Being a cop isn't very dangerous. It's a lie that they risk their lives every day to protect us. The police perform a very necessary job but, they aren't as special as they would have us believe. Here's a little perspective. Garbage collectors have the 5th most dangerous job in America while the police come in at the 15th most dangerous. (2014) Why are we required to get all misty eyed and angry when a cop dies while no one ever notices when a garbage collector dies? Is it worse when a cold is murdered than when an average person is? I say, "no". It's time to take the police officer of the pedestal they're on. They perform a job. They get paid for it. When they commit a crime punish them the same as anyone else. And when they do their jobs well thank them, but don't put them on a pedestal.
5
"The arguments don’t cancel each other out, no matter how loudly they’re shouted."
We should all bear this particular point in mind. By virtue of my race, I have a distinct personal interest in making arguing against any instance of racist policing, but I would be disingenuous if I pretended that there is far too much casual violence amongst my own people. The danger is either side using the presence of one problem as justification for the other. Officers need to be held responsible for every single use of force. Sherriff David Clarke's speech before the RNC was simple pandering. Lethal force is to be used exclusively for lethal threats, not to as threat to making citizens (even criminals) compliant. At the same time, the violence and criminality within black communities needs to be rejected, not rationalized (or even glorified within pop culture). I'll never forget how embarrassing it was to see obvious gang members (Bloods) talking about how angry they were about police harming blacks. The ways in which they have sold addictive poisons, corrupted children, robbed, intimidated, assaulted and murdered within their own communities is unspeakable. Far from hiding, everyone around them watches them brag about their crimes to anyone who will listen.
Plenty of good people are working to solve both problems, but it's hard admitting fundamental problems within one's own family (whether black or blue). It's much easier to claim superiority.
We should all bear this particular point in mind. By virtue of my race, I have a distinct personal interest in making arguing against any instance of racist policing, but I would be disingenuous if I pretended that there is far too much casual violence amongst my own people. The danger is either side using the presence of one problem as justification for the other. Officers need to be held responsible for every single use of force. Sherriff David Clarke's speech before the RNC was simple pandering. Lethal force is to be used exclusively for lethal threats, not to as threat to making citizens (even criminals) compliant. At the same time, the violence and criminality within black communities needs to be rejected, not rationalized (or even glorified within pop culture). I'll never forget how embarrassing it was to see obvious gang members (Bloods) talking about how angry they were about police harming blacks. The ways in which they have sold addictive poisons, corrupted children, robbed, intimidated, assaulted and murdered within their own communities is unspeakable. Far from hiding, everyone around them watches them brag about their crimes to anyone who will listen.
Plenty of good people are working to solve both problems, but it's hard admitting fundamental problems within one's own family (whether black or blue). It's much easier to claim superiority.
6
There has never been a war- Fox News says there's a war- but all of us know this is completely ridiculous. With that said- There is a serious, endemic problem within police departments across this nation. Every department has 1 or 2 [in some cases a lot more] "bad apples" who need to be rooted out and admonished, re-trained, fixed or fired. That can be said for just about any organization- but we need to hold our law enforcement agencies to an even higher standard. They are supposed to "protect and serve" not harass, bully or intimidate the citizenry. All of us have been pulled over for a "minor traffic stop" and these situations can be the most uncomfortable 10-15 minutes of your entire life. Police have an uncanny way of making you feel like you're a criminal - and I wish their "us verse them" attitude would change. That would not be a complete fix- but certainly a step in the right direction.
2
The writer feels that just because people call on cops when there is trouble in the neighborhood that means that the people want them or accept them.
If people had a choice of calling a pastor or a social worker or a therapist instead of a cop, they would. Probably many African Americans think twice about calling a cop because that call may escalate into a fatal encounter.
Cops provide a service which is paid for by the local tax payers. Yet the tax payers are never asked to rate the quality of service provided. Every police precinct should be required to have a website where people can post comments about their encounter with the police. A cop who repeatedly gets cited for disrespect, belligerence, disproportionate use of force, is a problem that needs investigation by the administrative unit.
If people had a choice of calling a pastor or a social worker or a therapist instead of a cop, they would. Probably many African Americans think twice about calling a cop because that call may escalate into a fatal encounter.
Cops provide a service which is paid for by the local tax payers. Yet the tax payers are never asked to rate the quality of service provided. Every police precinct should be required to have a website where people can post comments about their encounter with the police. A cop who repeatedly gets cited for disrespect, belligerence, disproportionate use of force, is a problem that needs investigation by the administrative unit.
5
You're in denial, Edward.
There is a war on cops and more generally a war in the criminal justice system.
What would you expect when people watch their own die for no reason? What would you expect when they protect their own over the safety of the public? What would you expect when democracy has clearly failed? We all expect insensible violence.
If you don't understand societies this way, you don't understand anything. We've historically directed our vengeance and our other feelings into democracy. If that fails, it is all out war. Civil war is not out of the question.
We might look like Syria if this gets out of hand. It started with Arab-looking people or Muslim-sounding people. These are a significant portion of our population, and if we cannot appeal to them, over time we cannot appeal to anyone.
This is close to a civil war. Take it seriously, please. Reform the police training and protocols.
There is a war on cops and more generally a war in the criminal justice system.
What would you expect when people watch their own die for no reason? What would you expect when they protect their own over the safety of the public? What would you expect when democracy has clearly failed? We all expect insensible violence.
If you don't understand societies this way, you don't understand anything. We've historically directed our vengeance and our other feelings into democracy. If that fails, it is all out war. Civil war is not out of the question.
We might look like Syria if this gets out of hand. It started with Arab-looking people or Muslim-sounding people. These are a significant portion of our population, and if we cannot appeal to them, over time we cannot appeal to anyone.
This is close to a civil war. Take it seriously, please. Reform the police training and protocols.
Officer. Well said. But, you must notice that no one in media, no so called back leaders ever comment that the people on the block need the PD. The PD is the one outside agency which deals with people in the "inner city", as we used to call it. Ever see any liberal op Ed writers on the mean streets?
Just guessing but, up the rebels, my Celtic brother!
Just guessing but, up the rebels, my Celtic brother!
2
"people never stopped calling the police".
This is an absurdity. What choice do they have? Call the Lone Ranger?
My experience with police has been nothing but positive. But, then, I'm white and have lived largely in affluent communities. My experience is this: I've never seen anyone shot by a policeman, beaten by a policeman, or handled roughly by one. But, then, I've never seen police dressed to the nines in hob-nailed boots and bullet-proof vests, sporting batons and weapons and helmets with visors pulled down bearing down on me or mine or a neighbor as they were in Baton Rouge when they did just that on that lovely young Black woman who merely stood her ground peacefully.
Was she a revolution of one about to bring down civilization all by her lonesome? An alien? A mass murderer?
Nope. None of the above.
She was a mother of two, with no weapon other than her calmness and courage and determination not to be fearful.
All I could think of was that courageous man in Tiananmen Square who brought to a halt but for a moment of an entire column of tanks.
This is an absurdity. What choice do they have? Call the Lone Ranger?
My experience with police has been nothing but positive. But, then, I'm white and have lived largely in affluent communities. My experience is this: I've never seen anyone shot by a policeman, beaten by a policeman, or handled roughly by one. But, then, I've never seen police dressed to the nines in hob-nailed boots and bullet-proof vests, sporting batons and weapons and helmets with visors pulled down bearing down on me or mine or a neighbor as they were in Baton Rouge when they did just that on that lovely young Black woman who merely stood her ground peacefully.
Was she a revolution of one about to bring down civilization all by her lonesome? An alien? A mass murderer?
Nope. None of the above.
She was a mother of two, with no weapon other than her calmness and courage and determination not to be fearful.
All I could think of was that courageous man in Tiananmen Square who brought to a halt but for a moment of an entire column of tanks.
2
It seems that there is a lot of focus on the cops who are killed and the people who the cops killed. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. There has been a war on poverty, but not the one that the impoverished want. It's a war that started in LA as they became more militarized and detached from the communities they were supposed to protect. They created an us against them mentality that has spread throughout the country. Now the cops are complaining about blue lives mattering? Ha! Actually double Ha ha! You can only bully and demean people, even if they are black or brown, for so long before they say, "enough." Now the GOP is bashing Black Lives Matter because they don't like the message. Actually, they've all but said that Black Lives Don't Matter. I don't see any outreach by cops to try and bridge the divide. There's so much pent up frustration in these communities that BLM sure as hell isn't going to try and bridge the divide. Both sides are just digging in. This is not going to end well. These problems will escalate and if history is any indicator, the cops will become more militarized which will just ratchet up the violence they inflict against minorities and the violence that minorities inflict against cops. Of course, people will still call the cops. Cops will still have to show up. It's their job. Not sure why that's germane to this point. Neither party is innocent. However, when push comes to shove, more blood will be spilled.
2
A lot has changed in 21 years.
3
It sounds like Mr. Conlon's has experience from days when community policing was more the norm, and shows why it is important to get back to that. Having police actually in the community lets the police get to know the people in the community, and the people get to know the police. This can only serve to build trust between them. But just as there are a few criminals in a predominately law-abiding community, there are a few bad cops among all the good ones. Both sides need to be willing to speak out against their own, when they do wrong.
9
I disagree: there is a war against cops and we've seen the result in the last couple of weeks. Two men, enraged by the rhetoric of BLM, took military-style action against policemen that were in no way related to recent deaths of black men. And those are just the more sensationalized incidents. A Kansas City policeman was killed in a drive-by on Tuesday. How many more cops have to be killed, before these phony "activists" are happy? Pushing buttons and blowing dog whistles has consequences. BLM should have to answer for the deaths of these men.
9
My 24 year old son is a Police officer. He recently confided to me that he accepts that he could be killed any time while he is on duty. Here in Brevard County, Florida, though not a hot bed of major crime, we do have our share of criminal activity. I read the reports every day where the Police are called to investigate a crime in a minority neighborhood. The narrative goes like this: when the Police arrive at the scene of the altercation they find a victim and many witnesses. Yet, not a single person can give any information about what happened. They all just shrug and say that "they didn't see or know anything." This is the real problem that Police have in minority neighborhoods nationwide. Why? Is it because they are perceived as being the enemy? Is it because people who live there are involved in some sort of criminal activity (from drug selling/use, etc.) or don't want to be branded as "snitches?" Why is it that Police officers receive almost zero cooperation from the citizens while there? Here is a fact, individuals, like my son, do not become Police officers because they want to hurt other people. They do it because they want to protect civil society from criminals. Until our society starts to treat criminal activity seriously, our Law Enforcement establishment will continue to be considered "the enemy" by segments of our population. That is a fact. Are there some bad Police Officers? Yes, but there are zero good criminals!
7
While these two positions may seem like a compromise, it is still important to remember that they are not equals.
There would be no cop killings were it not for for the media hysteria over shootings of black men. If you, and readers, believe that this hysteria is overblown, then it is the media and Black Lives Matter that bears greater responsibility for the recent killings, as they ran with an unproven narrative to instigate anger.
There would be no cop killings were it not for for the media hysteria over shootings of black men. If you, and readers, believe that this hysteria is overblown, then it is the media and Black Lives Matter that bears greater responsibility for the recent killings, as they ran with an unproven narrative to instigate anger.
10
Thirty one years in the NYPD, Harlem street cop to precinct CO, all of it on the street. I need to say something about what we do to an idiot 'son of a cop' published herein.
We've seen hundreds of deaths form every conceivable form; murders, accidents, illness, people burned to death in a vehicle accidents (twice n my presence); dozens of suicides and attempts, 4 in my presence including trying to stop a a self decapitation, where my entire uniform, including shoes had to be thrown out); babies beaten and even raped to death, lye throwing, dead bodies partly consumed by pets, people under subway cars, crushed by elevators, self abortions, overdoses; dealt with hysterical parents and loved ones where kids were struck and killed by cars, senseless violence or even negligence.
I've transported literally hundreds of injured people to hospitals in the back seat of my radio car some who've died enroute (we carried cleaning solution for bloody back seats).
I've had to inform people of deaths to loved ones, hopefully with a clergyman or able neighborsto help.
We see lives ruined by crime and fear, people who are prisoners in their own homes. From addictions, poverty and effects therefrom, family disputes, tenant landlord, merchant issues, neglectful landowners and dangerous living conditions. We never went a day without street gunfire.
Physically the most dangerous job? Maybe not, but some danger lurks in all those suffering faces you never forget, even those of other cops.
We've seen hundreds of deaths form every conceivable form; murders, accidents, illness, people burned to death in a vehicle accidents (twice n my presence); dozens of suicides and attempts, 4 in my presence including trying to stop a a self decapitation, where my entire uniform, including shoes had to be thrown out); babies beaten and even raped to death, lye throwing, dead bodies partly consumed by pets, people under subway cars, crushed by elevators, self abortions, overdoses; dealt with hysterical parents and loved ones where kids were struck and killed by cars, senseless violence or even negligence.
I've transported literally hundreds of injured people to hospitals in the back seat of my radio car some who've died enroute (we carried cleaning solution for bloody back seats).
I've had to inform people of deaths to loved ones, hopefully with a clergyman or able neighborsto help.
We see lives ruined by crime and fear, people who are prisoners in their own homes. From addictions, poverty and effects therefrom, family disputes, tenant landlord, merchant issues, neglectful landowners and dangerous living conditions. We never went a day without street gunfire.
Physically the most dangerous job? Maybe not, but some danger lurks in all those suffering faces you never forget, even those of other cops.
13
There's no war on black people either. But the Baton Rouge shooter claimed black people are the new Native Americans and that white people are going to wipe black people out if they don't start shooting back. Back at what? Nothing.
Politically correct liberals and especially the New York Times bear a great deal of responsibility for fostering the myth that black people are under siege from the police or from white people in general. The greatest threat to a black person in the US comes from another black person. If cops commit murder while on the job, arrest them and convict them. We are not doing this, and good cops are not speaking out against the dirty ones any more than good black folks are "snitching" about the identities of the sociopathic killers in their communities. In both cases, snitching isn't healthy and that is what has to change.
In the meantime we'd better back off the racial rhetoric on all sides before this whole thing gets out of control. I still remember '67, '68, and '69. I saw first-hand the smoldering buildings and troops on the streets. We don't want to go back there. We might not come back from it.
Politically correct liberals and especially the New York Times bear a great deal of responsibility for fostering the myth that black people are under siege from the police or from white people in general. The greatest threat to a black person in the US comes from another black person. If cops commit murder while on the job, arrest them and convict them. We are not doing this, and good cops are not speaking out against the dirty ones any more than good black folks are "snitching" about the identities of the sociopathic killers in their communities. In both cases, snitching isn't healthy and that is what has to change.
In the meantime we'd better back off the racial rhetoric on all sides before this whole thing gets out of control. I still remember '67, '68, and '69. I saw first-hand the smoldering buildings and troops on the streets. We don't want to go back there. We might not come back from it.
13
Please don't lecture anyone on fostering myths when the right-wing supporters believe every (proven) lie and conspiracy theory that comes out of the mouths of people like Drumpf, Cruz, GWB, Rubio, Limbaugh et al.
You might as well blame this all on Hillary, after all, everything's her fault, isn't it?
You might as well blame this all on Hillary, after all, everything's her fault, isn't it?
2
But if you have a real problem with society, sooner or later, you have to go after police, because they’re the guardians of society. If your think our economic system doesn’t work, our politics are illegitimate, and our laws are a sham—and you just don’t care anymore because it’s not going to get better, killing a police officer is a one-man revolution. The police are just the ones in the way.
2
Police are being blamed for being agents of racist regimes to oppress and to repress the aspiration of black people. Black people are perceiving police as unfairly targeting them all as being likely criminals, more likely to treat them more harshly with less cause than non-blacks, and so are as likely to mistreat them as to help them when they ask for help. This perspective extends to long established and well regarded organizations like the NAACP, which has been very quick to call attention to and to characterize any encounters that might involve prejudicial acts by police to be egregious examples of biased institutional prejudice against black people by police and local governments. The level of stereotyping police as being the sharp edge of racial injustice is clear and intentional, probably intended to call attention to long standing inequities that have not been honestly addressed to the general public to both inspire members of the black community to unite and to force the nation to address the problem seriously. It gives unstable individual prone to violence a target for their rage about their personal frustrations and unhappy lives.
2
Is there a war on cops? I don't know. Is there a war on:
Children at school (Newtown, Columbine, et al.)?
People that go to movies (Aurora, CO)?
LGBTs that go to nightclubs (Orlando)?
People that work (San Bernardino et al.)?
College students/teachers (23 colleges had a mass shooting in 2015)?
People that go to Planned Parenthood (Colorado Springs, Tiller, et al.)?
People in the military (Chattanooga et al.)?
Need I say more?
Children at school (Newtown, Columbine, et al.)?
People that go to movies (Aurora, CO)?
LGBTs that go to nightclubs (Orlando)?
People that work (San Bernardino et al.)?
College students/teachers (23 colleges had a mass shooting in 2015)?
People that go to Planned Parenthood (Colorado Springs, Tiller, et al.)?
People in the military (Chattanooga et al.)?
Need I say more?
7
When I was growing up in central Illinois in the late sixties, a neighbor lady approached our little gang of pre-teens and asked if we would answer some questions for a college research project. Sure. She asked, "What are you afraid of?" Every one of us half-dozen kids answered, "The police." Today, I can't remember why we were afraid of the police. We were middle-class white kids who had had no contact with the police. Why would we fear the police? Behind the wheel, my dad was forever trying to avoid "the cops" so he could drive as fast and erratically as he has his whole life. Maybe that's it. We learned the fear of police from our parents.
