving conflict is evident.
There is an implied quota for arrests in all police departments as their performance determines cops advancement and pay raises. This is the problem to address to cool off the animosity that now exists between the cops and the people. Change the evaluation criteria for cops and cops should remember people are still just human. More forgiveness is in order.
What is truly needed are incentives for cops to mentor the public to do what is right and good just like parents teach their kids right and wrong. Unfortunately, when kids are grown up, the parents are absent and the cops are those overseeing people's behavior. Then that regimented versus fun loving conflict is evident.
There is an implied quota for arrests in all police departments as their performance determines cops advancement and pay raises. This is the problem to address to cool off the animosity that now exists between the cops and the people. Change the evaluation criteria for cops and cops should remember people are still just human. More forgiveness is in order.
3
Boy! Am I glad to see that! EVERY law enforcement officer around the U.S. should be required to wear a Body Camera! Such wearing of a body camera will solve every last one of our problems with police conduct, training, discipline, leadership and supervision! I wonder why the military has not discovered that fact? And the Secret Service - you know, with the drunk driving and the sex parties. It also might not be a bad idea for members of Congress and State Legislatures to wear them. But, alas, we do not have enough employees to review what is recorded. Do you suppose the law enforcement people will have enough non-police to review the tapes? I guess that might be a whole new career field for government employees: Law Enforcement Watcher and Determiner of Deeds (LEWDD for short)...........But, of course, it only takes tax dollars to afford enough reviewers, doesn't it?
3
I think the best result of wearing body cameras will be the idea that maybe you need to use some restraint, compassion and professional behavior when dealing with the public if you are a cop. Not going to solve all or most of our problems today with police murdering innocents, but hey, you have to start somewhere.
2
Many thousands gone. Black people serve as the miner’s canary in America.
Always having to die first in order to awaken White America to our humanity and right to exist.
This settlement is an attempt to temper the outrage that will come when the announcement is made that the thug who murdered 12 year Tamir Rice will not prosecuted.
Always having to die first in order to awaken White America to our humanity and right to exist.
This settlement is an attempt to temper the outrage that will come when the announcement is made that the thug who murdered 12 year Tamir Rice will not prosecuted.
7
"“A fundamental goal of the revised use of force policy will be to account for, review, and investigate every reportable use of force,” the agreement says."
Beyond cynicism, what is the point? The cops always walk anyway.
That statement says nothing about any sort of punishment or admonishment of the offending officers. It's empty words.
Beyond cynicism, what is the point? The cops always walk anyway.
That statement says nothing about any sort of punishment or admonishment of the offending officers. It's empty words.
7
Of course, in a court of law, these standards mean nothing. Everyone agreed that the recently acquitted police officer did not follow SOP when he jumped on the hood of that car and fired over a dozen times into the unarmed and defenseless people inside. But the judge ruled that he had reasonable fear for his life, so even though he didn't follow procedure, he couldn't be found guilty.
Until violating police procedures means more than a slap on the wrist for the violators, they're going to cowboy up first, and lawyer up after.
Until violating police procedures means more than a slap on the wrist for the violators, they're going to cowboy up first, and lawyer up after.
12
Why didn't he call for back-up, surround the "threatening" car, order the unarmed occupants to get out and show their registration and licenses? Isn't that more of a standard procedure than jumping on the hood and firing 137 shots into the windshield? What kind of police are we training? Police riding on tanks, armed with AK47's; a cop who doesn't call for back-up, pursues a large kid, gets him on his knees and then shoots him in the arm, chest and head; a cop who puts a man in a choke hold for selling loose cigarettes. This is not police work; this is legalized murder of unarmed civilians. No democracy, or civilized society can sustain this mayhem for long. Bobbies are armed with batons; French police are armed with weighted capes, and both maintain law and order without murdering the civilians they are policing and protecting; the police do not murder civilians in Germany, Italy or The Netherlands.
1
"At a time when the Obama administration has bemoaned the lack of data surrounding the use of force by police, Cleveland has agreed to document every time officers so much as unholster their guns. "
Thanks, Obama. No: seriously. Thanks, Obama.
Thanks, Obama. No: seriously. Thanks, Obama.
8
Activist federal government employees forcing the police to work under the threat of prosecution for doing their jobs. Forcing police to stand down when cofronting criminals, using preventive policing rather than pro active policing. How has this worked in Baltimore? 35 homicides in the past month. May will be the deadliest month in Baltimore history. Most victims were African American. By promoting this type of policing liberals and civil rights activists are showing us that black lives really do not matter that much to them, only the persuit of their agenda and philosophy matters. Same affect on the community as the dependency state they created in the 1960's.
19
Let me guess, one of those family of law enforcement types.
6
Wrong again Josy. But I do sense some dislike and intolerance on your part towards law enforcement and their families. Not very kind of you.
4
"The Justice Department found that police officers here used stun guns inappropriately, punched and kicked unarmed people, and shot at people who posed no threat. "
Asking the police not to do this isn't asking them to "stand down." It's asking them to obey the law and show basic respect for life.
Asking the police not to do this isn't asking them to "stand down." It's asking them to obey the law and show basic respect for life.
10
Quit using the Police Dept. to generate revenue for towns and cities. It leads to continuous harassment.
29
and it leads to the misuse of the justice system whereby only the wealthy can afford not to have fines or go to jail. It will be a great day in America when we stop warehousing the mentally ill in prison... just like in the medieval times.
8
Two throughts. First, crime will be increased in Cleveland. Second, police are being 'federalized', a step that will undermine liberty.
11
What exactly do you mean by liberty? The ability of people in uniform to run roughshod over the disenfranchised? The police should be more federalized. After all, this is one nation, is it not?
3
Strict but probably not impediments to police. Police should not try to instill fear by using more force than is necessary to make an arrest or to get a person under control who is not complying as they have done from time to time with people who mouth off or fight with them. It ends up being street justice administered by police officers rather than law enforcement. Shooting at moving cars is a risky tactic because most bullets will go astray and may strike bystanders. It's probably the case in most cases that the perpetrators will likely be identified and captured or confronted in circumstances easier to control. In some cases where the automobile is being used as a weapon or the occupants of a vehicle are shooting at people, shooting at a vehicle may be necessary to prevent more injuries and deaths.
6
Perhaps it's time for a new social experiment. Disband the police department and give the good citizens of Cleveland the opportunity to police themselves. I'm sure with justice, love of fellow man, reason and kindness the world will see what a peaceful utopia Cleveland can become.