8
There is a war on cops. Black activists have realized that their constituents commit crimes at a 700% higher rate than whites, and are killed by cops at a 300% higher rate than whites. Instead of focusing on responsible social action (education, welfare, the entire concept of public housing), they've resorted to a mindset of, well, if crime's the problem, then legalize it! Going along with this is the demonization of police.
The physical attacks are just the most egregious manifestation of this phenomenon. Real cops (those working) are terrified of civil suits. They are constantly second-guessed. In cities even with no real problems, black leaders are insisting on "citizen advisory committees." Much has been made of police work slowdowns. It's real. Not because of any malicious intent to punish communities, but when they know that they both literally and figuratively can do NOTHING right, they understandably become very risk-averse.
And even in daily life: Waiters refuse to serve cops. Bloggers post screeds against cops. Cops take away their pot, you see, so are the big bad guys. Naive adult-children run BLM demonstrations literally HOURS after cops are murdered, ignoring their deaths.
There most definitely is a war on cops by fringe groups. No, it is not mainstreamed, but to act like it doesn't exist and to act like it isn't significant is idiotic.
The physical attacks are just the most egregious manifestation of this phenomenon. Real cops (those working) are terrified of civil suits. They are constantly second-guessed. In cities even with no real problems, black leaders are insisting on "citizen advisory committees." Much has been made of police work slowdowns. It's real. Not because of any malicious intent to punish communities, but when they know that they both literally and figuratively can do NOTHING right, they understandably become very risk-averse.
And even in daily life: Waiters refuse to serve cops. Bloggers post screeds against cops. Cops take away their pot, you see, so are the big bad guys. Naive adult-children run BLM demonstrations literally HOURS after cops are murdered, ignoring their deaths.
There most definitely is a war on cops by fringe groups. No, it is not mainstreamed, but to act like it doesn't exist and to act like it isn't significant is idiotic.
8
There is a war on our police forces in many cities in our country--perhaps better called a "campaign" to take away their authority and ability to act according to their own best judgment. In our city, the local governments and the citizenry are in league in their total disrespect for law enforcement, always second-guessing their actions. Not a week goes by without an article in our local paper critical of the force or one of its members. In addition, the number of officers in proportion to the population is the lowest in our state. So between the lack of respect and concern from the citizens they serve and that they have way more work than they have officers to handle, it does seem as though there is a "war" against them,
6
they're supposed to act according to the law and police department policy, not their own best judgment.
4
Oh please. If cops can't handle being looked at with a microscope they have two choices:
1. Stop covering up for the power-hungry promoted mall cops whose judgement can't even be considered.
2. Quit.
Cops have gotten quite used to doing whatever they see fit be it in the interest of the public good or the interest of themselves personally and now that that perk might be taken away they're throwing a tantrum. There's no war, mom's just turning the car around and no more ice cream for them.
1. Stop covering up for the power-hungry promoted mall cops whose judgement can't even be considered.
2. Quit.
Cops have gotten quite used to doing whatever they see fit be it in the interest of the public good or the interest of themselves personally and now that that perk might be taken away they're throwing a tantrum. There's no war, mom's just turning the car around and no more ice cream for them.
6
There may not be a war on the police, but we can expect a continuation of sporadic terrorist attacks on police by disaffected loners who think they are acting for a cause. What else could we expect in a society teeming with automatic weapons and political polarization fanned by the internet? Anyone see a parallel with ISIS?
On the other hand, there is a combat-style approach, if not a war, by many police officers regarding African-American people at the moment. Stopping a vehicle and approaching it with weapons drawn and shouting commands to "get out with your hands up and get down on the ground" should not be procedure for a vehicle with a broken tail light! It's unreasonable and racist on its face, and has nothing to do with law enforcement, and everything to do with subjugation and humiliation.
And, of course, even if the unlucky citizen "arrested" in such circumstances complies, there is a good chance that he will be roughed up or beaten bloody, if not murdered by the police. Can any NY Times readers imagine how they would feel as the target of such an arrest? Until police come up with a better way to treat citizens, regardless of color, who are stopped for trivial reasons, the "war" on African-American people continues.
On the other hand, there is a combat-style approach, if not a war, by many police officers regarding African-American people at the moment. Stopping a vehicle and approaching it with weapons drawn and shouting commands to "get out with your hands up and get down on the ground" should not be procedure for a vehicle with a broken tail light! It's unreasonable and racist on its face, and has nothing to do with law enforcement, and everything to do with subjugation and humiliation.
And, of course, even if the unlucky citizen "arrested" in such circumstances complies, there is a good chance that he will be roughed up or beaten bloody, if not murdered by the police. Can any NY Times readers imagine how they would feel as the target of such an arrest? Until police come up with a better way to treat citizens, regardless of color, who are stopped for trivial reasons, the "war" on African-American people continues.
4
When will the Policemen/Policewomen of the land provide a unified-front against the real elephant in the room and the absurd availability of weapons, including ones only meant for the battlefield? I would think they would be doing everything in their power to push back the NRA. Thank you though to them for doing at time a thankless and very dangerous job.
10
Mr. Conlon, you sound like you were a great police officer. But I have never met a police officer like you. I'm a white woman who has lived in a number of smaller cities (including my current city in fly-over country), and I have never ever seen a police officer walking a beat. I see them sitting in their cars sometimes - but I have never seen them as a reliable and security-minded neighborhood presence. Sure, one calls them when shots are fired, or someone screams, but I can't imagine approaching a police officer for the kind of help you offered. Why? because in a number of experiences (almost always as a victim of crime), the police officers I have met were dismissive, uninterested, incompetent, and/or (at least twice) downright scary. I can think of one officer who was really helpful and reassuring while on the job - and I can also think of two officers whom I met as students who also seemed thoughtful and dedicated. But I suspect that the militarization, the machismo, and the us-versus-them mentality that others have written about (both here and in other op-ed columns in the NYT) have had a negative impact on the highly admirable ethos that you demonstrate. Why don't you un-retire and move to Colorado?
7
Calm, reason, knowledge of the subject. Thank you Mr. Conlon, I haven't seen those in a while. Still, I am troubled by the outcome of the trials in Baltimore--it does appear that in this case the state is unfair and one-sided, and that the police fully intended to do harm to a black man, if not to kill him. Perhaps the lawsuits will redress some of the harm, but the message of the judge in this case was not the message of your article.
3
The failure to convict any officers involved in the incident where the man was fatally injured in police custody was because there was insufficient evidence to meet the burden of proof criminally. The liability of the local government to compensate the family was done because the burden of proof could be met.
People are presumed innocent until proven guilty. A criminal conviction requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt. It is better to let a guilty person walk, than to let an innocent one be punished for a crime that person did not commit. Double jeopardy is forbidden under the law, so even a person who has been found not guilty but proof is later found of guilty cannot be retried.
On the other hand, a jury determines the truth of the facts presented and renders a verdict presumed to be legally valid and binding. This can result in jury nullification where a jury effectively finds a person guilty or not-guilty despite the evidence. It also makes undoing the conviction of an innocent person very difficult to accomplish where nobody made any procedural mistakes during the trial.
The prosecutor in Baltimore filed charges which could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The choices were to forego prosecution until sufficient evidence could be found. Prosecuting for far less serious crimes of misconduct. Taking a chance that the jury could be convinced to convict without the prosecution actually proving guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
People are presumed innocent until proven guilty. A criminal conviction requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt. It is better to let a guilty person walk, than to let an innocent one be punished for a crime that person did not commit. Double jeopardy is forbidden under the law, so even a person who has been found not guilty but proof is later found of guilty cannot be retried.
On the other hand, a jury determines the truth of the facts presented and renders a verdict presumed to be legally valid and binding. This can result in jury nullification where a jury effectively finds a person guilty or not-guilty despite the evidence. It also makes undoing the conviction of an innocent person very difficult to accomplish where nobody made any procedural mistakes during the trial.
The prosecutor in Baltimore filed charges which could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The choices were to forego prosecution until sufficient evidence could be found. Prosecuting for far less serious crimes of misconduct. Taking a chance that the jury could be convinced to convict without the prosecution actually proving guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
4
There needs to be a federal investigation of the events in Baltimore and I suspect of the recent event in Baton Rouge as well since the store video was immediately confiscated without a warrant and has not been "heard from" since.
As long as guilty cops walk as often as they do how can we expect a society that respects the rule of law?
As long as guilty cops walk as often as they do how can we expect a society that respects the rule of law?
4
In my whole life I have never encountered a police officer as idealized and saintly as Conlon's description of himself.
He is right that there is no "war against cops." There is, however, a Blue Wall of Silence that protects and enables the small number of bad cops and taints all the good cops who are forced to comply and makes prosecuting actual police crimes almost impossible (see Freddie Gray.)
He is right that there is no "war against cops." There is, however, a Blue Wall of Silence that protects and enables the small number of bad cops and taints all the good cops who are forced to comply and makes prosecuting actual police crimes almost impossible (see Freddie Gray.)
9
The operative words in this piece are "walked a beat 20 years ago." No doubt such a police officer was respected and consulted by the neighborhood. That was before 9/11 galvanized police into militarized units that descend on neighborhoods as if they were Fallujah. Better training and more neighborhood contact--including an insistence that police live in the areas they police--are the answers. There will always be random horrors (e.g. the monster who entrapped and shot two volunteer firefighters for the hell of it four years ago in Webster, NY). But in this case, it takes two sides to have a war; one side has almost all the power and agency, and should use it.
I have come to conclude that the continued proliferation of guns in our society is making police work increasingly dangerous. As rank-and-file cops increasingly fear that any seemingly minor situation could leave them dead in an instant, more mistakes are made; leading to an ever-increasing cycle of fear and violence. I believe if we look, we will see a strong correlation between the proliferation of guns in an area, and dubious police killings. We are all safer if cops are the only ones with the guns.
8
In a comment to a Kristoff column that the Times didn’t post, I wrote, “There is only one place that can make things better for the bleak statistics Kristoff continually chronicles: the black community. Black girls not proudly having babies starting in their early teens, blacks valuing an education and staying in school, blacks who try to study not being dissed as ‘acting white,’ black males not having a count of ‘baby mamas,’ blacks thinking they can do better than a culture we see in vile rap.
Most importantly, a rejection by the black community of the stock and trade of black ‘activists’ and whites such as Nicholas Kristoff, of ‘I’m just a victim.’ Victimhood has its uses to those that preach it as a lead-in to the call for much more from the government as the cure and as a convenient sideshow to take away the notion that blacks themselves have any responsibility to make things better.”
This column raises a further aspect. Once, listening to a call-in show on a black radio station, I heard a middle class black woman tell of how she and her black friend had been robbed by a black by on their way to a movie. The woman wanted to call the police. Her friend said no. She didn’t want “to get the brother into trouble.” Soon thereafter, they learned that the robber had gone to rob other blacks and only then had been arrested.
The point of the column and my recounting the call-in: The importance of the black community working with, not against, law enforcement,
Most importantly, a rejection by the black community of the stock and trade of black ‘activists’ and whites such as Nicholas Kristoff, of ‘I’m just a victim.’ Victimhood has its uses to those that preach it as a lead-in to the call for much more from the government as the cure and as a convenient sideshow to take away the notion that blacks themselves have any responsibility to make things better.”
This column raises a further aspect. Once, listening to a call-in show on a black radio station, I heard a middle class black woman tell of how she and her black friend had been robbed by a black by on their way to a movie. The woman wanted to call the police. Her friend said no. She didn’t want “to get the brother into trouble.” Soon thereafter, they learned that the robber had gone to rob other blacks and only then had been arrested.
The point of the column and my recounting the call-in: The importance of the black community working with, not against, law enforcement,
8
professional activists , many with ivy league credentials, are declaring war on patrolmen in order to advance their careers and street cred. Sadly one consequence of the 60s is the creation of a career track for self aggrandizing professional activists. Their skill is self promotion and their callous indifference to the suffering of those they claim to speak for is ignored by the media.
6
This is a good column but Obama is right: we ask too much of our police. Cops often join the force to lock up (or kill) bad guys. Often enough, the police are dealing with the mentally ill, not career criminals (not there not enough career criminals with guns to keep many a force busy). Cops are not social workers, to expect them to be is absurd--it's not going to happen. Let us not forget that the ware house mental hospitals were closed and the patients dumped into the community. I don't want to return to the warehouse but cops got a flood of mentally ill homeless. The cops cannot cure the mentally ill, cops cannot do anything about hopeless state of housing in this cruel country, the cops cannot do anything about foster care which all too often provides problem care and manufactures problem people.
And this thing about the cop walking the beat and knowing the community--most of the police are in cars and they want to be in cars with a partner (who would not). The origin if the word cop is "constable on patrol" but the lone friendly constable walking those mean streets is a myth and it is not going to change.
And there 18,000 police departments in this country. That's way too many for uniform training and shared resources.
Finally police data is horrible. Most departments claim collecting data and turning data over to the FBI. What you do not count, you cannot control.
Perhaps there is not a "war on cops" but there are wars out there and the cops cannot win all.
And this thing about the cop walking the beat and knowing the community--most of the police are in cars and they want to be in cars with a partner (who would not). The origin if the word cop is "constable on patrol" but the lone friendly constable walking those mean streets is a myth and it is not going to change.
And there 18,000 police departments in this country. That's way too many for uniform training and shared resources.
Finally police data is horrible. Most departments claim collecting data and turning data over to the FBI. What you do not count, you cannot control.
Perhaps there is not a "war on cops" but there are wars out there and the cops cannot win all.
4
I would not go so far as to call it a "War on Cops", but at the same time I have to think it is significant that the killers in both Dallas and Baton Rouge were military veterans. These men were trained to wage war against someone, and had wartime experiences which may have created a certain mindset and desensitized them to killing. I have to wonder if insufficient mental health services and attention to soldiers after re-entry to civilian life played as much of a role in these deaths as the videos of the deaths of Mr. Sterling and Mr. Castile. Certainly military training helped the cop killers commit their crimes. Perhaps more careful screening and treatment of PTSD or other mental health problems in military veterans could help prevent future tragedies.
1
Evening out the tally and making both sides equally responsible is certainly de rigueur and politically correct, but is it fair. As has been noted before on these pages, the majority of the so-called police killings of black men were justified. Michael Brown, the sin qua non of the BLM movement, was committing a felony at the time he was shot. Every single murder of a police officer by mad men inspired by BLM, on the other hand, was a cold blooded execution, the kind BLM accuses those same police of committing. The irony could not be thicker. Of course unwarranted killings like that that of Philandro Castille are tragedies and beg reform on police training, but hey are not murders. And let us not also forget why black men become suspect in the first place. The Post may cover the news better on this but two recent events in NYC of black men attacking, unprovoked, innocent white men on the street does not lend credence to the argument that the police are looking to target innocent black men, they don't have to. These same black men are providing many reasons for the police to be suspicious of them in the first place and start down the road to possible tragic and unintended consequences.
5
I think the primary assumption here - that it is justified to shoot someone suspected of committing a crime - is part of the problem. Thankfully, the Bloody Code was revoked centuries before; in modern civilization we no longer execute people for stealing a loaf of bread (or cigarettes or whatever it was that Michael Brown was alleged to have stolen). And why is an unwarranted killing not a murder? What's the difference?
3
i disagree that the killers of the police officers in dallas and baton rouge were inspired by black lives matter, they were clearly mentally unbalanced.
3
You miss the point no one is talking about executing anyone for stealing bread. So let me tell you the difference then, in almost all interpretations of common law and the MPC, "murder" requires intent and malice aforethought - rarely if ever proven in legitimate police shootings. Everything else would be negligent homicide or manslaughter, also very hard to prove especially in the context of police shootings/deaths in custody as we are seeing in the Baltimore trials. And Michael Brow was not stealing bread, he was beating a clerk in a store and charged an officer.
2
A nice piece. Although underlying problem is that it does not matter if there is a war on the police or not. I have no way of knowing and comprehending the feelings in diverse groups across a diverse geographical region. I only have the media to read and watch. So I read the news and carefully choose content sources. My neighbor, on the other hand, does not. He watches a video and draws his conclusion.
So what matters is how current events are portrayed, and in many cases, sensationalized by the media. This will be the deciding factor.
While perhaps this is in pursuit of those valuable capitalist-driven profits rather than a political agenda it still, in the end, becomes a political game of chance... and one with potentially deadly consequences.
So what matters is how current events are portrayed, and in many cases, sensationalized by the media. This will be the deciding factor.
While perhaps this is in pursuit of those valuable capitalist-driven profits rather than a political agenda it still, in the end, becomes a political game of chance... and one with potentially deadly consequences.
1
One of the best columns on the subject, if not the best, that I have read.
It's clear that while there still are considerable numbers of people who think race matters in their judgments about strangers, racism is not the primary reason that black people are stereotyped as more likely to commit crimes and therefore receive scrutiny to a greater degree than do non-blacks. Stereotyping is simply drawing general conclusions about a category of people based upon a small sample of people that fit that category. It's an unreasonable kind of thinking to a simple solution that people do instead of considering all of the facts. It's a mistake that all people have a tendency to make when they want to figure out want to do but the information needed to reason it through soundly is too great. And yes, those who stereotype police as being instruments of repression of a racist system are just as guilty as police who have come to suspect that blacks are more likely up to something that they should not be doing than non-blacks.