20
Better yet, let's continue with the status quo where police "used stun guns inappropriately" and "punched and kicked unarmed people" and abused citizens who were "no threat" to them. Isn't that what freedom is about?
8
This is just a band-aid to cover up the past injustices perpetrated by the police. They're betting that the public (whom they were supposed to *serve*) will be appeased and forget about the incidents.
Folks, Let's not forget!
Folks, Let's not forget!
13
Pax: I think the best idea wasn't covered in the Justice Department report.
That idea is that all people who are critical of police departments apply for the police academy and do it themselves to show everybody how it is done righ. There sure are a lot of people who are critical, yet the first time they are in trouble they are on the phone dialing 911 and hoping for a police officer will show up right away!
You can divide people into two groups it seems.
1. Police
2. Critics of police who aren't up to doing it themselves.
That idea is that all people who are critical of police departments apply for the police academy and do it themselves to show everybody how it is done righ. There sure are a lot of people who are critical, yet the first time they are in trouble they are on the phone dialing 911 and hoping for a police officer will show up right away!
You can divide people into two groups it seems.
1. Police
2. Critics of police who aren't up to doing it themselves.
6
@Dan,
You forgot the largest group of all, law-abiding citizens who have zero tolerance for criminals... both the civilian and law enforcement variety of criminals.
You forgot the largest group of all, law-abiding citizens who have zero tolerance for criminals... both the civilian and law enforcement variety of criminals.
8
I can't help but think of the people in Baltimore in Freddy Gray's neighborhood who when interviewed said they would not call the police if they were in trouble. They are more afraid of the cops than the crooks.
2
If only the same effort would go into preventing the killing of innocent civilians by criminals. Of course these measures will result in more of these innocent civilians becoming victims.
14
Actually, Garth, preventing the killing of innocent civilians by criminals is given a great deal of effort; it's one of the most important reasons that the vast number of law enforcement agencies and officers exists in the first place. Prisons and corrections of other kinds also receive huge amounts of money to keep violent offenders off the streets in so far as possible. So yes, protecting civilians from criminals does in fact receive much effort and consume many resources. We need also to ensure, however, that the police are also law-abiding, respectful of due process, and well regulated, to help rather than hurt our civil society and the people in it.
8
FINALLY !!!
This should be imposed upon every police department in the nation immediately.
Hopefully it will be administered and enforced by people who fulfill their duty to the people.........unlike most of the prosecutors throughout the nation who violate their duty and protect cops who commit excessive force crimes against citizens.
This should be imposed upon every police department in the nation immediately.
Hopefully it will be administered and enforced by people who fulfill their duty to the people.........unlike most of the prosecutors throughout the nation who violate their duty and protect cops who commit excessive force crimes against citizens.
8
Potentially one of the most important sentences and mechanisms for change
(reported) in my opinion:
“The city has agreed to allow an independent monitor to track its progress.”
Knowing timeframe for expected change before judicial intervention occurs seems reasonable to know.
“If the city does not put into effect the changes called for in the settlement, a federal judge has the authority to demand them.”
(reported) in my opinion:
“The city has agreed to allow an independent monitor to track its progress.”
Knowing timeframe for expected change before judicial intervention occurs seems reasonable to know.
“If the city does not put into effect the changes called for in the settlement, a federal judge has the authority to demand them.”
4
Awesome, now all we have to do is to deploy hundreds of RoboCops in Cleveland. RoboCops won't fear being shot nor will they have human emotions. They'll be able to use their computer-brains & 360-degree vision to perform millisecond calculations to automatically determine whether use of force is justified according to the exacting standards devised by the DOJ lawyers.
They won't feel physically ill when they respond to the murder of an infant by a drugged-out boyfriend, they won't feel angry when a suspect spits on them, they won't be upset when a suspect runs for it or throws things at them.
And, of course, they won't be nervous about the intentions of a reportedly-armed driver who had just led them on a high-speed chase for 20 minutes and is now driving his car back out the way he just came through a school parking lot, which happens to involve plowing through dozens of police cars. Nope, it'll be just another day at the office. No worries for the emotionless, bullet-proof RoboCops who are impervious to being run down by cars, etc.
How soon can we get the RoboCops??
They won't feel physically ill when they respond to the murder of an infant by a drugged-out boyfriend, they won't feel angry when a suspect spits on them, they won't be upset when a suspect runs for it or throws things at them.
And, of course, they won't be nervous about the intentions of a reportedly-armed driver who had just led them on a high-speed chase for 20 minutes and is now driving his car back out the way he just came through a school parking lot, which happens to involve plowing through dozens of police cars. Nope, it'll be just another day at the office. No worries for the emotionless, bullet-proof RoboCops who are impervious to being run down by cars, etc.
How soon can we get the RoboCops??
19
Yeah, we all say, ''Rah, Rah'' when it comes to telling ''the man'' that there's a new boss in town, but just remember that the police often are the glue that hold a city together.
As Baltimore is finding out, treat your police badly enough and you can simply kiss your city good-bye. Every good and decent cop in Baltimore is looking to work in a place that actually works, and it will take Baltimore YEARS to get over how it has totally mishandled recent events there.
But at least the liberals can look in the mirror and figure out who to blame a few years from now.
As Baltimore is finding out, treat your police badly enough and you can simply kiss your city good-bye. Every good and decent cop in Baltimore is looking to work in a place that actually works, and it will take Baltimore YEARS to get over how it has totally mishandled recent events there.
But at least the liberals can look in the mirror and figure out who to blame a few years from now.
18
From your comments, it would logically follow that conservatives then are responsible for the out-of-control police forces we have now that have been brutalizing minorities in Baltimore, Cleveland, Seattle, etc? Hmm?
1
First off, you couldn't pay me enough to be a police officer. In a culture where authority is often disdained, the police officer's uniform is the ultimate representation of authority. On the other hand, police candidates should go through extensive psychological testing and evaluation before they can don the uniform of honor. In spite of all the current issues, I am ever so grateful for our police.
7
Underpaid cops are as much a myth as hero cop.
If you take into account generous pensions starting at the ripe old age of 45 plus super-generous overtime pay plus moonlighting, it adds up far better compensation when compared with a Ph.D. in Physics.
It's safer to be cop in NYC than to be black.
http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2015/05/the_myt...
If you take into account generous pensions starting at the ripe old age of 45 plus super-generous overtime pay plus moonlighting, it adds up far better compensation when compared with a Ph.D. in Physics.
It's safer to be cop in NYC than to be black.
http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2015/05/the_myt...
6
Police are examined for psychological fitness but until a person is in an extreme situation there is no way to determine how that person will actually react.
3
Great Jagneel - if it's *so* safe, and pays *so* well, and you could retire at 45, why aren't you a cop?
1
All police should be prohibited from using force when someone talks back to them. And warning shots or firing at moving cars as they do on tv and in the movies is really dangerous in real life. There are exceptions to every rule, of course, if someone has sufficient reason. The only one I don't understand is what are the police supposed to do if they have good reason to question someone, say probable cause, and they take off? If they can't use sufficient force to restrain them, anyone who can run, will.
3
@ David H. Eisenberg - "...if they have good reason to question someone, say probable cause, and they take off?"
Let them go with the fervent hope that between then and the time they are arrested they fail to commit a violent crime.
Let them go with the fervent hope that between then and the time they are arrested they fail to commit a violent crime.
4
@David
What is "sufficient" force? Where in the report does it say that police can't use sufficient force to restrain a fleeing suspect? The prohibition isn't on any/all use of force, just excessive use of force. What is excessive will first be determined by the independent monitors, then if necessary by courts. As it stands now, the police 'monitor' themselves, and they never seem to find any instance of "excessive" use of force.
What is "sufficient" force? Where in the report does it say that police can't use sufficient force to restrain a fleeing suspect? The prohibition isn't on any/all use of force, just excessive use of force. What is excessive will first be determined by the independent monitors, then if necessary by courts. As it stands now, the police 'monitor' themselves, and they never seem to find any instance of "excessive" use of force.
4
Actually, fka Bates, that's not what the article. It said "[t]he new rules in Cleveland prohibit officers from using force against people for talking back or as punishment for running away." Nothing about "excessive" force," just "force." What I wrote is "[I]f they can't use sufficient force to restrain them, anyone who can run, will." I didn't make any comment about independent monitors or the courts, which in principle I have no problem with. But, I wouldn't be attributing reasonable judgment to the monitors so fast either. They might be too strict or too lenient for you in the end. There are no panaceas.
these should be national standards, every state, every city. high speed chases, shooting at moving cars, pistol whipping ... these are out of the dark ages of policing.
3
So why wouldn't this be a basic standard Everywhere?
"Hey, you're in *** county, here we can shoot you because you look at us cross-eyed"
"Hey, you're in Cleveland, please stop pointing the assault rifle at us"
Seriously, for a Country which prides itself on individual Rights, the USA is sadly behind in many ways. This is just another example.
"Hey, you're in *** county, here we can shoot you because you look at us cross-eyed"
"Hey, you're in Cleveland, please stop pointing the assault rifle at us"
Seriously, for a Country which prides itself on individual Rights, the USA is sadly behind in many ways. This is just another example.
5
Great move.
Will there now be an improved code of conduct for the criminals as well? You know, the drug-addled murderers and rapists and child molesters? Will they stop killing and raping and torturing?
Our police do a terrible job remarkably well. And the best we can do for them, apparently is to...
Despise them.
Will there now be an improved code of conduct for the criminals as well? You know, the drug-addled murderers and rapists and child molesters? Will they stop killing and raping and torturing?
Our police do a terrible job remarkably well. And the best we can do for them, apparently is to...
Despise them.
18
People who think all police are bad because of these killings or cases of brutality are mistaken indeed, yes. And so are people who think everyone who criticizes the recent killings in Cleveland or its apparent record of malfeasances is against all police. Most people know the difference between good and bad use of power, and ask only that the police officers who are brutal, who do kill or otherwise misuse their power, be held to account. There is some reason to believe that is not always the case, and it needs to be. The line between law enforcer and law breaker needs to be bright and clear. The power we give to the police our cities and states hire requires that.
3
Yes. We will not only fire criminals and dock their pay, pension, and overtime when they misbehave we will also put them jail.
Try firing a bad cop. The whole union comes down on you.
Try firing a bad cop. The whole union comes down on you.
5
jb, "Most people know the difference between good and bad use of power..."
Wrong. This is the root of the problem. Few people in addition to trained law enforcement and military personnel know when and how to use lethal force for the public good.
Public good vs humane practices always threads a fine line. Few cops deviating to the left - bad for a few thugs, all cops deviating to the right - bad for all but the few thugs.
Pick your poison but be careful what you wish for.
Wrong. This is the root of the problem. Few people in addition to trained law enforcement and military personnel know when and how to use lethal force for the public good.
Public good vs humane practices always threads a fine line. Few cops deviating to the left - bad for a few thugs, all cops deviating to the right - bad for all but the few thugs.
Pick your poison but be careful what you wish for.
I live in Cleveland, but I grew up in New York. After I moved here, I was astonished at how the police here are so brutal and use unnecessary force in everything they do. As a non-minority, I have experienced their aggressiveness first hand for very minor things (non-events in a real city like New York). The police here are brutal to everyone, regardless of race (although apparently they are worse to minorities) and this department needs to be watched VERY closely.
60
So he didn't tear up the parking ticket, eh?
4
And I can hardly wait to see the crime rate stats in Cleveland over the next 3 to 6 months. Good luck with that...
1
It's really good to know how Cleveland compares to NY. Thanks for your comment.
2
Two scared fleeing people were executed with 137 bullets by a swarm of hunting cops and the Justice Department thought justice would be served by retraining, self supervision, and federal monitoring.
They do say Justice is blind.
They do say Justice is blind.
7
The judge found that the circumstances were such that the officers perceived threats that justified their reacting with deadly force. Officers cannot be expected to wait until one or more officers are shot before acting to protect themselves, so they were forgiven by the law. But there it is a fact that at the end of these long car chases many officers behave with some obvious anger towards those who they had to chase and that anger may affect their judgment. We get a lot of these chases in Los Angeles and the people who run almost never get away but people just keep on trying, anyway. Once in awhile the chases end in a shooting. The chases frequently involve innocent people becoming involved with injuries and extensive property damage but if officers allowed these crazy people to escape even more would try it.
2
Were they executed or did the officers really think that they were shooting in self defense? Even a large magazine of bullets in a hand gun can be fired in a few seconds and with a dozen officers shooting the entire fusillade might have been fired in a very short time. One cannot determine the facts merely from news reports. The chase lasted for twenty two miles according to news reports, and involved many officers, so a lot of things were going on with nobody really having complete and accurate knowledge of it all but everybody was making decisions that resulted in the shooting. Those two people shot may have been confused, may have thought that they could escape, nobody knows. The police were in no position to know what those two people might do at the end of the chase. It would seem that had this occurred now, the police might have let them go instead of chasing them.