It's clear that while there still are considerable numbers of people who think race matters in their judgments about strangers, racism is not the primary reason that black people are stereotyped as more likely to commit crimes and therefore receive scrutiny to a greater degree than do non-blacks. Stereotyping is simply drawing general conclusions about a category of people based upon a small sample of people that fit that category. It's an unreasonable kind of thinking to a simple solution that people do instead of considering all of the facts. It's a mistake that all people have a tendency to make when they want to figure out want to do but the information needed to reason it through soundly is too great. And yes, those who stereotype police as being instruments of repression of a racist system are just as guilty as police who have come to suspect that blacks are more likely up to something that they should not be doing than non-blacks.
2
It's a two-way street. Police are mostly exposed to 'the worst in human behavior', and they need to be able to 'think like a violator' to find and deal with violators.
But biased and limited perspective isn't the only problem. We need to continuously monitor, council, and protect our 'first responders' against the cynicism, depression, and corruption that rides on the daily exposure to negative behaviors and negative actors. Big population requires 'big, but enforcement.
But biased and limited perspective isn't the only problem. We need to continuously monitor, council, and protect our 'first responders' against the cynicism, depression, and corruption that rides on the daily exposure to negative behaviors and negative actors. Big population requires 'big, but enforcement.
1
"War on the police" in the conceptual sense is a valid topic to discuss, but as with other societal concerns, the use of "war" generally uses emotion to cloud legitimate issues and differences of opinion. Thus we get a war on women, war on gays, war on this or that - great gut puncher titles but titles nevertheless that often overheat a situation where discussion and resolution become that much harder.
2
According to the Washington Post cop involved killings over the last year are near 1000. With about a quarter involving the mentally ill and blacks being disproportionately killed. the cops are winning the war.
Of the 33,000 Americans who are killed by guns every year nearly 2/3rds are suicides. With 79% of the 77% of whites who kill themselves being male. About 19% of whites are victims of homicides and 95% of the killers are also white. About 14% of blacks shoot themselves to death. And 95% of the persons who kill the 84% of blacks who die from homicide are also black. Black on black crime is as real as white on white on crime.
The only time that white mass media and politicians want to talk about their concern for black homicide victims is when there is an accused white or cop killer. Black communities are protesting black crime while whites like Conlon, Kerik, Giuliani, O'Reilly and Trump are neither caring nor looking.
Of the 33,000 Americans who are killed by guns every year nearly 2/3rds are suicides. With 79% of the 77% of whites who kill themselves being male. About 19% of whites are victims of homicides and 95% of the killers are also white. About 14% of blacks shoot themselves to death. And 95% of the persons who kill the 84% of blacks who die from homicide are also black. Black on black crime is as real as white on white on crime.
The only time that white mass media and politicians want to talk about their concern for black homicide victims is when there is an accused white or cop killer. Black communities are protesting black crime while whites like Conlon, Kerik, Giuliani, O'Reilly and Trump are neither caring nor looking.
3
Being female and white, I have mostly not had any personal issues with police. However, when the public sees police officers killing people, apparently for no major reason (Garland, Tamir Rice etc), and then sees all of the other officers acting like "see no evil, speak no evil, say no evil" -- the blue line of silence -- well, that leads to disrespect and fear of the police. I do not mean that there is any justification to civilians then going and killing police...
Does anyone really believe that the death of Freddie Gray in Baltimore was an "accident"?? Still, a whole lot more civilians are killed by the police than police are killed by civilians...It is all very sad.
Does anyone really believe that the death of Freddie Gray in Baltimore was an "accident"?? Still, a whole lot more civilians are killed by the police than police are killed by civilians...It is all very sad.
4
When I see a white child get gunned down in seconds for playing with a toy gun in an affluent neighborhood park then I will admit I am wrong. Too many policemen are just waiting for a reason to kill a black male. It's racism, payback and above all the thin blue line.
5
"Too many policemen are just waiting for a reason to kill a black male." A purely biased emotional and political statement that cannot be supported with actual, real world facts.
11
A few months ago, as I was bicycling, I surprised two young children playing with a gun that looked remarkably real - at least now I hope it was a toy. I can only imagine what a cop would have experienced had he suddenly come across that scene.
2
thanks for your wise and calm words. we need them now.
2
i really don't know much about the police. however, when a newscaster was giving a brief bio of the officers killed in dallas it shocked me to hear that 4 of the five officers who were killed(i did not hear the 5th's bio so i can't comment on him) were ex-military. i do wonder if this proportion of american police forces are in fact ex-military. surely military training is not what we should value in our civilian police forces. isn't the whole ethos of military training to kill the enemy and ask questions later. is that really what we are watching trained killers on our street doing what they have been trained to do? it is troubling and i think we have to rethink who should be making up our police forces.
4
An interesting observation, but while there are not apparently nationwide stats on the percentage of police officers who had prior military experience, from all sources it appears that the number is not that great, certainly not anywhere near 4 out of 5. Employing former military personnel has some advantages, such as their ability to function in a highly structured and regulated environment (how many still living at home millennial get/like the idea of working in a job where there are a thousand and one rules which change all the time?) as well as being able to function in a very high stress environment. Some disadvantages arise potentially from the attitude or approach that those veterans may take but that is (or should be) controlled to some extent by psychological testing prior to hiring and training.
I think it is also wrong and unfair to simplify describe our veterans as "trained killers". Look at countless news accounts of the complex and often self-defeating "rules of engagement" for our soldiers and you will realize that they do not just get to go out and slaughter everything just because. What they ARE trained to do is behave with discipline and apply that training in dire situations.
I think it is also wrong and unfair to simplify describe our veterans as "trained killers". Look at countless news accounts of the complex and often self-defeating "rules of engagement" for our soldiers and you will realize that they do not just get to go out and slaughter everything just because. What they ARE trained to do is behave with discipline and apply that training in dire situations.
3
I think the biggest obstacle to addressing this are the people convinced that there *is* a war and always has been. The spouses, parents, siblings, and children of officers whose sole concern in this conversation is -- at least as they can understand it -- the short term safety of their loved one. The people who primarily live well outside of the areas affected by brutality and misconduct and have never seen it first hand. The ones who deny it even exists because they can't fathom their loved ones committing the horrific acts we've seen looped on the news in seeming perpetuity. The place where "accountability" is subconsciously replaced with a perceived death sentence for the most important person in their life.
I'm not sure how you fix that. I'm not sure how you bridge that divide and convince those removed from crime and poverty plagued cities that the people living there are just that: people. Not animals predisposed to destroying themselves and trying to gun down anyone with a badge if the wind hits them the wrong way.
Because thing is, the people who actually live in these cities, whatever their race, will embrace cops if their presence has value. If they uphold their responsibility to protect and serve. If we get back to community policing, then we'll get back to a place where this "us against them" mentality isn't so strong. If all these communities see is the people *they* love being gunned down by men in blue, that's how their perceptions will be shaped.
I'm not sure how you fix that. I'm not sure how you bridge that divide and convince those removed from crime and poverty plagued cities that the people living there are just that: people. Not animals predisposed to destroying themselves and trying to gun down anyone with a badge if the wind hits them the wrong way.
Because thing is, the people who actually live in these cities, whatever their race, will embrace cops if their presence has value. If they uphold their responsibility to protect and serve. If we get back to community policing, then we'll get back to a place where this "us against them" mentality isn't so strong. If all these communities see is the people *they* love being gunned down by men in blue, that's how their perceptions will be shaped.
2
Thank you and well said.
1
Police need to be part of the community like you were to protect them, especially the poor and thus vulnerable communities rather than being viewed as an occupying force. But guns are getting in the way. The militarization of many U.S. police forces is a reaction to dealing with a heavily armed society, I can totally understand the fear on both sides.
Racial profiling of Black and aboriginal people is a big problem here in Canada, incidents are reported all the time - but the chances of getting killed are way lower.
Racial profiling of Black and aboriginal people is a big problem here in Canada, incidents are reported all the time - but the chances of getting killed are way lower.
2
The problem is the lack of prosecution of Police Officers who kill unarmed men. No one can kill another civilian or especially law enforcement and be confident that all charges against them will be acquitted, except law enforcement. The argument of black on black crime being similar is null since I don't hold Police to the standard of a criminal and even if I did, I except them to be prosecuted. Yes, being a Police Officer is a dangerous job but we can't fail to hold them to the same account of the law they enforce just because they have a dangerous job.
8
That was a great column by one who obviously knows.
It's as old as Plato's "Republic"--"Res Publica" Latin for political reality--the standard translation of "Politeia"--"Politicality"--
A polis (Latin's civis, etymon of city, civil, civility, civilization) fulfills three functions: policy making, policing and the recognition of the authority of both by the citizens--at least a critical mass.
The police are caught in the middle--duties to respect policy they did not make, and duties to enforce that policy--and only that--on unwilling outlaws.
They must recognize both their subordination/limits and their authority/power--so as to maintain their own respect by the "the people".
A polis/polity degenerates into a "police state" when police fail to walk the fine line:
"a political unit characterized by repressive governmental control of political, economic, and social life usually by an arbitrary exercise of power by police and especially secret police in place of regular operation of administrative and judicial organs of the government according to publicly known legal procedures" (Merriam Webster)
It's only a "political unit" the way a burned down house is a "house"--merely the remains of one. A police state is a gangland with blue uniforms. Policy makers (legislators and judges) are empty shells.
The other political "remains" --degeneration/corruption/decay--is when outlaws are not outliers--the loss of recognition of authorities by "the people". It's Hobbes "state of nature:" war of every man against every man.
A polis (Latin's civis, etymon of city, civil, civility, civilization) fulfills three functions: policy making, policing and the recognition of the authority of both by the citizens--at least a critical mass.
The police are caught in the middle--duties to respect policy they did not make, and duties to enforce that policy--and only that--on unwilling outlaws.
They must recognize both their subordination/limits and their authority/power--so as to maintain their own respect by the "the people".
A polis/polity degenerates into a "police state" when police fail to walk the fine line:
"a political unit characterized by repressive governmental control of political, economic, and social life usually by an arbitrary exercise of power by police and especially secret police in place of regular operation of administrative and judicial organs of the government according to publicly known legal procedures" (Merriam Webster)
It's only a "political unit" the way a burned down house is a "house"--merely the remains of one. A police state is a gangland with blue uniforms. Policy makers (legislators and judges) are empty shells.
The other political "remains" --degeneration/corruption/decay--is when outlaws are not outliers--the loss of recognition of authorities by "the people". It's Hobbes "state of nature:" war of every man against every man.
1
We need to hear more positive stories such as this one. Where does respect for our laws and for the people who serve and protect us begin? What has happened to the idea of teaching children to be good citizens? This article helps us understand the reality of a police officer's daily life. Thanks!
The number of civilians killed by police dwarfs the number of police killed by civilians. This alone puts the lie to any war on police. While 30 police have been killed this year, police have killed over 500 people this year (and I don't begin to believe that these were mostly "justified"). There is also no war on police because killers of police are relentlessly hunted, quickly caught, and frequently killed rather than captured. Police who kill civilians get paid leave, strong union support, and frequently promotions. Accountability is exceedingly rare. That is the problem.
5
In my country, there is no police war against any ethic group. But almost everyone, from all ethic group, avoids the police. Because the synonym of police is corruption.
2
The Kansas City police captain who was shot to death yesterday, with no attention from the New York Times, would disagree if he were not residing in a coffin this morning.
4
Thank you for sharing your thoughts in this well-written, insightful opinion piece. You've contributed balance, humanity and a dose of reality to the conversation.
This man has expressed my view of the situation better than I ever could.
The arguments don’t cancel each other out, no matter how loudly they’re shouted.
Sometimes its hard to hold two thoughts at the same time, but then you realize its two separate issues involving individuals from two separate groups.
The arguments don’t cancel each other out, no matter how loudly they’re shouted.
Sometimes its hard to hold two thoughts at the same time, but then you realize its two separate issues involving individuals from two separate groups.
One of the great aspects of our society is correctly noted in this op-ed: when you need a police officer, or even when you just think you do, you can call and one will come. He or she will investigate the situation and respond according to training, knowledge of the law and the existing circumstances. The fact that you can do this and can be highly assured of a response gives continual reassurance that something can be done about a theft or act of violence. Yet, personally I am cautious enough around police that I would be careful in placing that call because the less involvement one has with officers, the less likely they will turn and decide you are the problem.
When we give police extraordinary powers in our democratic society, and the power of life and death over citizens, it is not without hesitation and deep concern. Because we allow them these powers, we expect them not merely to respect citizens, but to treat their lives as precious as they would the lives of their own family members. Clearly, this isn't happening.
Why are police officers seen on video handcuffing a dying man who they have just shot? We know people can "bleed out" in five minutes time, why does someone writhing on the ground warrant cuffs? Just training? There is appears to be an inherent disregard, even disgust, for the life of a "perp", someone who they have identified as a criminal, the kind of person most confront every day, a piece of human dirt. Except, it turns out, some aren't criminals.
When we give police extraordinary powers in our democratic society, and the power of life and death over citizens, it is not without hesitation and deep concern. Because we allow them these powers, we expect them not merely to respect citizens, but to treat their lives as precious as they would the lives of their own family members. Clearly, this isn't happening.
Why are police officers seen on video handcuffing a dying man who they have just shot? We know people can "bleed out" in five minutes time, why does someone writhing on the ground warrant cuffs? Just training? There is appears to be an inherent disregard, even disgust, for the life of a "perp", someone who they have identified as a criminal, the kind of person most confront every day, a piece of human dirt. Except, it turns out, some aren't criminals.
2
The attacks on police is caused by a failed system of laws and governance, which has taken peoples ‘rights away in favor of government, it agencies and corporations.
Too much freedom, power and authority is in the control of the rich and powerful who have an upper hand over the majority. 47% of Americans don't earn enough to pay income tax. This has left many Americans opposed to capitalism and in need of entitlement programs. These programs often leave the people with unfulfilled promises causing frustration and eventually rage.
Few recognize the 1776 American Revolution was as much about freeing the colonies from the powerful English corporations as anything else. In the colonies, the charters gave corporations legal power to control the New World’s people, resources and taxation.
From 1801 to the 1890's the Supreme Court made rulings limiting the obligations of a contract, thus taking away state jurisdictions over corporate businesses. Corporations no longer came under "citizens" authority, but afforded with all the rights of a citizen. Corporations and politicians in America were originally to serve the public. Rarely the case today.
Too much freedom, power and authority is in the control of the rich and powerful who have an upper hand over the majority. 47% of Americans don't earn enough to pay income tax. This has left many Americans opposed to capitalism and in need of entitlement programs. These programs often leave the people with unfulfilled promises causing frustration and eventually rage.
Few recognize the 1776 American Revolution was as much about freeing the colonies from the powerful English corporations as anything else. In the colonies, the charters gave corporations legal power to control the New World’s people, resources and taxation.
From 1801 to the 1890's the Supreme Court made rulings limiting the obligations of a contract, thus taking away state jurisdictions over corporate businesses. Corporations no longer came under "citizens" authority, but afforded with all the rights of a citizen. Corporations and politicians in America were originally to serve the public. Rarely the case today.
1
This reads like Comey's Hillary speech, "here are the facts that show she's patently guilty of a crime, but we're not going to prosecute."
Here, the author lays out the facts -- numerous attacks perpetrated against police by folks radicalized and enraged by leftist/BLM anti-cop rhetoric -- then denies the obvious conclusion. First, the NYT runs an incendiary op-ed, averring that the police "are engaged in an undeclared war on blackness"; now it denies that the folks shooting back, despite their own words, consider themselves part of that "war"?
The author's facts damn; his conclusions do not follow. That some people still want, need, and respect the police does not gainsay the fact that leftists have deliberately ginned up a racial Narrative, based upon outright lies like "hands up, don't shoot".
When people at anti-cop protests chant about wanting "dead cops" or "fry 'em like bacon", and when the internet shows those are not isolated or unusual perspectives on the left -- or even at the Times -- it's time to admit that the left has, in fact, declared war on cops. Perhaps leftists meant that war as strictly figurative, but, obviously, many folks haven't gotten the memo.
Your rhetoric -- yes, even you, old Gray Lady -- is inciting people not to political action, but to violence. Responsibility militates in favor of caution. In short, shut up. If police misbehave, and they do, act according. But lose the inflammatory racial rhetoric and deep six that Narrative.
Here, the author lays out the facts -- numerous attacks perpetrated against police by folks radicalized and enraged by leftist/BLM anti-cop rhetoric -- then denies the obvious conclusion. First, the NYT runs an incendiary op-ed, averring that the police "are engaged in an undeclared war on blackness"; now it denies that the folks shooting back, despite their own words, consider themselves part of that "war"?
The author's facts damn; his conclusions do not follow. That some people still want, need, and respect the police does not gainsay the fact that leftists have deliberately ginned up a racial Narrative, based upon outright lies like "hands up, don't shoot".
When people at anti-cop protests chant about wanting "dead cops" or "fry 'em like bacon", and when the internet shows those are not isolated or unusual perspectives on the left -- or even at the Times -- it's time to admit that the left has, in fact, declared war on cops. Perhaps leftists meant that war as strictly figurative, but, obviously, many folks haven't gotten the memo.
Your rhetoric -- yes, even you, old Gray Lady -- is inciting people not to political action, but to violence. Responsibility militates in favor of caution. In short, shut up. If police misbehave, and they do, act according. But lose the inflammatory racial rhetoric and deep six that Narrative.
11
There is not a war on cops. Neither is there a war on Black men by cops. What there is is a 24/7 media assault on one's senses. Each of these tragic events are isolated incidents, but due to media saturation are being portrayed as one gigantic IS plot.
This is false. If anything they are media copycats. These crimes have been committed by people with deep psychological scars capable of amassing an arsenal of weaponry thanks to the obstructionism of the NRA. They see how a nobody can become a somebody in one devastating moment of violence. They are an assorted group of Lee Harvey Oswalds, who, with a mail-order rifle which pales in comparison with today's firearms, was able to assassinate the president of the United States riding in an open car through the streets of Dallas, which today would be an impossibility.
Times indeed have changed since '63. We are a global village. A shot heard 'round the world is now heard daily, and those who are mentally unstable can legally buy as many weapons as they want. They have been given the means to make themselves infamous in a flash of a gun. JFK presciently said this before his death: If anyone wants to kill the president, and are willing to lose their life, there is almost nothing that can be done to stop them.
Republicans are attempting to tie President Obama and Hillary to every horrific event in the world. Republicans want Americans to be so fearful they will do something drastic. Their solution? Trump.
DD
Manhattan
This is false. If anything they are media copycats. These crimes have been committed by people with deep psychological scars capable of amassing an arsenal of weaponry thanks to the obstructionism of the NRA. They see how a nobody can become a somebody in one devastating moment of violence. They are an assorted group of Lee Harvey Oswalds, who, with a mail-order rifle which pales in comparison with today's firearms, was able to assassinate the president of the United States riding in an open car through the streets of Dallas, which today would be an impossibility.
Times indeed have changed since '63. We are a global village. A shot heard 'round the world is now heard daily, and those who are mentally unstable can legally buy as many weapons as they want. They have been given the means to make themselves infamous in a flash of a gun. JFK presciently said this before his death: If anyone wants to kill the president, and are willing to lose their life, there is almost nothing that can be done to stop them.
Republicans are attempting to tie President Obama and Hillary to every horrific event in the world. Republicans want Americans to be so fearful they will do something drastic. Their solution? Trump.
DD
Manhattan
1
Regrettably, police have worked hard to militarize and act as though they are an occupying force, rather than being the guardians we expect them to be.
Until police are adequately trained in nonviolence, conflict resolution and angry narcissistic cops are eliminated, the police will continue to be looked upon as the aggressor. We need policemen who are rational, well trained and held accountable for their actions.
Until police are adequately trained in nonviolence, conflict resolution and angry narcissistic cops are eliminated, the police will continue to be looked upon as the aggressor. We need policemen who are rational, well trained and held accountable for their actions.
1
This is a great column that captures something that is usually lost in the debate on policing - the often strong relationship between officers and the public they serve and protect. Some cities do this better than others, but the essential nature of the job involves and requires genuine relationships, and the best cops are usually the people everyone hopes shows up when they call
2
This seems like a reasonable, unbiased piece. Many of the comments seem to filter it through an unreasonable, biased lens.
3
We must continue to support the police as their jobs, the daily situations they face, the stress they experience is foreign to the average citizen. Think about it: they see the worst of human nature in action. We call the police when there's a problem. As many here have stated, the vast majority of citizens are law abiding. I don't know what the answer is, however, as the mother of an NYPD officer, we have discussed this particular subject frequently. Training of officers needs to be revamped and all officers should be required to have regular sensitivity training in order to dilute the stereotypes that have perpetuated for decades. In addition, one NYPD officer we discussed this with suggests regular counseling, (monthly for example,) for every officer because given their jobs and stress level, many officers may be experiencing a low level of PTSD. Until the triple scourge of poverty, education and affordable housing is addressed and alleviated, crime will continue to plague poor neighborhoods....and we will continue to call the cops and I hope they continue to respond.
2
I believe the change in attitudes about the police reflect changes in policing itself. In my neighborhood in New York City about 20 years ago, we had a beat cop. He knew us all, knew our normal movements and even knew our names. On very cold days, we invited him into our lobby to warm himself. He was our friend, neighbor and protector. I even wrote a letter to his superior commending him. I still work in New York City but the cops have changed. I never see beat cops at all. Police drive in cars and my interactions with them have been unpleasant at best. I've been ticketed numerous times for minor infractions and when pulled over, their attitude is condescending and frightening. To be honest, I would hesitate to call any of them in an emergency. I believe these changes are a direct result of the increasing militarization of police forces across the country. I also believe our police forces in many cities are too large. What might help are smaller police forces, with at least half of the force walking the beat. And the "toys" must be put away and used only in very well defined situations. Unless things change, the police will be viewed as occupying forces by the citizens they are charged to protect.
3
An interesting observation about police departments being too large, something which may be applied to government in general, one would argue.
But if they are, in fact, too large, then who, we must ask, is to blame? It may well be that we expect the police to do more than just be enforcers of the law but to be a social service agency, to deal with poverty, kids, broken homes, the mentally ill, and so on, societal woes they were never intended for but for whom they are now the dumping ground. Got a problem, however trivial, call 911 we have been taught - the cops will always come. So we get the police getting called mediate neighbors not getting along, stupid calls complaining about customer service at businesses, and all the rest, while they still have to deal with serious things like assaults, rapes and murder.
In other words the pubic and its elected leaders have created this mess.
But if they are, in fact, too large, then who, we must ask, is to blame? It may well be that we expect the police to do more than just be enforcers of the law but to be a social service agency, to deal with poverty, kids, broken homes, the mentally ill, and so on, societal woes they were never intended for but for whom they are now the dumping ground. Got a problem, however trivial, call 911 we have been taught - the cops will always come. So we get the police getting called mediate neighbors not getting along, stupid calls complaining about customer service at businesses, and all the rest, while they still have to deal with serious things like assaults, rapes and murder.
In other words the pubic and its elected leaders have created this mess.
1
The two ideas of a smaller force with more walking the beat are incompatible. An officer in a patrol car can cover a much wider beat than one on foot, thereby shrinking the number of officers required and, more importantly during an election cycle, keeping the tax rate needed to support the force as low as possible.
If people were willing to pay more in taxes, the police force could be expanded to put more police on foot patrols, thereby giving them more chance to get to know the people they serve. As it stands, patrol cars are the option most prefer, at least according to how they vote.
If people were willing to pay more in taxes, the police force could be expanded to put more police on foot patrols, thereby giving them more chance to get to know the people they serve. As it stands, patrol cars are the option most prefer, at least according to how they vote.
1
"Everyone should look at the numbers, consider the facts and remember the names. No cry for justice should be ignored."
This article references a mother who accepted that her son had done something wrong and was justly found guilty. I must have missed the article about the rank and file of the NYPD or the CPD (I now live in Chicago) accepting as right the punishment of a bad actor in their ranks, or dutifully cooperating in the investigation of the conduct of a fellow officer. Does Mr. Conlon not appreciate how utterly corrosive of trust are the many, many episodes of this kind?
People remember it when a cop roughs someone up and colleagues look the other way, keep silent, and lie. That is how criminals are expected to behave. And so, until one personally knows the man or woman behind the badge, people do not trust the police.
It would be valuable to know if retired detective Conlon witnessed, during his career, unacceptable police behavior, and if so, what he did about it.
This article references a mother who accepted that her son had done something wrong and was justly found guilty. I must have missed the article about the rank and file of the NYPD or the CPD (I now live in Chicago) accepting as right the punishment of a bad actor in their ranks, or dutifully cooperating in the investigation of the conduct of a fellow officer. Does Mr. Conlon not appreciate how utterly corrosive of trust are the many, many episodes of this kind?
People remember it when a cop roughs someone up and colleagues look the other way, keep silent, and lie. That is how criminals are expected to behave. And so, until one personally knows the man or woman behind the badge, people do not trust the police.
It would be valuable to know if retired detective Conlon witnessed, during his career, unacceptable police behavior, and if so, what he did about it.
5
For clarity, how many Cops need to be ambushed, shot, wounded, killed before the author is prepared to call it a War on Police?
7
Here is the best US police response that I have seen. A problem develops when police occupy an area rather than serve it. Into that vacuum, a desire for justice and order, steps criminal elements and political extremists who will meet the community need. This has been the case for at least the mafia, IRA and Hezbollah and many others.
Many of us have stopped (ever) calling the police. We have found that when they come, they treat us as if we are the problem instead of victims of crime.
5
I wonder how often you feel the need to call the police? I don't doubt that there is not shortage of officers who are rude or the like, but it must be said that a natural wariness (at least) develops in anyone who is a police officer when you never know what to expect, where a threat may be present in something that is seemingly innocuous. It is, of course, a fine line at times, being vigilant and polite at the same time, but what some people take as being made to feel like the problem may, from the other side, just a cool detachment. After all, they're police officers, not your minister or close friend.
2
The whole concept of a 'war' on cops might make for great copy but the term is much to broad and does no justice to reality. A better question is 'are there people so affected by a steady pace of subjective (Ferguson comes to mind) anti police rhetoric that a climate of violence against police has resulted?
What does it say when even so obvious an untruth about the alleged murder of a 'gentle giant' cannot be widely acknowledged? Baltimore, where cops faced decades in jail over a seat belt on a violent drug dealer controversy? Even Eric Garner, arrested 31 times, 28 for the same offense, told again and again, 'don't come back to this area deemed (by the community) a target of law enforcement, but chose, for the second week in a row, to fight off cops again; all of which caused a physical altercation, a 9 second head lock takedown, no punches, kicks, slaps, night sticks, mace, Tazers ect, only physical restraint which regrettably exasterbated a physical condition cops were not aware of, and a MURDER charge was demanded and continues to be in this clearly unintended circumstance?
What does it say when even so obvious an untruth about the alleged murder of a 'gentle giant' cannot be widely acknowledged? Baltimore, where cops faced decades in jail over a seat belt on a violent drug dealer controversy? Even Eric Garner, arrested 31 times, 28 for the same offense, told again and again, 'don't come back to this area deemed (by the community) a target of law enforcement, but chose, for the second week in a row, to fight off cops again; all of which caused a physical altercation, a 9 second head lock takedown, no punches, kicks, slaps, night sticks, mace, Tazers ect, only physical restraint which regrettably exasterbated a physical condition cops were not aware of, and a MURDER charge was demanded and continues to be in this clearly unintended circumstance?
3
People are justifiably outraged when someone who is unarmed and not involved in a violent crime is shot by police. And when the perpetrator is exhonorated. And the more so when all the good police maintain a bond of silence when the bad apple behaves badly. These latter aspects, to me, are what drives the populace to generalizing from the very few police who are abusive and even murderous to a larger group of fellow officers and the justice system within which this is embedded. If we saw more self-policing by law enforcement and more ethically consistent work by prosecutors and judges, the language of this domain would be much improved and hopeful.
1
It is ironic that in a time of micro-aggressions, safe spaces and make-believe racism that someone would deny a war in spirit, words and deeds on cops.
3
When cops approach every situation like a worst possible scenario the likelihood of a tragic result rises exponentially. This is how we get a dead child playing with a toy; two dead street vendors; a wounded caregiver tending to his mentally deficient patient in Florida; a dead motorist stopped due to a broken taillight; a Baltimore teenager mortally wounded in a take-down plus other incidents too numerous to mention. That there is additionally a racial component to these events pours fuel on the fire. That the officers involved virtually never suffer any legal consequences for their poor judgement or intemperate actions adds insult to the injuries to a wide swath of the citizenry. Yes, the minds of many can have no choice but to dwell on the everyday fact that they live in mortal danger from those who are supposed to protect them. In other words they can, with impunity be killed for absolutely no reason and that's a pretty good definition of a police state. The opinion piece on this page is written from the standpoint of New York City, still not a shining city on the hill for police/community relations but certainly better than many others. Cops need to have better psychological screening and situational training. They need to focus on public safety over and above their own. Whatever dangers they face - which are considerable - is precisely that for which they originally signed up. There must be a different face of policing or else this 'war' will only intensify.
1
Since the author states with a higher certitude that -- "open season on black men" is a lie -- why not title the piece just that? When people are attacking police officers with urban warfare tactics and assault weapons, how could that not be war on police?
3
Everyone should watch Frontline's Policing the Police. It's about the Newark Police Department and getting it back in order.
The police in question truly believe they're "after the bad guys", yet the way they treat the citizens they interact with is shocking. They keep claiming that if these people only listened to them, and obey their command, everything would be just fine. You can see why the people don't trust the police which in turn makes the police don't trust the people they're patrolling.
I don't believe that police are hunting down Blacks. I believe that most people in the Black community want the police to help them fight the crime and violence they live with each day. However, we're all human beings, and our preconceived notions get in the way. We need to stop this bad feedback of the community distrusting the police which in turn distrusts the community it serves.
The Frontline documentary does offer hope. It shows how policing can be done differently and less confrontationally. It will take time. It will be hard work, but it does offer hope.
Most Blacks want what most Whites have: A police force they can trust -- that keeps the peace. A police force that doesn't run on fear and intimidation. It will take time and effort. It will be hard. But, it will take a lot of change in the way police officers are trained and react. Policing is a tough job, but they're paid to be professionals.
The police in question truly believe they're "after the bad guys", yet the way they treat the citizens they interact with is shocking. They keep claiming that if these people only listened to them, and obey their command, everything would be just fine. You can see why the people don't trust the police which in turn makes the police don't trust the people they're patrolling.
I don't believe that police are hunting down Blacks. I believe that most people in the Black community want the police to help them fight the crime and violence they live with each day. However, we're all human beings, and our preconceived notions get in the way. We need to stop this bad feedback of the community distrusting the police which in turn distrusts the community it serves.
The Frontline documentary does offer hope. It shows how policing can be done differently and less confrontationally. It will take time. It will be hard work, but it does offer hope.
Most Blacks want what most Whites have: A police force they can trust -- that keeps the peace. A police force that doesn't run on fear and intimidation. It will take time and effort. It will be hard. But, it will take a lot of change in the way police officers are trained and react. Policing is a tough job, but they're paid to be professionals.
1
Mr. Conlon walked a beat for two years, which enabled him to develop a personal connection with many of the people he served. Most officers today patrol in cars, which allows them to cover their area of responsibility more efficiently, but which also makes them an impersonal figure of authority to the citizenry.
My city has a program that allows citizens to ride along with an officer on his or her shift. The officer I accompanied would stop and talk to people in residential areas, which helped them see him as a helpful, non-threatening representative of the police. Even so, he could do this only occasionally, because his patrol area was too large.
I don't know what the policy is in densely-populated urban areas, but foot patrols might change the relationship between the police and the public. Such an approach would obviously sharply increase the cost of policing, but we are already paying a very high price of a different kind, in dead officers and citizens.
My city has a program that allows citizens to ride along with an officer on his or her shift. The officer I accompanied would stop and talk to people in residential areas, which helped them see him as a helpful, non-threatening representative of the police. Even so, he could do this only occasionally, because his patrol area was too large.
I don't know what the policy is in densely-populated urban areas, but foot patrols might change the relationship between the police and the public. Such an approach would obviously sharply increase the cost of policing, but we are already paying a very high price of a different kind, in dead officers and citizens.
24
Using your logic, if I have a grievance against black criminals, I can go out and randomly kill any black person I want.
Your comment displays your own bigotry.
Your comment displays your own bigotry.
As a white guy who never had a scary interaction with the police, the video clips of the last few years have been a revelation and education. The job of the police and the challenges they face are complicated, but when it comes to the increased vulnerability of African-Americans, I get it now. It is refreshing to see a policeman here write without defensiveness about the issue. Unfortunately, the elected representative of the NYC police is the aggressively belligerent PBA President Patrick Lynch. - whose hostile tone is often displayed on a host of issues. It's nice and encouraging to hear from someone speaking in public without that belligerence.
40
I agree. Since the video of Mr. Scott being shot in the back went viral, I can understand why the police would feel defensive. And it was a brutal picture of racism in America today. The police need to clean up their own house and not be afraid of criticism. And America needs to face the fact that racism is STILL present in our culture and institutions. I think that almost all American citizens support our police and the increasingly difficult job they do. All these "issues" can be addressed without belligerence. It is not us vs. them. It is OUR problem.
Thank you, Mr. Conlon, for a very valuable column putting a very real issue into perspective.
Like other Americans who try to keep informed, I read as much as I can; I speak to people; I observe. Then I try to reach a conclusion. I will say this - Having lived in New York City, where police patrol on foot, and in Los Angeles, where police are few, far between, and patrol in vehicles, I think everyone involved got more out of the relationships that were formed with police on foot. The L.A. approach, because so much territory is involved along with so few policemen, doesn't allow for the kind of personal relationships you recall from your time on the beat.
Thanks again for this column, because you know what you're talking about. So many writing on this troubling topic do not.
Like other Americans who try to keep informed, I read as much as I can; I speak to people; I observe. Then I try to reach a conclusion. I will say this - Having lived in New York City, where police patrol on foot, and in Los Angeles, where police are few, far between, and patrol in vehicles, I think everyone involved got more out of the relationships that were formed with police on foot. The L.A. approach, because so much territory is involved along with so few policemen, doesn't allow for the kind of personal relationships you recall from your time on the beat.
Thanks again for this column, because you know what you're talking about. So many writing on this troubling topic do not.
Undeserved beatings and shootings by police are MUCH TOO FREQUENT. I believe it has to do with training and kind of people that police departments hire.
In New Hampshire, two policemen beat a man that had surrendered and was on his knees with both hands on the ground. There was no need for the beating. But the police had chased him for an hour. Their adrenaline was up and they wanted to beat him, so they did.