Oh wow, new RULES! Let the healing begin. It sounds like the same old whitewashed fix that the banksters get. I'm not buying it, but we're all going to pay for it.
How about a leader who actually has the courage to speak the Truth, like addressing the triplets of evil that MLK warned would cause the spiritual death of our country: Racism, Militarism, and Materialism. Our government is more than ever the 'the greatest purveyor of violence in the world'. The federal government has been militarizing the police for the past decade, and we're surprised by any of this violence against unarmed blacks?
Just because MLK was silenced through assassination does not mean we can't keep his message alive, but it's our choice. It's the same choice that corporations get to make, but they've put their money and clout into buying our government and rebranding and whitewashing MLK's message and holiday. The government's Corporation For National Community Service promotes the servant mentality while cutting financial assistance to the needy and pouring money into the infernal war machine.
At this defining moment, let us dedicate ourselves to honor MLK life and ultimate sacrifice by keeping his message and his Dream alive by echoing his words and repeating his actions. Let us take back our government from corporate ownership which sponsors the triplets of Evil. None of us can be truly be free until we do.
Do I hear an 'Amen!'?
How about a leader who actually has the courage to speak the Truth, like addressing the triplets of evil that MLK warned would cause the spiritual death of our country: Racism, Militarism, and Materialism. Our government is more than ever the 'the greatest purveyor of violence in the world'. The federal government has been militarizing the police for the past decade, and we're surprised by any of this violence against unarmed blacks?
Just because MLK was silenced through assassination does not mean we can't keep his message alive, but it's our choice. It's the same choice that corporations get to make, but they've put their money and clout into buying our government and rebranding and whitewashing MLK's message and holiday. The government's Corporation For National Community Service promotes the servant mentality while cutting financial assistance to the needy and pouring money into the infernal war machine.
At this defining moment, let us dedicate ourselves to honor MLK life and ultimate sacrifice by keeping his message and his Dream alive by echoing his words and repeating his actions. Let us take back our government from corporate ownership which sponsors the triplets of Evil. None of us can be truly be free until we do.
Do I hear an 'Amen!'?
8
There are two sides to this of course, on the one hand innocent citizens will be less harrassed by over zealous cops........on the other hand violent, dangerous and incorrigible criminals will view this as an invitation to further provoke and sneer at law enforcement daring them to do their job,etc and lawyers will rejoice at the opportunity for more frivolous suits !
3
Gee. . . do you really think that the "violent, dangerous and incorrigible criminals" are reading the papers and seeing this as an "opportunity"?
Sorry but I think that viewpoint is ridiculous.
Sorry but I think that viewpoint is ridiculous.
5
@ tomjoad - "...seeing this as an "opportunity"?"
Of course not everyone knows how stupid "violent, dangerous and incorrigible criminals" are plus we all know they don't keep up with police matters by reading about them.
Of course not everyone knows how stupid "violent, dangerous and incorrigible criminals" are plus we all know they don't keep up with police matters by reading about them.
1
Do you think that they might watch local TV, maybe?...
1
This is a good development, but there needs to be some more. Decriminalize marijuana growing, distribution, sales, and usage. Do the Texas proposal where even some prior felons can get into the business. The people are already doing the business underground, let them do it above ground and legally.
5
Forget it. Even when the Republicans are talking decriminalization out one side of their face the other one is looking at the paperwork nightmare they can create. You actually inhaled 40 years ago? We are not interested in FBI records but want certified court records that this actually happened. Your guilty and try to get a job now. The Wall Street 2008 looting was simply taking money that rightfully belongs to them.
1
"The rules prohibit officers from using force against people simply for talking back or as punishment for running away"
So simply being poor or black is no longer justification for a beat-down?? So sad that in 2015 we need this in writing.
So simply being poor or black is no longer justification for a beat-down?? So sad that in 2015 we need this in writing.
26
The War on Cops continues. I am truly amazed at the lack of concern for the Police. The few bad cops should be punished to the full extent of the law but Where are the protests and riots when a cop gets killed?
14
omg you have got to be kidding. If the cops had kept shooting people who were shooting at them, and they were reigned in, I would call it a war on cops. there have been too many of these incidents. Think of this as a war on the badge as a license to kill.
11
Any cop that is silent when other cops are doing bad things is also complicit in that action.
58
Utter baloney. We all feel bad when a cop is killed. The real war is the war on drugs, and the war on crime which in reality means "The People". It is the cops that are predatory warriors picking off people to win raises and advancement.
9
This is acceptable. However, going forward there should be zero tolerance...both here and in P.D.s around the country.
Enough is more than enough!
Enough is more than enough!
4
What's next?
How about a consent decree with parents in the Cleveland black community that will reduce single parent families, children with no guidance and who may be about with fake guns on the street, teenage pregnancy, gang violence, drug use and violence, black on black crime, and an agreement to promote the use of the library as a primary hangout instead of the streets, reduce dependence on government aid, and promoting education as the primary after school activity of all children?
Nah, won't happen. The police are a public institution, subject to the people.
And the people, are not subject to anyone.
Long live chaos.
How about a consent decree with parents in the Cleveland black community that will reduce single parent families, children with no guidance and who may be about with fake guns on the street, teenage pregnancy, gang violence, drug use and violence, black on black crime, and an agreement to promote the use of the library as a primary hangout instead of the streets, reduce dependence on government aid, and promoting education as the primary after school activity of all children?
Nah, won't happen. The police are a public institution, subject to the people.
And the people, are not subject to anyone.
Long live chaos.
21
Yes, it is a crime (apparently) to be a single parent, or a child with a toy gun. They deserve what they get, right?
4
This is victim-blaming and racism of the worst order. It's not even based on truth:
- Single-parent families, teenage pregnancy, and drug use have in fact been in decline for quite some time now.
- The fake gun Tamir Rice had was completely legal. It was also legal for him to be carrying around a real gun according to Ohio law.
- Black-on-black crime? Also down in Cleveland so far this year.
- Studies have demonstrated that black students spend *more* time than their white counterparts studying and doing homework, and black parents on average put *more* time and energy into their children's studies than white parents.
- Lots of Cleveland kids are already at the library, or participating in after-school programs, or sometimes working.
I've worked with kids in Cleveland public schools. They know that education is their ticket to success and the most important thing they can invest in. Remember Cardale Jones, the quarterback who won a national championship for Ohio State? He's from one of the worst neighborhoods in Cleveland, and decided to stay in school and finish his degree rather than try to go straight to the NFL, and his community was very proud of him for doing so.