In many recordings of police violence, you can hear the anger, frustration, and fear in the officer's voice as he screams orders at non-violent offenders. His screams escalate his own tension and that of those he arrests. Police are trained to scream orders instead of speak calmly. It's been well-documented that many departments prefer men with only average or below average intelligence. (Some will argue this but it has been proven time and again.)
A calm voice and demeanor will not disarm every situation, but it would certainly help reduce tensions and anxiety on both sides of the badge. It's time for a new kind of policeman - a smarter cop that uses his head more than his muscle, that doesn't pull his gun without having seen a real threat, that doesn't feel the need to show his bravado in every encounter with the public. We need a smarter, modern, peace-keeper, not a cop.
In New Hampshire, two policemen beat a man that had surrendered and was on his knees with both hands on the ground. There was no need for the beating. But the police had chased him for an hour. Their adrenaline was up and they wanted to beat him, so they did.
In many recordings of police violence, you can hear the anger, frustration, and fear in the officer's voice as he screams orders at non-violent offenders. His screams escalate his own tension and that of those he arrests. Police are trained to scream orders instead of speak calmly. It's been well-documented that many departments prefer men with only average or below average intelligence. (Some will argue this but it has been proven time and again.)
A calm voice and demeanor will not disarm every situation, but it would certainly help reduce tensions and anxiety on both sides of the badge. It's time for a new kind of policeman - a smarter cop that uses his head more than his muscle, that doesn't pull his gun without having seen a real threat, that doesn't feel the need to show his bravado in every encounter with the public. We need a smarter, modern, peace-keeper, not a cop.
3
"I believe it has to do with training and kind of people that police departments hire."
U.S. police departments are sending their police officers to training programs designed in Israel to facilitate the violent occupation of Palestine. A Times of Israel article is one reliable source for this information: "Israel trains US law-enforcement in counter-terrorism". American police are being trained to see themselves as members of an occupation force within the U.S. Orders for this to happen are coming from somewhere in highest levels of the U.S. intelligentsia in government and big business.
U.S. police departments are sending their police officers to training programs designed in Israel to facilitate the violent occupation of Palestine. A Times of Israel article is one reliable source for this information: "Israel trains US law-enforcement in counter-terrorism". American police are being trained to see themselves as members of an occupation force within the U.S. Orders for this to happen are coming from somewhere in highest levels of the U.S. intelligentsia in government and big business.
1
A mandatory 2 years in military or civil service for any young man/women that does not finish high school or is not gainfully employed by 19 years old.
Sounds crazy and needs some tweaking, but that would help all of these problems.
Probably never happen, but???
Sounds crazy and needs some tweaking, but that would help all of these problems.
Probably never happen, but???
2
Did you notice that the last two horrific police shootings were by individuals who probably should not have been in the military in the first place. Coming from a military family, I assure you, suggesting the military be a "dumping ground" for the disaffected is both not the answer, but, a disservice as well.
3
Another "progressive" who seems to feel that the main purpose of the US military should be social engineering as opposed to national defense.
2
The Washington Post explored the war on cops issue and discovered: “There were 511 officers killed in felonious incidents and 540 offenders from 2004 to 2013, according to FBI reports. Among the total offenders, 52 percent were white, and 43 percent were black.” Blacks make up 13 percent of the population but 43 percent of cop killers, a statistic that offers insight into why blacks make up about 25 percent of persons shot and killed by police.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/wp/2015/01/09/are-black...
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/wp/2015/01/09/are-black...
3
"Blacks make up 13 percent of the population but 43 percent of cop killers, a statistic that offers insight into why blacks make up about 25 percent of persons shot and killed by police. "
It is even more disproportionate than that. Young, black, underclass, males who make up less than 7% of the US population comprise 43% of all cop killers.
It is even more disproportionate than that. Young, black, underclass, males who make up less than 7% of the US population comprise 43% of all cop killers.
2
There are differences from 20 years ago.
1. As you said, you walked a beat. People in the neighborhood got to know you and you got to know them. That does not happen today.
2. Police training has changed. Police have been taught to control the situation by using force and intimidation. This is just like military training and it is applied to even situations like selling single cigarettes or cds. Police are often referred to as blue warriors. The policies are more akin to an occupying force than a group with the motto to serve and protect. Citizens have become the enemy.
3. There are more guns everywhere. Good guy with a gun? Bad guy with a gun? Who knows? With little training the good guy (please don't say a few hours of training is enough) with the gun is probably as dangerous as the bad guy with the gun. Training has become minimally how to shoot the gun a bit and where you can legally shoot people. There is no psychological training or situational training (on how to avoid or de-escalate a violent situation. Gun ownership should require insurance (say $10M) to cover the damage that is accidently inflicted.
1. As you said, you walked a beat. People in the neighborhood got to know you and you got to know them. That does not happen today.
2. Police training has changed. Police have been taught to control the situation by using force and intimidation. This is just like military training and it is applied to even situations like selling single cigarettes or cds. Police are often referred to as blue warriors. The policies are more akin to an occupying force than a group with the motto to serve and protect. Citizens have become the enemy.
3. There are more guns everywhere. Good guy with a gun? Bad guy with a gun? Who knows? With little training the good guy (please don't say a few hours of training is enough) with the gun is probably as dangerous as the bad guy with the gun. Training has become minimally how to shoot the gun a bit and where you can legally shoot people. There is no psychological training or situational training (on how to avoid or de-escalate a violent situation. Gun ownership should require insurance (say $10M) to cover the damage that is accidently inflicted.
1
Finally some sense in this polemic.
The killings of the Officers in Baton Rouge and Dallas were not equal reactions from the killings of civilians in Minnesota and Louisiana. They were a result of a long list of unprovoked murder by cops. You speak of only numbers but each situation deserves its own narrative of how innocent African Americans are frightened, frisked and finally shot by militarized police officers. There is no war on Blue but America continues its war on Black.
29
There certainly is no war on blacks either.
4
Apparently you didn't read the article. Your numbers are fictitious.
2
The numbers of black men killed by police (justified or not) pales in comparison to the number of black on black killings. Just look at Chicago and explain how you can ignore what's happening there while bemoaning the very few unjustified acts by the police.
3
Preventive policing is better than after crime policing. This should include for police to know the people in their jurisdiction and their civic health. A program for behavior modifications and civi education of those individuals in the border line as well for teenagers.
This is the approach the Centers for Disease Control is professing here and the world over and it is working wonders.
This is the approach the Centers for Disease Control is professing here and the world over and it is working wonders.
1
What a terrible op-ed. I don't believe the majority of law abiding citizens, black or white, agree with the premise of this piece. Certainly not the family or colleagues of recently slain officers, and certainly not the family or colleagues of those that will be slain in cold blood moving forward. Much of the credit for the current state of affairs goes to the media who've capitalized on ratings by exploiting the unfortunate acts of a few bad officers. #shameonyou
2
The common theme I see in all of these killings is Iraq vets that easily became cops just because they are vets. We need to oversee veterans and make sure they can handle policing instead of just handing them jobs. They've killed before nd I think it has to do with the harsh incline of police killing unarmed civilians. More tests need to be involved with police coming back from war.
1
I was a police officer for nearly a decade and agree with everything written here. This is some of the most profound, insightful and though provoking writing I have seen in the NYTimes on this topic. We need more people like Mr. Conlon in focus groups to bridge the gap between the police and the community to ensure building a safer, less violent future for everyone.
2
Mr. Conlon makes some very good points. I just wish he and others would acknowledge that the vast majority of black men are not criminals. I wish he would say that if police just treated everyone with some minimal level of respect and professionalism these murders of innocent civilians would end. Could just one police officer admit that? Thank God for video. The truth is coming out and justice won't be far behind.
31
@Jack, even if police did that (and Lord knows, they should), these 'murders of innocent civilians' would NOT end. They might be slightly diminished, but that's it.
Police are human beings, so they make mistakes. Innocent citizens are human too, so they make mistakes. Police are armed. Citizens are armed. People don't want to die, and so people are going to choose (sometimes rightly, sometimes wrongly) to shoot first.
And people will die.
Expecting all confrontations between armed police and armed suspects to never result in a shooting is a pipe dream.
Police are human beings, so they make mistakes. Innocent citizens are human too, so they make mistakes. Police are armed. Citizens are armed. People don't want to die, and so people are going to choose (sometimes rightly, sometimes wrongly) to shoot first.
And people will die.
Expecting all confrontations between armed police and armed suspects to never result in a shooting is a pipe dream.
All of the excitement about a war on the police is media-generated sensationalism designed to glorify the police and justify higher pay and benefits for them. Working on behalf of police PR agents, reporters are choosing to accentuate shootings of police while avoiding the vast majority of deaths of civilians shot by the police. In every case, only selected events are published nationally while most of these events are limited to local news. In 2015, over 1,000 people were killed by police officers, but police don't release their own statistics on police activities that could be construed as widespread misconduct. Government statistics show that police officer is among the safest and most uneventful jobs.
2
It seems to me you’ve seen to many episodes of “The Andy Griffith Show.” The life of a big city cop is hardly “uneventful.” As for that “1,000” people per year killed by police, most of them were committing violent crimes at the time. Yet, the Journal of the American Medical Association reports that more than 220,000 Americans die each year from medical malpractice or malfeasance: so that means you’re something like 600 times more likely to be killed by a medical professional than a cop. Just a reality check.
1
Police need to be seen and to act as trusted protector to the community. When police are under attack, they will retreat to a defensive position further undermining the basic relationship that must exist. The police must do better but so must the leadership in the communities they serve. Without a change in the current circumstance, the real losers will be the law abiding citizens of these blighted communities.
1
You are right, there is no "war", just the constant use of the PD as a political football. In the end the impression of the U.S. from screaming politicians is a bad one.
Mr conlon can't count; many more than two blacks have been killed by cops. otherwise a nice story, which we want to believe in.
2
Is the standard for a professional entrusted to serve and protect the community higher than that for a lay person? Yes, so when when you equate civilian shooting deaths to police shooting deaths you do the police a disservice. We should expect more from the police than we do from deranged citizens. Policing is dangerous and provoking derangement makes it more so. The war on drugs is a proclaimed law enforcement stance that disrupts community policing and puts police on a war footing. Police should get back to interacting with citizens rather than tactically engaging them.
29
FDC, the war on drugs was declared by the legislatures, not the police. When Washington DC or Albany pass repressive laws, the police are caught in the position of having to enforce those ill advised laws that they had no influence over. The 'crack wars' of the 1980s are a good example. Black ministers and legislators responded to the chaos in their communities by pressuring politicians to do something about it, and the response was the onerous three strikes laws and mandatory sentencing guidelines that no one in law enforcement wanted.
I also worked in the South Bronx, serving in that garden spot nicknamed Fort Apache, when the battle was over heroin in the 60s and 70s. A relatively small precinct, we used to average between 115 to 120 homicides every year and had a crime rate equal to several mid-western states combined.
There were no bullet proof vests in those days, just the belief that you would survive every tour unscathed. Police work is unbelievable stressful and it would behoove the media and all citizens to be more supportive of their
police.
I also worked in the South Bronx, serving in that garden spot nicknamed Fort Apache, when the battle was over heroin in the 60s and 70s. A relatively small precinct, we used to average between 115 to 120 homicides every year and had a crime rate equal to several mid-western states combined.
There were no bullet proof vests in those days, just the belief that you would survive every tour unscathed. Police work is unbelievable stressful and it would behoove the media and all citizens to be more supportive of their
police.
12
There is no "war against cops" and the "open season on black males" is a lie.
Finally a balanced piece that correctly points out that both killings of police officers and unjustified killings of black men are both infrequent aberrations that do not reflect the reality on either side.
Finally a balanced piece that correctly points out that both killings of police officers and unjustified killings of black men are both infrequent aberrations that do not reflect the reality on either side.
32
I think the unjustified killings of black men is seen in the context of police harassment of black men. Tailing them, stopping them for minor infractions, getting tough too quickly, arresting them for minor infractions, etc. The killings are the result of that level of treatment, not a separate issue altogether. That is where the anger and frustration comes from.
4
A black man shot and killed a white cop in Kansas City yesterday. I'm not sure if the NY Times even covered it.
You should point out that while 5 cops were murdered in Dallas, 12 were shot. In Baton Rouge, 3 were killed but 6 were shot. In St. Paul recently at a BLM protest, 21 cops were injured and 1 was paralyzed when someone dropped a concrete brick on his head.
You should point out that while 5 cops were murdered in Dallas, 12 were shot. In Baton Rouge, 3 were killed but 6 were shot. In St. Paul recently at a BLM protest, 21 cops were injured and 1 was paralyzed when someone dropped a concrete brick on his head.
13
I can't read peoples minds, but I can look at various video recordings and make a considered opinion as to what I've seen take place. I can't make a judgement as to the racial attitudes of the cops involved in these shootings, but how they carried out their police duties are exposed for all of us to see. Carefully reviewing these videos exposes, what I think is undeniable, is that there is a big problem is with POLICE TRAINING. Every video that shows a citizen being shot or physically abused by the police shows the cop either directly or indirectly taking an action that initiates the beginning of a string of actions that leads to an unnecessary civilian death. It's probably frighting to stop a car at night, and I'm sure that the fear police feel leads to the inappropriate physical interaction between police and civilian. Again, reinforce training that avoids interactions that lead to death. Take a second look at these videos that show police shooting black civilians and ask yourself how would the end of this if the cop hadn't been armed with a hand gun.
IT"S THE TRAINING STUPID
IT"S THE TRAINING STUPID
7
You can train from now until doomsday, but it’s an artificial situation. Hormones work differently in a real situation. And here’s what you can’t see or smell on video: eyeballs glazed, fear, aggression, pheromones, alcohol, and I could go on and on ….
1
Why obliterate the distinction between mandatory and lawful interventions by the police in whatever situations they are called to intervene in and the CRIMINAL, ARBITRARY, and UNJUSTIFIABLE instances in which none of the black men who were killed over the past two year at a frightening frequency posed any threat or resisted the police interventions that caused their deaths.
This article conflates these two types of interventions. Readers beware!
This article conflates these two types of interventions. Readers beware!
2
The words "criminal, arbitrary and unjustifiable" are ...completely arbitrary. You're saying the interactions were such, but you happen to be wrong on every account. You might want to pay attention to the facts of the cases. For one, Eric Garner resisted arrest and can be clearly heard on video saying he was not going to be arrested again, hence he was tackled.
1
The police had no problem taking the Colorado Springs shooter alive after he killed a cop, shot a few others and killed two people inside Planned Parenthood. Of course he is white. This mantra that they have more fear around black men is paranoia. The majority of cops are killed by white men. And the majority of violent crime (58.7%) occurs by whites. People believe what they want to believe to foster their own agenda.
https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2012/crime-in-the-u.s.-2012/tables/...
https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2012/crime-in-the-u.s.-2012/tables/...
4
Wayne is omitting the fact that the majority of those killed in conflicts with the police are WHITE. The media ignores those and focuses on the instances in which the deceased is black. Even when a Hispanic is killed by the police, the media is silent. Biased reporting combined with race baiters such as Al Sharpton lead to the incorrect perception that there is a war between blacks and the police. That is a lie and should be recognized as such.
2
Phil Z studies show that police are more inclined to kill a white person who represents an imminent threat to their lives. In other words most police killing of whites is justified and left them no choice. That is very different from police claiming a black person was reaching for something that turns out to be his wallet or using unnecessary force like choking a black man to death in broad daylight on video who had his hands up and kept repeating that he can't breathe several times. There is no comparison.
Studies have shown that police tend to use more force with blacks than any other group so maybe that qualifies as a war on blacks. Phil even people like you like to jump into similar discussion saying that blacks commit more crimes and that is why police have to be more aggressive with blacks. But yet you say it's a lie. You want to have your cake and eat it too. As for Hispanics most of them list themselves as white so most likely they represent real threats to the police during encounters leaving the cops no choice but to use deadly force unlike shooting some black person after being stopped for a broken taillight.
Studies have shown that police tend to use more force with blacks than any other group so maybe that qualifies as a war on blacks. Phil even people like you like to jump into similar discussion saying that blacks commit more crimes and that is why police have to be more aggressive with blacks. But yet you say it's a lie. You want to have your cake and eat it too. As for Hispanics most of them list themselves as white so most likely they represent real threats to the police during encounters leaving the cops no choice but to use deadly force unlike shooting some black person after being stopped for a broken taillight.
1
Did you watch President Obama's speech in Dallas? Did you see the two cops just behind him to our right? Were they not plainly uncomfortable sitting just behind the president? Did they not evince any emotion save for disdain? Did but one of them stand to applaud -- and he but once -- and before he did did he not turn to his buddy to his left and appear to say to him (lip-reading) something like "I can stand up for this one" but his buddy just sneered and sat?
That is why many feel the cops not only don't care about black lives but that they don't care about common decency and honor their nation's laws when they won't even treat our President with respect.
That is why many feel the cops not only don't care about black lives but that they don't care about common decency and honor their nation's laws when they won't even treat our President with respect.
7
I was struck by their behavior too. It reminded me of the way the Republicans of congress sits on their hands when Obama addresses joint meetings such as the "Sate of the Union" speeches. Even more unsettling, when I see similar sneers coming from military personnel. Obama is their commander. They've taken an oath to support him, and by extension all of us, but show utter disregard to him publicly. Such behavior is reckless, unbecoming of the military and very unpatriotic.