- Single-parent families, teenage pregnancy, and drug use have in fact been in decline for quite some time now.
- The fake gun Tamir Rice had was completely legal. It was also legal for him to be carrying around a real gun according to Ohio law.
- Black-on-black crime? Also down in Cleveland so far this year.
- Studies have demonstrated that black students spend *more* time than their white counterparts studying and doing homework, and black parents on average put *more* time and energy into their children's studies than white parents.
- Lots of Cleveland kids are already at the library, or participating in after-school programs, or sometimes working.
I've worked with kids in Cleveland public schools. They know that education is their ticket to success and the most important thing they can invest in. Remember Cardale Jones, the quarterback who won a national championship for Ohio State? He's from one of the worst neighborhoods in Cleveland, and decided to stay in school and finish his degree rather than try to go straight to the NFL, and his community was very proud of him for doing so.
5
Take out the word "black" and then redirect your comment to all of America. Why limit it to black people who are no different than others. You note "And the people, are not subject to anyone." Why should they be. Don't we live in a free country?
1
When are we going to stop blaming the people who protect civilized and law-abiding citizens and start holding the lawbreakers accountable for their actions? It is not society's fault that certain elements among us feel entitled to break the law without any consequences for their actions. I have no problem holding policemen accountable when they break the law themselves including for the improper use of force, where proved. But now the emphasis seems to be on giving the criminals a break from the local police. And policemen everywhere are being handcuffed from doing their jobs instead of seeing the criminals being stopped at all costs. A fleeing criminal is a threat to the rest of law-abiding society. It is better to stop him or him with a bullet than to allow him even the slimmest of opportunities to create any more crime.
13
" It is not society's fault that certain elements among us feel entitled to. . ."
I am still learning this sort of coded speech. When you say "certain elements" do you mean unarmed Black people? Do you mean Tamir Rice, the 12 yr old boy killed by police? Do you mean all the people who have had to deal with "stop and frisk" just because they were the "wrong" color?
I am still learning this sort of coded speech. When you say "certain elements" do you mean unarmed Black people? Do you mean Tamir Rice, the 12 yr old boy killed by police? Do you mean all the people who have had to deal with "stop and frisk" just because they were the "wrong" color?
6
Jon F, the trouble I have with your point is that under our Constitutional system, it is not up to a police officer to determine whether a fleeing person is a criminal or not. The police officer may determine that a fleeing person is a suspect and arrest him or her. Then a judge and jury have the power to decide whether that person has broken the law, and if so, what the penalty should be. Under our Constitution, suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
1
I'll keep that in mind next time I see a car with Texas plates exceed the speed limit on a public road. Maybe he just robbed the stagecoach!
It's about enforcement, not (more) rules. If they would quit weasel-working and actually followed the moral spirit of the laws they have now, things would already be fine. Think the JD will step up? Hope so.
6
Since the police backed off in Baltimore, as per the demands of the mayor and pressure from the justice department, murders increased 40% this month. All the victims are minorities. Murders are up significantly in NYC this year as well. A very, very small percent of black shooting are from police and the overwhelming clearly justified. As police officers back off enforcement with more limited force the black communities will suffer increased murders. The problem is the day to day killings in the black communities essentially go unreported in the national media. This is grossly unfair to black people.
19
I'd like one day to look at American police officers without fear or disdain. For years I've looked as entitled thugs or bullies. I also believe that using any type of force (including but not limited to shooting, using a stun gun, kicking, punching or choking) as a last resort.
I miss living in Germany where the police were required to got through a three year training program before they were certified as an officer. Shooting of criminals was also rare while living in Western Europe, unlike the United States. The mobile phone has really shown that there are more than a few bad apples in many of our police forces across our country.
I miss living in Germany where the police were required to got through a three year training program before they were certified as an officer. Shooting of criminals was also rare while living in Western Europe, unlike the United States. The mobile phone has really shown that there are more than a few bad apples in many of our police forces across our country.
103
When comparing the actions of police in the United States with those in western Europe, it is important to also mention gun ownership rates. Perhaps officers in European countries are less likely to use deadly force when interacting with suspected lawbreakers because they know that the suspects (as well as law abiding citizens) are significantly less likely to be armed than in the US.
4
Sasha the Germans are a very law abiding culture. They would never ever put up with what goes on in many of our communities here and nor would their police. To even try and equate the Germany to the US isn't rational. Germans are appalled at how the police here are treated and how people here don't obey the law.
As for looking at all police officers with distain I guess you don't practice what you are preaching to them. Generalizations, bias, pre-judging? And owning firearms in Germany is way more restricted then here. So give me a break or better yet go back to Western Europe to live.
As for looking at all police officers with distain I guess you don't practice what you are preaching to them. Generalizations, bias, pre-judging? And owning firearms in Germany is way more restricted then here. So give me a break or better yet go back to Western Europe to live.
1
Strict policies are only of value if they are followed. That's a very big "if" when there are strong institutional forces fighting against reform.
One of the simplest reforms police departments can make is to have on-duty officers wear body cameras. It will ensure transparency and accountability on the part of the department, and protect officers and departments from frivolous lawsuits. In this day and age when GoPro cameras cost only $100 retail, it is one of the best investments we can make to ensure that those who enforce the law also follow the law. Besides, body cameras will cost a lot less taxpayer dollars than settling police misconduct law suits, legitimate or otherwise.
One of the simplest reforms police departments can make is to have on-duty officers wear body cameras. It will ensure transparency and accountability on the part of the department, and protect officers and departments from frivolous lawsuits. In this day and age when GoPro cameras cost only $100 retail, it is one of the best investments we can make to ensure that those who enforce the law also follow the law. Besides, body cameras will cost a lot less taxpayer dollars than settling police misconduct law suits, legitimate or otherwise.
5
Cleveland called for this investigation and now agrees to comply with every last finding. Cleveland has punted its problems to Washington. Now it acknowledges its shortcomings and announces its intention to follow the Justice Department's instructions to the letter. Cleveland appears to be saying they don't have a clue and will cede leadership to the folks in DC. This is a police department out of control.
9
Yep. When you can't govern, don't. Let Uncle do it for you. Next week: citizens lament loss of local control!
You mean they didn't have "strict rules" before? Wow.
Now watch the "law and order" fetishists whine about "handcuffing the police." You know what really handcuffs the police? The United States Constitution, which they theoretically vow to uphold.
As Orson Welles wrote in Touch of Evil "A policeman's job is only easy in a police state."
The Framers knew this all too well. About time the Cleveland Police learn it too.