4
Wow, a rare expression of balanced compassion! Bill Bratton or James Comey could not do better. Even the normally angry commenters are behaving respectfully. Pay attention, political and journalism elites! Conlon's path is precisely the right one to defuse today's current explosive situation of political extremism on the left and right. It is precisely the kind of thinking that's saving maybe 1,500+ lives a year in NYC, compared with a generation ago.
5
Respect. For almost everything is eroding. Thanks to a lawless government. Cheating business. Dishonest reporting.
The poor guy that was shot and killed in his girlfriend's car while reaching for his ID, died because the cop was terrified. A Black man announces he has a gun, starts reaching for "his ID" and is told to stop. Don't move. FREEZE. But he doesn't, he keeps reaching. The cop, afraid of "what" he is reaching for, panics and shoots the poor guy.
So here is the MORAL of this story. One that, mark my words will end with the officer being cleared of criminal charges, just as time and time again peer reviews find understanding in the officer's auctions:
The officer was dead wrong. Acted to quickly and in a panic. And the poor dead guy was dead wrong by not freezing. The MORAL? That is not being shouted out by the Black voices that carry sway with the average Black on the street.
The MORAL?
When confronted with a gun, whether held by a cop or criminal, you do EXACTLY what they say IMMEDIATELY. The cop may be dead wrong. But don't be dead right.
The poor guy that was shot and killed in his girlfriend's car while reaching for his ID, died because the cop was terrified. A Black man announces he has a gun, starts reaching for "his ID" and is told to stop. Don't move. FREEZE. But he doesn't, he keeps reaching. The cop, afraid of "what" he is reaching for, panics and shoots the poor guy.
So here is the MORAL of this story. One that, mark my words will end with the officer being cleared of criminal charges, just as time and time again peer reviews find understanding in the officer's auctions:
The officer was dead wrong. Acted to quickly and in a panic. And the poor dead guy was dead wrong by not freezing. The MORAL? That is not being shouted out by the Black voices that carry sway with the average Black on the street.
The MORAL?
When confronted with a gun, whether held by a cop or criminal, you do EXACTLY what they say IMMEDIATELY. The cop may be dead wrong. But don't be dead right.
2
Racial divisiveness is far worse today than 20 years ago when Conlon was a police officer.
In recent years, Democrats have purposely incited more racial animosity with political rhetoric and political ads in order to motivate Black Americans to vote.
This may have been successful in elections but has caused severe damage to the country.
In recent years, Democrats have purposely incited more racial animosity with political rhetoric and political ads in order to motivate Black Americans to vote.
This may have been successful in elections but has caused severe damage to the country.
10
Don't know where u got yr info to conclude democrats ( or any other group) are deliberately inciting racial animosity (Fox News perhaps, Limbaugh?). New cell phone cameras and socialmedia are exposing more of these ugly moments of police misconduct. Probably much worse before the phone cameras began picking is up.
2
The blame game continues, now it's because Police use excessive force when encountering black males, tomorrow someone will come up with yet another reason. I learned long ago growing up on the street that when a cop stops you, be NICE and no macho stuff. Leave the macho stuff for dealing with your "buddy's" on the street. Cops have all the cards and backup to boot. Resisting arrest is a fools game as we all know the drill, just play along...!
3
Most cops are ok but a few are vicious pigs. No one polices the police. A cop can get away with murder. That is the problem.
12
"And yes, police killings are different, because cops are sworn and paid to protect the public."
How true - and that applies equally when it is a cop who is killed, or a cop who kills.
How true - and that applies equally when it is a cop who is killed, or a cop who kills.
1
Very few don't understand the role of the first responder. Very few miss the fact that the Rudi types haven't prosecuted murder by deranged police.
1
Unfortunately, there IS a war against cops. It may be led by the African American community, but most of the Democratic party and the media have been eager recruits, as well, completely ignoring the well being of law abiding citizens who will be the ones harmed when the police are gone. The only Democrat I know of who stands up for police and law abiding citizens is Governor Bel Edwards. Sadly, he is not running for President, so I will probably not vote in the fall.
5
When you wake a war that someone else starts, that is called self-defense.
2
Please turn off fox news. The democrats do not have a political position against cops. Democrats are some of the small business owners who need cops to patrol their shopping centers at night; they live in the same neighborhoods you do and call the cops when they need them; democrats report crimes to police same as you; democrats cheer just like you when cops set up a sting in an area where people run red lights and those that run them are from both parties. Utter nonsense is your statement.
2
You are just trying to justify brutal murder of people who are only doing their job, which is to protect law abiding citizens.
2
America has always known that in Black America the police have not been there to protect and serve but to engage in control and intimidation.
Until there is honesty and an acknowledgment that the police have failed Black Americans the relations between the police and Black Americans will continue to be adversarial
Until there is honesty and an acknowledgment that the police have failed Black Americans the relations between the police and Black Americans will continue to be adversarial
8
It’s that living in the past thing that poses the most danger to society. You might want to open your eyes and see how many African American police there are … as well as cops (of all ranks) of every other race, and ethnic, religious persuasion, as well as sexual orientation. You seem to be blaming the police for problems of crime in African American communities, so you really missed the point of the essay.
2
Then why the attacks? Why the deliberate ignorance of facts such as black officers pulling the trigger 3x more than whites and black community self-destruction? Why would even the most dyed in the wool progressive not call out blatantly racist black leaders? What's the fight really about?
4
"Officers were attacked in their homes in Indianapolis and St. Louis by black men enraged by recent events."
I wonder if this author understands that the term "black men" means absolutely nothing outside of establishing a groundwork for prejudicial thinking based on looks. Race in science is a nothing, skin color does not determine behavior, hence is does not describe behavior. Wake up, stop using a racist designator for violent acts.
I wonder if this author understands that the term "black men" means absolutely nothing outside of establishing a groundwork for prejudicial thinking based on looks. Race in science is a nothing, skin color does not determine behavior, hence is does not describe behavior. Wake up, stop using a racist designator for violent acts.
4
So why is "Black Lives Matter" so insistent that the term "All Live Matters" is an affront?
2
Just as there is no war on the police, can we accept the possibility that there is no war against black males by the police?
5
You may be able to accept that possibility, but I would argue that the many innocent people that have been murdered by the police would beg to differ. I love how every time there is an article discussing killings by police of black citizens, these boards are filled with comments from whites who don't have a clue.
1
This equivocating piece seems to conclude that the risk of being shot in the line of duty is part of the job of cops, and the risk of a being shot while unarmed and posing no threat is part of the job of black men.
11
With due respect to Mr. Conlin, there is a War on Police and it is being waged by the mainstream liberal progressive media, such as the NY Times. They are presenting highly biased and unbalanced views, presenting a small number of events in a repetitive and incendiary fashion. It is a classic example of Yellow Journalism, but in a digital age and amplified further by social media. They do it to sell newspapers and grab eyeballs. And they are helping to create an environment which makes assassinations of police officers more likely.
Police officers involved in shootings do face justice. And they are largely being exonerated. The officer who shot Michael Brown was exonerated by a grand jury and then by the Obama Justice Department. It is apparent from the grand jury report that MB chose to throw his life away on the day he died. It is sad and tragic. But the police were not to blame. "Hands up, don't shoot" is a lie.
In Baltimore, all the police officers charged in the death of Freddie Gray to quell the riots (three of whom are black) are being completely exonerated by a black judge. The prosecutor who charged them is facing disbarment. To portray Freddie Gray's death, however tragic, as an act of "systemic racism" is absurd and false. Yet how many people outside Baltimore know this?
The NYT and other liberal media need to present a more balanced picture of this problem or more police officers are going to be killed.
Police officers involved in shootings do face justice. And they are largely being exonerated. The officer who shot Michael Brown was exonerated by a grand jury and then by the Obama Justice Department. It is apparent from the grand jury report that MB chose to throw his life away on the day he died. It is sad and tragic. But the police were not to blame. "Hands up, don't shoot" is a lie.
In Baltimore, all the police officers charged in the death of Freddie Gray to quell the riots (three of whom are black) are being completely exonerated by a black judge. The prosecutor who charged them is facing disbarment. To portray Freddie Gray's death, however tragic, as an act of "systemic racism" is absurd and false. Yet how many people outside Baltimore know this?
The NYT and other liberal media need to present a more balanced picture of this problem or more police officers are going to be killed.
8
You know, JMBaltimore, I have some problems with the way Edward Conlon phrases some things and structures his op-ed piece. Your comment, however, is a nonsensical effort to fit the narrative of the law-and-order campaign Donald Trump and the Republicans have mounted to whip up white peoples' fear, just like the cynical Nixon/Agnew approach in 1968. Hopefully, most of us white folks will reject your peddling of hate.
1
Black lives matter. That's why pastors, community leaders, politicians, sports heroes, and anyone else in a leadership position must communicate that when a police officer tells you to "put up your hands" or “lie down on the ground with your feet and hands extended" or anything else – you do it! You do not resist, argue, fight back, or do anything else that would lead to a confrontation – especially when you are carrying a weapon.
For police to do their jobs and for a suspect to avoid being shot, complying with a policeman's directives is a starting point for every citizen
For police to do their jobs and for a suspect to avoid being shot, complying with a policeman's directives is a starting point for every citizen
8
There is no excuse for shooting someone who is not threateningly brandishing a gun. Simply not following orders or not following them fast enough is no reason for summary execution. Officers who shoot first must be arrested and tried.
Every statistic demonstrates that African-American and Latino residents are threatened by their African-American and Latino "brethren" more than they are threatened by cops. Yet the "activism" is directed against cops. Why is there no BLM outrage against the black-on-black violence?
14
I think it is because police are hired, trained and paid to protect and serve the public, which means that a truly unprovoked or unjustified killing by a police officer is not only crime, it is also the most direct repudiation of the purpose of a police officer that exists
2
What kind of demonstration would you create to show outrage against the crime rate in black communities? This is not a valid point.
More interaction between cops and community. Friendly chats outside the patrol cruiser with black youths, walking a patrol instead of driving by anonomusly and having BBQs with the public to break the ice. This creates trust between the law enforcers and the public.
6
Well thank you very much, Edward Conlon, for reassuring America that there is no such thing as a war on cops. Nah--it couldn't happen here now could it?? I can't believe that any cop would spout the Times ultra left wing rhetoric that attacks on cops have been blown out of proportion. Has Officer Conlon read editorials in the Times and the rest of the mainstream media publications stereotyping cops as an occupying force in poor neighborhoods who are there to keep the riff raff in line?? Even Barack Obama clearly looks uncomfortable as he feels compelled to defend the police after every single ugly incident when cops are killed in the line of duty. (That will rapidly change once he's out of office) Officer Conlon is clearly blind, deaf and dumb to everything that has been happening to cops over the last three months or so.
3
Well, reality is complicated and open-ended. Politics is simple and manipulative. Thanks for an excellent essay.
8
Thank you, for an intelligent and soulful piece.
5
"IS there a war on cops? With five police officers shot dead and seven more wounded in Dallas, and three killed, three wounded in Baton Rouge, La., it is hard to argue that there isn’t."
"Still, I don’t believe there is a war on cops."
Hardly shocking, since the chances that the NYT would print an editorial from a cop that opined that there WAS a war on cops is just about the same as the NYT allowing the publishing of an editorial making the case that Hillary Clinton SHOULD be prosecuted for her criminal email behavior.
"Still, I don’t believe there is a war on cops."
Hardly shocking, since the chances that the NYT would print an editorial from a cop that opined that there WAS a war on cops is just about the same as the NYT allowing the publishing of an editorial making the case that Hillary Clinton SHOULD be prosecuted for her criminal email behavior.
7
Alas, Detective Conlon, twenty-one years ago, when you were sworn in as a New York City police officer, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, veterans returning with PTSD, social media and cell-phone cameras, the spike in gun ownership and gun violence, and distrust in government were in the future.
Now Philando and Alton are household names. We've seen the pain and suffering of their mothers, girlfriends, and children. A war between the cops and young, troubled, and angry black souls may just be taking off.
Now Philando and Alton are household names. We've seen the pain and suffering of their mothers, girlfriends, and children. A war between the cops and young, troubled, and angry black souls may just be taking off.
2
While most people, black and white, are grateful to police officers for the many services they render us, there's certainly a contingent of both races who see cops as fair game.
Just last night, cops were shot at on Ditmas Avenue and East 23rd Street in Brooklyn. Add that new incident to the many others that take place across America.
My neighbors and I are always glad to see cops on our streets. After two drug-related murders on the same corner in the space of a month last year, and plenty of "gunplay" in between, we think of those cops as bulwarks against our kids getting accidentally shot through windows as they sleep in their beds.
Just last night, cops were shot at on Ditmas Avenue and East 23rd Street in Brooklyn. Add that new incident to the many others that take place across America.
My neighbors and I are always glad to see cops on our streets. After two drug-related murders on the same corner in the space of a month last year, and plenty of "gunplay" in between, we think of those cops as bulwarks against our kids getting accidentally shot through windows as they sleep in their beds.
34
The killing of any person is horrible, and there is nothing that can justify the acts against those officers killed in Baton Rouge and Dallas. Like the author, I don't think there is a war on cops; even those in communities where people feel the police don't treat them the same as other citizens in neighborhoods with higher income levels, people will still call the police. And they have a right to do so; they are voters, taxpayers, and members of the public that police are sworn to serve and protect.
However, when Mr. Conlon says that Wenjian Liu and Rafeal Ramos mean more to him than Philando Castile and Alton Sterling that proves he, like so many others just don't get it. I notice his essay did not include names like Sean Bell and Amadou Diallo (just to name two) who were murdered by NYC police officer, and like so many other law enforcement officers were acquitted in court of charges. When he says "everyone should look at the number, consider the facts and remember the names" he should also include these facts and names."
However, when Mr. Conlon says that Wenjian Liu and Rafeal Ramos mean more to him than Philando Castile and Alton Sterling that proves he, like so many others just don't get it. I notice his essay did not include names like Sean Bell and Amadou Diallo (just to name two) who were murdered by NYC police officer, and like so many other law enforcement officers were acquitted in court of charges. When he says "everyone should look at the number, consider the facts and remember the names" he should also include these facts and names."
5
Wenjian Liu and Rafeal Ramos were two police officers sitting in their squad car, most of the black men shot were engaged in some form of criminal activity and instead of obeying the police orders to stop, they continued to defy and fight. While any loss of life is wrong in its own way, shooting innocent men is simply more egregious. It also must be stated that in each instance of shooting we are not privy to the entire story.
2
You’re facts are wrong, however. You’re lumping all these extremely disparate cases in together. Amadou Diallo was killed very much by accident. He did not speak English to answer the Officers; he pulled out a black cell phone in the dark, and a cop slipped backwards down a step, and the others opened fire. It was indeed a tragedy. Sean Bell on the other hand, was with a group of known drug dealers at a strip joint that had been shuttered 32 times (for drugs, teenaged prostitution, etc.) in the previous year – that’s an average of once every other week. The group was jawing with another and was overheard bragging they were going to get their “gat” (which is slang for a gun). Once they were in their car, the cops ordered the group to freeze. They didn’t. Bell, being seriously alcohol impaired (read that drunk, as his blood alcohol level proved), was behind the wheel, and drove the car, not once, but twice, into the leg of a Police Detective smashing a police vehicle in the process. His car was aimed at one of the Detectives and while it was moving, the Officers opened fire. The prosecution’s case was predicated on the lie that they group did not know the men were Officers, even though the cops had their guns and shields drawn. In Court, the complainant Guzman “accidentally” let it slip that he knew the men were Police. So, of course, the police were rightfully acquitted.
1
I did not say that EVERY instance involved criminal activity, I said MOST, and if you live here it is your personal responsibility to understand the language. It seems today that we find more excuses for unlawful behavior instead of dealing with the rational behavior of a civilized community.
Any phrase that starts out with a "War on..." is loaded and political. It usually is not a reality, but a slogan.
Right now, we have communities in which both the levels of crime and the potential for and reality of violence is real. In those communities, any officer can feel threatened, as can most of the people living there. Random gun violence wears the soul of a community down.
BLM is protesting the action of carrying that threat out into every interaction with black citizens; putting people doing no harm or at best minor harm in a lethal situation. Protesting injustice is not wrong.
But bringing the reality into notice, demanding better training, demanding community policing, can cause people inclined to violence to choose killing officers as their outlet. It puts police in danger. That is real, and stark, but it isn't "War on..."
One thing we could do to help is tone down the talk.
Right now, we have communities in which both the levels of crime and the potential for and reality of violence is real. In those communities, any officer can feel threatened, as can most of the people living there. Random gun violence wears the soul of a community down.
BLM is protesting the action of carrying that threat out into every interaction with black citizens; putting people doing no harm or at best minor harm in a lethal situation. Protesting injustice is not wrong.
But bringing the reality into notice, demanding better training, demanding community policing, can cause people inclined to violence to choose killing officers as their outlet. It puts police in danger. That is real, and stark, but it isn't "War on..."
One thing we could do to help is tone down the talk.
4
This essay raises the question of why blacks who have good relations with the police have not been heard from. Perhaps, they feel that positive statements would be viewed negatively by the black community. When the pervasive view is that the police are racist, it is no doubt difficult to speak out in opposition. But this is an important story to tell if indeed represents the view of many. It would be well worth the time for the police to encourage folks to speak out. The same goes for the media. A white police officer telling this story does not have the impact of many blacks confirming its truth. Surely, some black people would be willing to speak out and that might encourage many others. If a police officer has gone out of his way to help you and your family, there have to be a substantial number of blacks who, with encouragement, would share their experiences.