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
Now watch the "law and order" fetishists whine about "handcuffing the police." You know what really handcuffs the police? The United States Constitution, which they theoretically vow to uphold.
As Orson Welles wrote in Touch of Evil "A policeman's job is only easy in a police state."
The Framers knew this all too well. About time the Cleveland Police learn it too.
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
24
And that's why in the past month, since they instituted changes in Baltimore, violent crime spiked 40%. Hope you live in a nice neighborhood...
1
Lip service.
4
This is just part of American theater. American cops kill blacks. The federal government pretends to do something. The NYT gives a headline. Then American cops kill blacks. The USA is a racist society. It always has been and always will be.
31
That's heartwarming coming from someone from Paris. A real bastion of tolerance and openness, that city is.
6
Actually Jonathan, Paris has been a refuge for black people from America over decades now. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_Americans_in_France among other sources.
3
We need the Justice Department to come into American cities and work out arrangements whereby the police do not use violence against someone for "talking back"? This shows how far we are from having police forces in America who respect citizens and carryout their jobs with a large measure of restraint.
The fact that the Cleveland Police Department has misused stun guns, Tasers, reflects the fact that these weapons, which are deadly in many cases, should be banned nationwide. Based on my reading, video recordings and personal observations, they are abused almost everywhere they are deployed. They provide an easy path to escalate violence against citizens without reasonable justification. They give the officer an easy way out to demand "compliance" when anyone doesn't respond immediately to orders.
We changed from a nation where police officers were intent on "keeping the peace" to one where they look for situations where they can assert often deadly power over citizens. This springs from the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, followed by urban rioting, followed by "the war on drugs", which turned out to be a war on black people.
One police practice in many situations is to stand in front of a fleeing car, giving the officer justification to fire. The National Park Police banned this practice. We have flipped over from a nation where most citizens were treated as law abiding to one where almost anyone, at any time, can be subjected to police violence.
The fact that the Cleveland Police Department has misused stun guns, Tasers, reflects the fact that these weapons, which are deadly in many cases, should be banned nationwide. Based on my reading, video recordings and personal observations, they are abused almost everywhere they are deployed. They provide an easy path to escalate violence against citizens without reasonable justification. They give the officer an easy way out to demand "compliance" when anyone doesn't respond immediately to orders.
We changed from a nation where police officers were intent on "keeping the peace" to one where they look for situations where they can assert often deadly power over citizens. This springs from the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, followed by urban rioting, followed by "the war on drugs", which turned out to be a war on black people.
One police practice in many situations is to stand in front of a fleeing car, giving the officer justification to fire. The National Park Police banned this practice. We have flipped over from a nation where most citizens were treated as law abiding to one where almost anyone, at any time, can be subjected to police violence.
9
"The rules prohibit officers from using force against people simply for talking back or as punishment for running away."
Teachers handle talk back all the time; there is no issue of excessive force in schools (by the teachers). Cops need to get their act together and be properly trained on how to handle such situations. Instituting such a rule, since it's apparently needed, should also be a priority for every single police force in the country. However, the need for this rule is just so insulting to the dignity of every non-police member of the community.
Teachers handle talk back all the time; there is no issue of excessive force in schools (by the teachers). Cops need to get their act together and be properly trained on how to handle such situations. Instituting such a rule, since it's apparently needed, should also be a priority for every single police force in the country. However, the need for this rule is just so insulting to the dignity of every non-police member of the community.
38
Police should not be using force to discourage insults or to punish people extra legally but one needs to understand that violent sociopaths consider a passive response to their provocations as evidence of cowardice and are more likely to attack because they think that the person is weak.
Sorry, this isn't good enough. There is still the wrongly addressed matter of murder.
57
Still no challenge on the vetting of police recruits?
No in-depth psychological , cultural, and emotional competency testing?
No rigorous review of officers conduct, scrutinizing those with complaints of abuse/misconduct?
We all know that for anyone to behave with such disdain for life, should never had been hired to begin with. Hiring practices, are as crucial as accountability....
This is way short of where they should be focusing, way short....
No in-depth psychological , cultural, and emotional competency testing?
No rigorous review of officers conduct, scrutinizing those with complaints of abuse/misconduct?
We all know that for anyone to behave with such disdain for life, should never had been hired to begin with. Hiring practices, are as crucial as accountability....
This is way short of where they should be focusing, way short....
122
No Child Left Behind set the bar incredibly high to gain employment as a teacher. The bar should be much higher to be a police officer. They need a lengthy period of study and training in the subjects you mentioned before assuming the position.
8
28 People were shot and 9 people killed in Baltimore over Memorial Day Weekend.
Chicago had 32 people were wounded and 9 killed. Cleveland had 7 shootings and 1 murder just on Saturday night.
What is excessive force under these conditions?
Chicago had 32 people were wounded and 9 killed. Cleveland had 7 shootings and 1 murder just on Saturday night.
What is excessive force under these conditions?
30
I don't see your point. More police brutality against unarmed, fleeing suspects wouldn't have prevented that violence.
4
It's when the police add to those numbers of wounded and dead unnecessarily.
8
As pointed out elsewhere, excessive force and inappropriate resort to violent tactics does not produce better outcomes. Crimes are solved through good policing, not bad policing.
3
I’m glad this is happening. But, disappointed to read, “police supervisors will investigate the use of force in much the same way that officers investigate crimes.” Reforms that have the fox guarding the hen house (even with new tools for the fox) are unlikely to produce lasting results. Studies on both DOJ agreements and consent decrees have shown that whenever a “pattern and practice of use of force” is found by the DOJ, supervisors are also found who have played a key role in covering up or ignoring it.
Changing police culture is a long-term prospect in a nation where policing means than an officer can kick, beat, stomp, shoot, and kill a person for making eye contact or looking “homeless.” Yet many will nonetheless be offended that the city will come under “federal control” via this agreement / consent decree. None of us wants to be told what to do on our own turf. We value “local control.” But when the locals are out of control (as they were in most of the south in the 1950’s), strong higher level enforcement is needed.
But will this enforcement be strong? Not without continuous community pressure. None of these DOJ actions would be happening if not for the past months of street protests and recall petitions that have exerted bottom up pressure for top down action. And based on experience in my own city, I know that without continuous community pressure during the Agreement process, police will put more of an emphasis on PR than on use of force policy changes.
Changing police culture is a long-term prospect in a nation where policing means than an officer can kick, beat, stomp, shoot, and kill a person for making eye contact or looking “homeless.” Yet many will nonetheless be offended that the city will come under “federal control” via this agreement / consent decree. None of us wants to be told what to do on our own turf. We value “local control.” But when the locals are out of control (as they were in most of the south in the 1950’s), strong higher level enforcement is needed.