3
I often read comments in this publication from blacks supporting the police. And I see quite a few on Facebook. I think blacks are speaking up.
War, terrorism, crusade, jihad, murder, assassination, call it what you like Mr. Conlon, it's still killing. The issue is not one of the choice of syntax we use to describe it. It is an issue of having those we pay to serve and protect being cut down by those who have an axe to grind with them. There's never an issue with a police officer who is out on their beat performing community service, but the moment they turn from being a benevolent helper to a law enforcer, those who happen to be on the wrong side of the law somehow morph into victims. Being blameless they see no other recourse than to take matters into their own hands. At that point Mr. Conlon, it indeed becomes a war against cops.
Nice words belied by realities. Cops are being gunned down by black men who hate white people, especially white cops. The Internet is ripe with thousands of blacks expressing hatred of cops and hoping for their deaths. And "blue lives matter" is treated with disdain by black leaders.
Even our president, until recently, always tempered his expressions of sorrow for killed officers with follow up articulation of black grievances; as if these excused the hatred and thus giving a face to a false narrative of disproportionate instances of "innocent" blacks killed by white cops. This narrative extends to Hillary Clinton who will give the mother of Michael Brown - a thug who thuggish behavior goes unacknowledged by Obama and Democrats - a prominent pulpit at the Democrat convention.
Across the nation there is a pullback of law enforcement in black communities - not my observation - but from the head of the FBI. And so Chicago - yes, Chicago that Democrat stronghold - suffers a 100% increase in murders. Is this war? Or semantics? Either way cops are ducking so something must be going on despite the words of this Opinion Page.
Even our president, until recently, always tempered his expressions of sorrow for killed officers with follow up articulation of black grievances; as if these excused the hatred and thus giving a face to a false narrative of disproportionate instances of "innocent" blacks killed by white cops. This narrative extends to Hillary Clinton who will give the mother of Michael Brown - a thug who thuggish behavior goes unacknowledged by Obama and Democrats - a prominent pulpit at the Democrat convention.
Across the nation there is a pullback of law enforcement in black communities - not my observation - but from the head of the FBI. And so Chicago - yes, Chicago that Democrat stronghold - suffers a 100% increase in murders. Is this war? Or semantics? Either way cops are ducking so something must be going on despite the words of this Opinion Page.
4
The man who was killed in Minnesota was stopped by police a couple dozen times before he was shot and killed by police. Why?
A police officer in Chicago shot a young black man walking away from him 16 times. The other officers on scene backed up his fictional story. The video truth was kept from the public for over a year by the mayor of Chicago, who was the former chief of staff for the President of the United States. A judge forced the truth to be told. Was there outrage expressed by the police officers associations and police chiefs all accross the country? No! Why not?
Now, it turns out that Freddie Gray in Baltimore may have committed suicide by permitting himself to be handcuffed and put in the back of a police van without the mandatory safety restraints. Several individual officers have been prosecuted for their role in his death. None of the officers have been convicted on any charges.
A police officer in Chicago shot a young black man walking away from him 16 times. The other officers on scene backed up his fictional story. The video truth was kept from the public for over a year by the mayor of Chicago, who was the former chief of staff for the President of the United States. A judge forced the truth to be told. Was there outrage expressed by the police officers associations and police chiefs all accross the country? No! Why not?
Now, it turns out that Freddie Gray in Baltimore may have committed suicide by permitting himself to be handcuffed and put in the back of a police van without the mandatory safety restraints. Several individual officers have been prosecuted for their role in his death. None of the officers have been convicted on any charges.
7
Until debtors prison is stopped for petty offences there will be no peace. Officers need to stop being paid for number of ticket, etc. Citizens who cannot pay for their offences need to be offered a reasonable. interest free payment plan.
I live on a street that is a speed trap. It is ridiculous how many people I see stopped for tickets because it happens to be one of the few 25 MPH zones in the area. A neighbor recently bragged that after living in our area for 30 years he had managed to only get 3 tickets for speeding.
There are no pedestrians. So what is the point other than points for the officer. Until the incentive system changes absurd stops, illegal searches, and ticketing will continue. Courts could help by throwing out these absurd charges, if their pay did not depend on continuation of the system.
I live on a street that is a speed trap. It is ridiculous how many people I see stopped for tickets because it happens to be one of the few 25 MPH zones in the area. A neighbor recently bragged that after living in our area for 30 years he had managed to only get 3 tickets for speeding.
There are no pedestrians. So what is the point other than points for the officer. Until the incentive system changes absurd stops, illegal searches, and ticketing will continue. Courts could help by throwing out these absurd charges, if their pay did not depend on continuation of the system.
10
This may be apocryphal but I always understood that the reason that members of the Sicilian Mafia, or Cosa Nostra, refrained as much as possible from killing policemen was that they understood that if they wanted to, the police could just as easily eliminate them in secretive assassinations. Only an infinitesimally small number of policemen would even consider such actions, but those who kill policemen as a tactic risk being on the losing side of such an exchange.
This is a touching piece by Mr. Conlon and the sentiments are welcome. However, it does not address the many, many videos (and the many undocumented instances) of police violence against the poor of all races. We have an unusually violent police force: is the problem drugs, PTSD, sadism? That there are good police goes without saying. That there are people who now deeply regret having made the phone call to bring a cop to the scene--only to have the officer kill their child, their husband, their mother, their neighbor, their family pet--this is the problem. Let's not whitewash it with sentimental discourse about the "good apples." There are rotten apples, lots of them, in that barrel and it seems that police are very reluctant to criticize or regulate themselves. They want us to mourn the loss of police--and we do--but where is their mourning for the loss of lives they continue to inflict, day after day. Nearly a thousand documented instances of killings of citizens by police this year alone.
6
I have had the pleasure of meeting & talking with detective Conlon many years ago. He is an articulate and compassionate person that values truth & justice. We as a city would be lucky to have many more like him. The vast majority of people believe that most police officers are good people that deserve our respect based on what they face on the job. What detective Conlon, and almost all other commenters on this subject, do not address are the “bad” cops. The community resentment, and outright rage, rises exponentially when “bad” cops are protected by their colleagues. Clean up has to come from within each department. Every “good” cop that lies to protect a “bad” cop, compounds the resentment and ill will towards police officers by a measure that is likely incomprehensible by those on the job. This of course only deals with one side of the current situation. Just the same each community must work to clean up from within, and not protect criminals as their own twisted versions of folk heroes.
4
Police brutality commonly occurs in a police state. A plutocracy must necessarily be a police state. The Supreme Court's Citizens United decision created a police state. The decision was written and passed by extreme right-wing conservative justices.
The vast majority of police officers are honest, decent citizens willing to put their lives on the line for the good of their communities. But if we elect Donald Trump as President, our recent spate of police brutality is very likely to get much worse.
The vast majority of police officers are honest, decent citizens willing to put their lives on the line for the good of their communities. But if we elect Donald Trump as President, our recent spate of police brutality is very likely to get much worse.
5
I am sick of such ugly , mindless terrorizing of the public! It a statistical fact, that even though we are three times the population , there were more than 2 times as many police killings ad deaths in the year 1920- and in numerous other years before the turn of the 20th century the USA, in almost all it's states, has had fewer police deaths than in years before. The few police assassinations recently, have been the work of probably deranged individuals. I say "probably" because the alleged shooters were killed-no captured was attempted! They easily might have been: one was, when wounded, even subjected to illegal, (by UN, laws of war and US civil laws), "extra judicial execution", and by a robot with a bomb when, as he weakened, he might easily have been tranquilized with a dart and arrested.)
Since this spate of shootings, the police and many politicians, trying to ride the wave, insist that a war is being waged against them! I wonder what the police call the killing of people in their cars and on the streets, by police, often in large groups, who have repeatedly killed civilians who were no threat and who were attempting to comply with their wishes?
In fact there is no such war. We are a peaceful society. It's Our politics that are violent.
Since this spate of shootings, the police and many politicians, trying to ride the wave, insist that a war is being waged against them! I wonder what the police call the killing of people in their cars and on the streets, by police, often in large groups, who have repeatedly killed civilians who were no threat and who were attempting to comply with their wishes?
In fact there is no such war. We are a peaceful society. It's Our politics that are violent.
3
The propensity of Americans to frame everything as "war" is unfortunate. No, there is not a war on cops, despite some deranged individuals committing atrocities against officers. For a generation, though, cops have been engaged in what they describe as wars on crime or drugs -- which unfortunately have been waged against minorities.
What the ex-officer is describing in this column is the mutual goodwill that arises when cops walk beats and see citizens as people, and vice versa. Too many departments behave as if they are an occupying force, treating the citizens in poor and minority communities as enemy combatants. Cops never leave their cars except to engage with criminals, leading to this siege mentality.
Needless to say, the recent killings of cops are heinous acts that cannot be justified. But we should be careful to treat them as what they are -- the acts of deranged individuals, not "war."
What the ex-officer is describing in this column is the mutual goodwill that arises when cops walk beats and see citizens as people, and vice versa. Too many departments behave as if they are an occupying force, treating the citizens in poor and minority communities as enemy combatants. Cops never leave their cars except to engage with criminals, leading to this siege mentality.
Needless to say, the recent killings of cops are heinous acts that cannot be justified. But we should be careful to treat them as what they are -- the acts of deranged individuals, not "war."
81
An excellent essay, but missing a few key points that truly do need addressing.
Mr Conlon fails to address one of the underlying problems with policing, apparent immunity to bad behavior. Like any profession, there are bad apples, either by lack of ability, training, or temperment.
The public perception is that this bad behavior is part of the police culture because the police themselves are not doing enough to call their compatriots out and have them removed from policing when they show they aren't up to the task.
Does this not even have to include shootings as there are plenty of incidents against women and the general public that we tend to ignore in the face of raw footage of someone being killed by an officer streamed live.
So yes, there are bad neighborhoods and bad citizens behaving badly, but until the police also recognize that they too can behave badly, the media war will not end.
Andy at least realized Barney was not up to the task and took his bullets away. We need to expect the same care from our real police leadership.
Mr Conlon fails to address one of the underlying problems with policing, apparent immunity to bad behavior. Like any profession, there are bad apples, either by lack of ability, training, or temperment.
The public perception is that this bad behavior is part of the police culture because the police themselves are not doing enough to call their compatriots out and have them removed from policing when they show they aren't up to the task.
Does this not even have to include shootings as there are plenty of incidents against women and the general public that we tend to ignore in the face of raw footage of someone being killed by an officer streamed live.
So yes, there are bad neighborhoods and bad citizens behaving badly, but until the police also recognize that they too can behave badly, the media war will not end.
Andy at least realized Barney was not up to the task and took his bullets away. We need to expect the same care from our real police leadership.
4
There is an unfortunate phrase that keeps getting repeated in media that bears a closer look. Blacks don't protest the killing of blacks by blacks as much as they protest the police. But where's the evidence to support this?
Every black community from LA to the Southside of Chicago, to the ghettos of Atlanta to the South Bronx of New York has had countless marches and demonstrations against youth violence. Our neighborhoods are periodically fitted with make shift memorials, candles, commemorative murals and designs. The anti-violence message is preached from every pulpit in the community, and yet because the media doesn't treat this as 'news' it automatically becomes its opposite--indifference.
Long suffering is not the same as indifference. Neither is being ignored the same as acquiescence. The fact that we haven't been successful to the extent that we wish does not mean that police violence is our concern but community violence is not.
Most criminologists agree that community activism against violence has contributed to the steady reduction in crime nationwide. Yet the accusation of selective concern about white police killings while ignoring our own persists.
Those in the media need to take a closer look at that accusation. if they do they will see a racial distortion that isn't coming from the African American community. The world is bigger and more nuanced than that which corporate media chooses to report and ideological views do slant and select facts. "Nuff said."
Every black community from LA to the Southside of Chicago, to the ghettos of Atlanta to the South Bronx of New York has had countless marches and demonstrations against youth violence. Our neighborhoods are periodically fitted with make shift memorials, candles, commemorative murals and designs. The anti-violence message is preached from every pulpit in the community, and yet because the media doesn't treat this as 'news' it automatically becomes its opposite--indifference.
Long suffering is not the same as indifference. Neither is being ignored the same as acquiescence. The fact that we haven't been successful to the extent that we wish does not mean that police violence is our concern but community violence is not.
Most criminologists agree that community activism against violence has contributed to the steady reduction in crime nationwide. Yet the accusation of selective concern about white police killings while ignoring our own persists.
Those in the media need to take a closer look at that accusation. if they do they will see a racial distortion that isn't coming from the African American community. The world is bigger and more nuanced than that which corporate media chooses to report and ideological views do slant and select facts. "Nuff said."
4
And also, police should be setting an example, not killing innocent people and then shrugging, "well, the criminals do it too." It should go without saying that cops ought be better than the criminals they are supposedly protecting the public from.
2
Mr. Conlon has penned a beautiful piece. One that made me feel slightly more hopeful amidst what has been a truly awful time for our nation and the world. A rare social media user, I considered sharing this when I remembered a recent bit of news about off duty police officers walking off of a WNBA game in Minnesota over the players warming up (if my memory holds) in Black Lives Matter t-shirts. Of course, these were off duty officers. They were being paid for a specific service and perhaps felt their services were not being adequately appreciated. Victimhood, it seems, is the primary battleground of our modern era. One could argue that, no, it is this human right or that human right. But I think one might be wrong...the battle of our times is about feelings. It is about who is right and who is wrong. Not based in evidence but in feelings. Mr. Conlon may be one of the good ones. One has to expect, knowing his background, that he really is. But the police are as petty as those they serve. There may be fair grievances on both sides, but Mr. Conlon makes clear that even with those grievances "cops" are still showing up. I think there is substantial evidence he is wrong about this. But I believe he is one of the few people in a position to bring together those who might not be listening to their better angels.
1
The first elephant in the room is that many African Americans simply don't trust or like the police. If Republican US Senator Tim Scott can talk about being profiled despite being elected to the US Senate, or if even the man that helped out the Dallas Police victims, Dr. Brian Williams, admits hat he's fearful of the police, since he was also profiled in the past as well, then the police needs to admit that they have a problem with African Americans, regardless of lack of criminal record or income, to say nothing of Hispanics as well.
The second elephant in the room is the lack of accountability for any police-civilian involved shootings. It is rare for a police officer to get indicted, much less convicted, for any controversial police shooting of a person, even if the person did not have a weapon.
Plus, the fact that many African Americans fear the Traffic Stop with police, fearing that they'll end up dead just like Philando Castile did. There are way too many stories that won't ever be told of African Americans just minding their own business, and coming across someone too scare to have a badge, and that African American ends up usually dead.
Freddie Gray didn't kill himself, but he died somehow. So far, of all the people charged in his death, not one person has been convicted. And that is part and parcel of the continuing lack of faith many minorities have in the Criminal Justice System. The system needs to hold bad cops accountable, or this madness will continue.
The second elephant in the room is the lack of accountability for any police-civilian involved shootings. It is rare for a police officer to get indicted, much less convicted, for any controversial police shooting of a person, even if the person did not have a weapon.
Plus, the fact that many African Americans fear the Traffic Stop with police, fearing that they'll end up dead just like Philando Castile did. There are way too many stories that won't ever be told of African Americans just minding their own business, and coming across someone too scare to have a badge, and that African American ends up usually dead.
Freddie Gray didn't kill himself, but he died somehow. So far, of all the people charged in his death, not one person has been convicted. And that is part and parcel of the continuing lack of faith many minorities have in the Criminal Justice System. The system needs to hold bad cops accountable, or this madness will continue.
154
Mr. Ken L's comment is on target! He points out elephants in the room that the media and most mainstream politicians fail to address. I adore his logic: "Freddie Gray didn't kill himself . . . ." I'd like to add the same, in terms of what we do and do not know, and can be said (to date) about the loss of sister Sandra Bland (remember? Houston? found hanged? after being arrested for a "traffic violation?"). Upon viewing the graphic and the headline of Mr. Conlon's Op-Ed--before engaging into a reading, there seemed to be a hopeful, sober analysis in progress. Yet, emerging from Conlon's comment, "Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos, two New York police officers who were killed, unprovoked, while sitting in their patrol car in 2014, will always mean more to me than Philando Castile and Alton Sterling . . . ," there seems to be brewing beneath this so-called benign-essay a disregard for human lives --in general, a narrowed way of thinking yet pervasive, & akin to Mr. Ken L's points. When will we come around to accepting the value of a human life, period? That was the whole reasoning behind the Black Anti-Lynching Movements, via Ida B. Wells- Barnett in the late 19th century and in the turn of the twentieth century by additional Black women activists; that is the sole reason behind the Black Lives Matter Movement - which as I recall began from a twitter-feed (generated by a Black woman) because the value of "human life" (a Black one) was being disregarded.
2
"Freddie Gray didn't kill himself, but he died somehow. So far, of all the people charged in his death, not one person has been convicted."
So, how far does the conspiracy go? Is it so far up the ladder that no black person can get justice in this society? Is that your contention?
So, how far does the conspiracy go? Is it so far up the ladder that no black person can get justice in this society? Is that your contention?
1
How can you view that Mr. Conlon's Op-Ed was "a very good and balanced analysis?" His statement, which I quoted above, discounts his whole piece actually. His rhetoric as a former walk-the-beat-cop whom helps everyone "in need" seems then unrealistic.