But will this enforcement be strong? Not without continuous community pressure. None of these DOJ actions would be happening if not for the past months of street protests and recall petitions that have exerted bottom up pressure for top down action. And based on experience in my own city, I know that without continuous community pressure during the Agreement process, police will put more of an emphasis on PR than on use of force policy changes.
38
It'd great if you expended as much energy to get guns out of the hands of civilians. That's where this problem actually starts.
Warrior cops are killing people reflexively and all the Federal Government can offer is retraining and internal supervision.
There is no justice.
There is no justice.
24
Warrior cops, by butt !!! They are cops with no control of their mind and emotion. Every Youtube I have looked at of police misbehavior shows police in a rage with no functioning intelligence or wisdom. They are also police in a state of mad fear. In order for our society and civilization to function and flower we also need high quality police, police who are working in partnership with other citizens for the good of all. Sure, sometimes their will be violence and death but not gratuitous violence and death.
2
Additional feather in Obama's cap, in addition to Obama care and CFPB.
3
Curious! The day after a cop kills after being rammed by a motorist with obvious murderous intent a 'report' is released to temper reaction among those so consumed by hatred of white cops that any scapegoating is completely acceptable. 'Hands up'...'don't shoot'?....sound familiar?
2
It has always bothered me that there is no police at higher levels of government which actively polices lower levels' police. Actually, we need that throughout the justice system, and if a lower level complains about a higher level, that needs to be taken seriously, as well.
2
It seems very likely that the command levels of police departments create and maintain the reward structures and command guidelines that the patrolmen follow in order to get promotions and other rewards. Blaming the patrolmen and giving the politicians and high ranking police officials a pass is at best naive, at worst just another attack on the working class.
30
Sadly, it is too late for Tamir Rice. Will this solve the criminal level of incompetence in the Cleveland PD? I would guess not.
20
This will make it difficult for the shooting of 12 yr old Tamir Rice for waving a pellet gun to be ignored any longer. Unless the police in this country start behaving like peace keepers rather than public executioners, we are in for another civil war. BTW when will we see a TV "Cop Show" where the cop is EVER wrong?
47
I think there might be an episode or two of Adam-12 where the cops are wrong and/or apologetic, but that was a heck of a long time ago. That was a program designed to portray the police as human. Malloy and Reed were men who talked to one another, who had feelings, who had concerns and fear, and who were protective not just of one another but also of everyone around them. Was this brilliant propaganda? Adam-12 gave way to COPS and Lockup.
3
Let's hope Cleveland does not suffer the same impact as Baltimore has when police officers are asked to stand around and do nothing. Baltimore: most homicides since 1999. Great job, DOJ.
7
This is a step in the right direction, but it's also pretty lame in some respects. The Settlement apparently wouldn't have prevented or punished the recently acquitted officer who emptied his gun into a stopped car. The emphasis seems on prohibiting shots at moving cars. More generally the Settlement continues the failed policy of expecting police departments to regulate themselves when it comes to use of force. What happens if the Cleveland Department doesn't live up to the terms or works around them? They MAY get taken to court, but more people will be dead. The key failure of this and all the other Obama Justice nostrums is that it doesn't improve accountability of individual officers (just as Obama Justice policy on corporate misdeeds doesn't hold individual executives accountable). So on first glance it looks good, but ultimately it's a little hollow. In many ways that sums up this Administration.
8
Now that the Cleveland police are being closely monitored when they use force, don't be surprised that the police will refrain from using force and the crime rate will increase markedly.
11
I'm not clear on how the police killing innocent civilians has acted as a deterrent to crime. And how does assaulting people who are just being arrested, who have not even been charged with a crime, help enforce the statutes? Admittedly, I don't have all the statistics on hand, but it seems to me a lot of places manage to keep crime under control, without police forces who treat the public they are supposed to protect as the enemy, to be handled harshly in all circumstances.
12
Crime can go up so long as violence goes down. Police brutality simply adds to the violence. I'll take 1,000,000 incidents of people criminally selling loose cigarettes over 1 incident of an officer killing a person for doing so.
13
About time! Now when do the "standards" become universal across the breadth and width of our Nation? When do the standards get some teeth with real accountability and "penalties" if not adhered to?
If the Police have proved anything since the "Drug Wars" started some 40+ years ago, they cannot be trusted.
If the Police have proved anything since the "Drug Wars" started some 40+ years ago, they cannot be trusted.
32
If I I were living in Cleveland, I would move to other state immediately. Crime rates are going to sky-rate very fast
15
Might the "other state" be Toledo?
4
Which crimes are you referring to? A child carrying a pellet gun in a public park? Does that no longer merit the death penalty? Or having the misfortune of your car backfiring in front of a police station--is that no longer punishable by death in Cleveland? Seems to me the crime rate will actually go down in Cleveland if the police are no longer allowed to kill with impunity.
31
You are under the mistaken belief that crimes committed by police officers will reduce crimes committed by citizens.
As I've heard from a retired officer, busting heads and kicking down doors is not actually good police work. Crimes get solved when people are willing to talk to police and police are willing to talk to people. Right now, neither is happening in urban America.
As I've heard from a retired officer, busting heads and kicking down doors is not actually good police work. Crimes get solved when people are willing to talk to police and police are willing to talk to people. Right now, neither is happening in urban America.
16
One wonders to what degree Cleveland's willingness to sign this agreement is related to the fact that the Republican convention is going to be held in Downtown Cleveland next year.
There may be no connection at all, but then .. it is in Cleveland's interest to show a welcoming, law-abiding, 'together' city, as opposed to Baltimore or Ferguson, Missouri.
There may be no connection at all, but then .. it is in Cleveland's interest to show a welcoming, law-abiding, 'together' city, as opposed to Baltimore or Ferguson, Missouri.
5
Nothing happens in society without society's permission. We don't care as a nation about poor, disenfranchised urban neighborhoods. We tolerate dangerous, underfunded, substandard schools. We have not solved the disappearance of manufacturing jobs nor funded urban transit to allow the working poor to commute to jobs outside their neighborhoods. Often the only gov't service many urban poor know and see is the police, because we rely on our cops to control, harass and incarcerate those whose systemic hopelessness we are unable to address. If we don't care about their lives, their children or their futures why should we expect that our police will?
64
As a former 15 year employee of DOJ I would recommend to the new attorney general and the civil rights division. To implement uniform standards and practices for police departments. Particularly regarding the use of force. Those practices could be tied to a national accreditation process. Wherein federal funding could be granted or denied based on compliance.
22
Yes, these kinds of people will respond to payola, if not the moral issues.
1
That'll help get rid of those pesky states-rights people, or, as they are referred to in Washington, 'racists.'
1
Ah, the force limits cometh. So they'll shoot only 6 or 7 bullets into the back of the threatening perp whois running in the opposite direction instead of the usual 49 or 50 - depending if they are using 9mm double-stack magazines in their H&K or Glocks, or not.
If the American people knew the countless times that the police have used excess and extreme force against people who posed no threat, they'd have asked for the complete disarming of the cops - let them use billy clubs instead - But the police are lucky - unlike the rest of us - they have had the charges dismissed by their internal review boards so the crimes never come to light.
The DOJ, when "investigating" the excess use of force, seem to have mislaid all the testimony and evidence and concluded that this type of egregious behavior has only occurred a "few times" in the past.
The same folks at the DOJ investigating the police must have been the same ones investigating all the Wall Street crimes…too big to fail equates well with too big to jail.
If the American people knew the countless times that the police have used excess and extreme force against people who posed no threat, they'd have asked for the complete disarming of the cops - let them use billy clubs instead - But the police are lucky - unlike the rest of us - they have had the charges dismissed by their internal review boards so the crimes never come to light.
The DOJ, when "investigating" the excess use of force, seem to have mislaid all the testimony and evidence and concluded that this type of egregious behavior has only occurred a "few times" in the past.
The same folks at the DOJ investigating the police must have been the same ones investigating all the Wall Street crimes…too big to fail equates well with too big to jail.
58
We have become what we fought against in 1941-45--yes, quite simply that--thanks to everyone being a suspect under the "USA PATRIOT" Act and whatever claptrap they'll put up to replace it, not to mention police attitudes.
4
If the American people knew the countless times that the police have confronted extreme force against heavily armed civilians with semi automatic/automatic weapon in nearby neighborhoods, they'd have asked for the complete tactical arming of the cops...
1
What a cruel joke on the people of Cleveland and the American Public. Either Gupta is brain-dead or giving this PD a hall pass.
This is just the fox guarding the hen house. Monitoring/oversight is only as effective as honest reporting by Cleveland PD officers--which is not ever going to happen. Unless every one of them has to wear a camera. Which should be a part of the consent agreement and appears absent.
This is just the fox guarding the hen house. Monitoring/oversight is only as effective as honest reporting by Cleveland PD officers--which is not ever going to happen. Unless every one of them has to wear a camera. Which should be a part of the consent agreement and appears absent.
14
Cleveland police "used stun guns inappropriately" and "punched and kicked unarmed people" and abused citizens who were "no threat" to them. These incidents went uninvestigated because they were not reported. The Cleveland PD needs some serious training make-overs. It's doubtful the cops there will change their ways. The Loretta Lynch-led Justice Department has less than two years to run. The city's unprofessional cops know this and will mark time.
47
Finally, a welcome development among the nation's police forces. Let's hope that the others don't need to wait to institute similar changes until they're investigated by the Justice Department.
9
I’m glad that the Cleveland city government has agreed to oversight by the Justice Dept. It’s a sad state of affairs when the police are so out of control that city governments need federal support to rein them in. Some police forces act like they’re a law unto themselves. Instead of enforcing the laws, they think that they can make it up as they go along. They want to be judge, jury and executioners at their whim and they threaten to not do their jobs at all if they don’t get their way.
Police forces need to do a much better job at screening new recruits and weeding out bigots and bullies so that these personality types don’t get onto the force to begin with.
Police forces need to do a much better job at screening new recruits and weeding out bigots and bullies so that these personality types don’t get onto the force to begin with.
75
It's time to start training police officer to keep the peace instead of training them that everyone is to be suspected of something and that they have to enforce the peace.
96
An interesting and hopeful approach, but what about those breaking the law, shooting into crowds indiscriminately, arguing with the police, running from the police and just generally continuing to break the law - only to fall down and scream police brutality when caught? Seems like a problem that really has no viable solution at present.
Katheryn, your idea that stopping police brutality and immunity from law is going to enable criminals somehow is a false idea. Keeping the peace does not mean that no arrests are made, only that they are made in accordance with legal and reasonable regulations of behavior. Police brutality is not the solution to crime; rightful enforcement and application of the law is. The choice is not between letting criminals commit crimes or having police commit crimes. God forbid. (And your conflating people who "shoot into crowds" with people who "argue with police" as examples of criminals is very odd, and sort of scary.)
11
It's time to remove guns from the general populace. Then maybe police officers won't have to be as suspect approaching a civilian in the street.
A little glimmer of light in this very dark tunnel.
36
Not a lot of hope, as this public defender points out:
I love how people are just now reading about the Baltimore PD's [and Cleveland's, too] history of abuses and saying, "Oh, you know, maybe it makes sense for Black people who haven't committed a crime to run from them." Fifteen years ago, the Supreme Court ruled (badly) that flight from police, without more, could justify a stop. Here's what Justice Stevens said in dissent:
"Among some citizens, particularly minorities and those residing in high crime areas, there is also the possibility that the fleeing person is entirely innocent, but, with or without justification, believes that contact with the police can itself be dangerous, apart from any criminal activity associated with the officer's sudden presence. For such a person, unprovoked flight is neither 'aberrant' nor 'abnormal.' Moreover, these concerns and fears are known to the police officers themselves, and are validated by law enforcement investigations into their own practices."
I love how people are just now reading about the Baltimore PD's [and Cleveland's, too] history of abuses and saying, "Oh, you know, maybe it makes sense for Black people who haven't committed a crime to run from them." Fifteen years ago, the Supreme Court ruled (badly) that flight from police, without more, could justify a stop. Here's what Justice Stevens said in dissent:
"Among some citizens, particularly minorities and those residing in high crime areas, there is also the possibility that the fleeing person is entirely innocent, but, with or without justification, believes that contact with the police can itself be dangerous, apart from any criminal activity associated with the officer's sudden presence. For such a person, unprovoked flight is neither 'aberrant' nor 'abnormal.' Moreover, these concerns and fears are known to the police officers themselves, and are validated by law enforcement investigations into their own practices."
5
Seems to me that it would be more logical and effective to not wait until many horrible things happen before reactively trying to correct the situation. This is a ridiculous way to implement change, and will take hundreds of years at this rate. Of course, we're not a very proactive or forward thinking nation, so this seems about right.