Mr. Ken L's two elephants in the room (lack of the Black community's trust in police and the "lack of accountability for any police-civilian involved shootings") are key issues that our society has been dealing with for decades, and really much longer. Those are starting points for social and political reform.
The "weighing of the value of people's lives" will not get us anywhere, which is the perception that evolves from Mr. Conlon's writing. We are already at a boiling point, all of us experiencing headlines we could not imagine.
Read through most of the comments here, which in fact are much better and logical reasoning of our reality.
Mr. Ken L's two elephants in the room (lack of the Black community's trust in police and the "lack of accountability for any police-civilian involved shootings") are key issues that our society has been dealing with for decades, and really much longer. Those are starting points for social and political reform.
The "weighing of the value of people's lives" will not get us anywhere, which is the perception that evolves from Mr. Conlon's writing. We are already at a boiling point, all of us experiencing headlines we could not imagine.
Read through most of the comments here, which in fact are much better and logical reasoning of our reality.
1
There are countless encounters between white police officers and blacks. Most are innocuous. Many are viewed favorably by members of the black community. Such contacts are routine and get little attention. The contacts that do get attention are the negative ones, which are all too many. The consensus view is that the bad outweighs the good. The bad are horrific. The good are treated as relatively trivial. But the real story needs to account for the overall picture. And as long as we don't hear about the good contacts, the picture seems uniformly bad. The overall interactions are vital to understand. The voice of a single white officer doesn't add much. A poll of the black community would tell us so much more and it would be extremely helpful if Pew Research conducted such a poll.
You know what you get for doing your job? You get a paycheck. It shouldn't be remarkable when cops DON'T kill people. In fact, I think police misconduct is vastly underreported in the media.
1
By way of adding my "certs" to speak on this issue I will say that I am the son of a cop, the nephew of a cop, the cousin of a County Sheriff, and the good friend of a long-serving city police chief. My dad's best friend when I was a boy was our town's police chief and my childhood hero save only my dad. And I worked my way thru college in a police department as jailer and dispatcher. So, in my younger days I was around cops a lot. And I say all that to say this. The killings of police are horrific, as are the killings of citizens by police. Beyond these numbers though, we must come to terms with how police as an force in our society have changed since 9/11. They have militarized. Police today do not look like the "preserve/protect/defend" police of a couple of decades ago. They look like storm troopers and they act like thugs. They revel in using military equipment and weapons -- way in excess to most situations. They treat every citizen encounter like a potential arrest -- overly directive, rude, hands on their pistols as they approach. What happened to "community policing" where police got to know the neighborhood and the people? It's gone. Further, encounters with citizens are about revenue generation -- tickets and civil asset forfeiture, as most police departments are funded to 70% and told to make up the rest thru tickets and asset forfeiture from citizens. Police need to demilitarize, and return to treating citizens like citizens, and not criminals.
219
MadAsHell, THANK YOU for this personal take on how law enforcement has changed. Yes, militarization is about as unamerican as we can get and most people I know who are involved in law enforcement agree with you. Please keep speaking out.
1
I wish this were not true... but it is.....
1
Dear MadAsHell, thank you for your comments. Psychological screening of people prior to admission into the police academy must become a prerequisite of admission. As you say our police have become milatarized. As an old white woman even I am frightened by the police - imagine how young black men feel! What is happening between cops and black men will only escalate unless there is justice brought to those who have been murdered by a shot in the back, or reaching for ones billfold while sitting in his car seat. It is sad and frightening beyond belief.
1
My rebuttal to this op-ed is denial is more than a river in Egypt. But what I find more interesting than this essay is it follows up an op-ed from an Iraq war veteran yesterday that warned us to discount the myth about shooters in Dallas and Baton Rouge as genuine grunts because they were just pogs like him and their acts of targeted assassinations of police officer were isolated acts of rage. Again also refer to my first sentence for this other writer, I was a pogue, though now the correct spelling is pog, But I was a medical corpsman and my experiences with wounded grunts on the ward were a 180 degrees from his experiences in Iraq. To be fair to him, he writes from his point of view while I write from mine. But at least I actually spent my tour with wounded grunts. I just find it odd this two essays are a bit biased and also want to reassure us everything is just fine in the country. But then there was also an editorial yesterday about our frayed VA healthcare system. It stated veterans make up 8.5% of the population but account for 18% of the suicides. In 2014, new data shows 7,043 veterans killed themselves. And that comes to about 20 veterans a day. I would say things are far from fine. That is unless you consider veterans who kill themselves are a sign of progress compared to veterans who kill police officers then are killed by police officer which in the streets is called "suicide by police." These three pieces represent a subtle propaganda campaign by the NTY.
3
The data you quote is suspect - most vets are males - who take their own lives at a higher rate than females so the vets rates must be compared to the male norms not the general population norms.
Second - that figure of 20 vet suicides / day has bee widely debunked and the vast majority of suicides occurs among vets who have NEVER deployed to a combat zone.
Thirdly - comparing smaller groups may not be useful - eg. Farmers kill themselves at rates far greater than vets and the general population - so what?
Second - that figure of 20 vet suicides / day has bee widely debunked and the vast majority of suicides occurs among vets who have NEVER deployed to a combat zone.
Thirdly - comparing smaller groups may not be useful - eg. Farmers kill themselves at rates far greater than vets and the general population - so what?
Welcome perspective, thanks. But there are still two problems, intersecting but different, and a third element that should not distract from the first two. One: as you say, communities of color suffering daily reality of crime and violence - daily helped by police, maybe. But outrageous misuse of force, sometimes fatal, often racist, without consequence, by law enforcement - is the other. And now, the third: "anti police violence by deranged/inflamed armed individuals" of recent horror. In the Bronx, you probably saw a lot more positive or at least non-negative interactions between white cops and at-risk people of color than many American neighborhoods like Ferguson, MO. The best elements of community policing are not new. Even in Texas 20 years ago I once saw a young white male officer use de-escalation, conflict resolution, and common sense to defuse a bad situation in a tough neighborhood, and those methods have been studied for decades longer than that.
Police departments and needy communities should be commended for successful work together, and the successes celebrated, no question. But that second problem is a video horror of our times (only the video being new) that demands accountability and justice just as public. And the third problem, horrifying though it is, is just less urgent.
Police departments and needy communities should be commended for successful work together, and the successes celebrated, no question. But that second problem is a video horror of our times (only the video being new) that demands accountability and justice just as public. And the third problem, horrifying though it is, is just less urgent.
2
Maybe the phrase should be "American Kids Matter."
Only when we devote ourselves as a society to the full effort to assure that all Americans being born each day - literally our future - have a chance to live out their natural potential will we see generational change that will transform society.
We must break the unending cycle of poverty and there are some steps to take.
Early childhood development and educational programs are inexpensive ways to enhance the opportunity and positive outcomes for our kids. Proven. So, why the lack of will to make this our national cause?
Why not try things? Boldly use national resources to help the newest Americans being born every day - born as I write!
We want a stable, prosperous, safe America.
Because it's good for our nation, our economy and it heads off many of the societal ills that plague our communities.
Neighborhood by neighborhood let us see our people - our fellow Americans - as the most important resource we have.
Let's commit to lifting each one in the smartest ways.
We're not helpless and there are good ideas on the left and right.
Two generations from now, we'll reap the good we sow.
What else is there more important to do?
As President Kennedy said about creating a more harmonious world, "Let us begin."
I dare anyone who loves this country to say why we should not.
Less poverty, more smart efforts toward a healing prosperity… that should be our common motto.
Only when we devote ourselves as a society to the full effort to assure that all Americans being born each day - literally our future - have a chance to live out their natural potential will we see generational change that will transform society.
We must break the unending cycle of poverty and there are some steps to take.
Early childhood development and educational programs are inexpensive ways to enhance the opportunity and positive outcomes for our kids. Proven. So, why the lack of will to make this our national cause?
Why not try things? Boldly use national resources to help the newest Americans being born every day - born as I write!
We want a stable, prosperous, safe America.
Because it's good for our nation, our economy and it heads off many of the societal ills that plague our communities.
Neighborhood by neighborhood let us see our people - our fellow Americans - as the most important resource we have.
Let's commit to lifting each one in the smartest ways.
We're not helpless and there are good ideas on the left and right.
Two generations from now, we'll reap the good we sow.
What else is there more important to do?
As President Kennedy said about creating a more harmonious world, "Let us begin."
I dare anyone who loves this country to say why we should not.
Less poverty, more smart efforts toward a healing prosperity… that should be our common motto.
5
Agree wholeheartedly, there is no police war against any ethnic group.
What has occurred, is occurring, and will continue to occur, is this -
As is the case in any job, the hiring of individuals is fraught with problems, and some of these problems manifest themselves throughout the tenure of the employee; in let's say a job as an engineer or assembler, on a car assembly line, an employee forgets to install the main bolt that holds the main sheave to the crankshaft, which gets past quality control, onto the street, with disasterous results when it flies off at high speed, while being driven by an unsuspecting owner. Happened to me.
Rare, but some police officers do makes dangerous and sometimes fatal mistakes, and some others do single out, with forethought, varying ethnicities, most often black Americans, to injure, maim, and less rare, kill.
When one considers our population of over 300 million people, the incidence of bad policing almost seems insignificant, but it should never occurr, nevertheless, it always will.
That said, it's hard to deny that nationally, racism, especially against black Americans, is alive and well here in America, evidenced daily, especially when one does the numbers, and examines the level of inequality.
What has occurred, is occurring, and will continue to occur, is this -
As is the case in any job, the hiring of individuals is fraught with problems, and some of these problems manifest themselves throughout the tenure of the employee; in let's say a job as an engineer or assembler, on a car assembly line, an employee forgets to install the main bolt that holds the main sheave to the crankshaft, which gets past quality control, onto the street, with disasterous results when it flies off at high speed, while being driven by an unsuspecting owner. Happened to me.
Rare, but some police officers do makes dangerous and sometimes fatal mistakes, and some others do single out, with forethought, varying ethnicities, most often black Americans, to injure, maim, and less rare, kill.
When one considers our population of over 300 million people, the incidence of bad policing almost seems insignificant, but it should never occurr, nevertheless, it always will.
That said, it's hard to deny that nationally, racism, especially against black Americans, is alive and well here in America, evidenced daily, especially when one does the numbers, and examines the level of inequality.
29
My father was a cop, so I have a deep appreciation of policing--and its dangers--while knowing that cops are human.
The recent murders of police officers trouble me greatly, but not just because they were targets. No, it is because I also saw the funerals: the hundreds--thousands--of officers from the vicinity, and often even distant parts of the country; the waves of choking emotion; and the rich pageantry that ushered the fallen to their graves. I felt the weight of highlighting the dangers of the job and honoring the sacrifice they all made.
Those funerals taught me that police demand too much in the way of glory, awe, and fealty. I believe those demands are a key part of the dynamic that sets them apart in harmful ways from the society in which they live and which they serve.
Policing is dangerous. But not as dangerous as the size and solemnity--the bitter glory--of the funerals would have us feel. In 2014, the most recent data available, law enforcement was the fifteenth most dangerous job in the United States, well below loggers, aircrew, refuse collectors, farmers, and others.
I think we need a different perspective. One that honors the risks that police run, but which does not lionize them in ways out of all proportion to those risks. Police play a key role in civilization. Fine. Yet they are no more essential than many other professions, some of which, like farming, are much more dangerous. Let us give the police their due, but let us not overdo it.
The recent murders of police officers trouble me greatly, but not just because they were targets. No, it is because I also saw the funerals: the hundreds--thousands--of officers from the vicinity, and often even distant parts of the country; the waves of choking emotion; and the rich pageantry that ushered the fallen to their graves. I felt the weight of highlighting the dangers of the job and honoring the sacrifice they all made.
Those funerals taught me that police demand too much in the way of glory, awe, and fealty. I believe those demands are a key part of the dynamic that sets them apart in harmful ways from the society in which they live and which they serve.
Policing is dangerous. But not as dangerous as the size and solemnity--the bitter glory--of the funerals would have us feel. In 2014, the most recent data available, law enforcement was the fifteenth most dangerous job in the United States, well below loggers, aircrew, refuse collectors, farmers, and others.
I think we need a different perspective. One that honors the risks that police run, but which does not lionize them in ways out of all proportion to those risks. Police play a key role in civilization. Fine. Yet they are no more essential than many other professions, some of which, like farming, are much more dangerous. Let us give the police their due, but let us not overdo it.
184
In Philadelphia, 11 officers have been murdered while on duty since 2007. I don't recall hearing about any farming fatalities in the area.
The above commentator is entirely correct in saying that lines of work other than policing are more dangerous. Firefighting and construction work are two that claim more lives every year than police work, according to statistics. Yet, officers are told over and over again that the next traffic stop could be their last. They are made hair trigger ready by this repetition and by excessive training. Unions also play a role, because they emphasize the dangers in order to get higher pay and better benefits. The Times recently exposed an outside consultancy that offers additional training which, according to the information available, encourages officers to use maximum force to protect themselves.
We have forgotten the purpose of police work. The first goal is protection of the community along with the protection of the officer. With the crime waves of the late 20th century and the abundance of guns everywhere in our society, too many police officers are too quick to shoot. This does not mean that all police are bad, of course. There is a clear need to dial back the assumption that everyone an officer approaches is a great danger to him or her. If we treat everyone in society like a presumed deadly threat, some people will respond in the same manner. We are conditioning society to engage in violence.
We have forgotten the purpose of police work. The first goal is protection of the community along with the protection of the officer. With the crime waves of the late 20th century and the abundance of guns everywhere in our society, too many police officers are too quick to shoot. This does not mean that all police are bad, of course. There is a clear need to dial back the assumption that everyone an officer approaches is a great danger to him or her. If we treat everyone in society like a presumed deadly threat, some people will respond in the same manner. We are conditioning society to engage in violence.
2
"Policing is dangerous."
That may be true, but more sanitation workers are killed on the job in NYC than police officers.
That may be true, but more sanitation workers are killed on the job in NYC than police officers.
2
My father was a policeman in a city of over 300,000 for thirty years from the late forties to the late seventies. There were few Black policemen then and the white policemen were not particularly open mined on racial issues.
The writer of this piece did not address the fact that most people have an innate resistance to authority and do not like being pulled over or ordered around by policemen. This resistance results in policemen limiting their social circle to other policemen as they tire of defending their job.
The author also did not address how policemen circle the wagons around themselves when their fellow officers come under scrutiny.
Of course the overwhelming majority of policemen go to work each day and do their best. But police departments are not unlike most organizations that get what they reward for. Perhaps we need to address what behaviors we really reward policemen for. Within their essentially military style organizations it may be difficult to change those measures.
The writer of this piece did not address the fact that most people have an innate resistance to authority and do not like being pulled over or ordered around by policemen. This resistance results in policemen limiting their social circle to other policemen as they tire of defending their job.
The author also did not address how policemen circle the wagons around themselves when their fellow officers come under scrutiny.
Of course the overwhelming majority of policemen go to work each day and do their best. But police departments are not unlike most organizations that get what they reward for. Perhaps we need to address what behaviors we really reward policemen for. Within their essentially military style organizations it may be difficult to change those measures.
2
When there's no one else to call, sure people will call the cops.
That by itself is no endorsement of them.
It is good to hear that Mr. Conlon felt the community he policed, looked to him, in his police role, as someone many felt they could turn to.
One hopes his experience is frequently duplicated.
However, the incidents we have seen over the past months, captured again and again on cellphone video, speak to a very different reality from the one Mr. Conlon alludes to.
There is no "community" policing going on there.
None. Zero. Not even the littlest speck.
What we see is cold blooded murder - and we see it again and again.
We see cops throwing teenage girls in swimsuits to the ground and jumping on them.
We see cops who are completely out of control.
Cops who have no comprehension of "community," or the role they are given to provide in society.
We see thugs, murderers and liars.
One hopes Mr. Conlon, when he was on his community beat,
reached not only the mothers, but also the young African American and Hispanic men who deal not just with a harsh personal existence, but daily police brutality & abuse.
One day, many years ago, it finally clicked for me: all the young men on wheel chairs at the Puerto Rico day parade, did not speak to some unusual disease afflicting the Puerto Rican community, it spoke to how many young men were shot & crippled (leaving aside the dead).
There's a lot to work on.
Recognizing all sides of any issue is a good start.
But it can't end there.
That by itself is no endorsement of them.
It is good to hear that Mr. Conlon felt the community he policed, looked to him, in his police role, as someone many felt they could turn to.
One hopes his experience is frequently duplicated.
However, the incidents we have seen over the past months, captured again and again on cellphone video, speak to a very different reality from the one Mr. Conlon alludes to.
There is no "community" policing going on there.
None. Zero. Not even the littlest speck.
What we see is cold blooded murder - and we see it again and again.
We see cops throwing teenage girls in swimsuits to the ground and jumping on them.
We see cops who are completely out of control.
Cops who have no comprehension of "community," or the role they are given to provide in society.
We see thugs, murderers and liars.
One hopes Mr. Conlon, when he was on his community beat,
reached not only the mothers, but also the young African American and Hispanic men who deal not just with a harsh personal existence, but daily police brutality & abuse.
One day, many years ago, it finally clicked for me: all the young men on wheel chairs at the Puerto Rico day parade, did not speak to some unusual disease afflicting the Puerto Rican community, it spoke to how many young men were shot & crippled (leaving aside the dead).
There's a lot to work on.
Recognizing all sides of any issue is a good start.
But it can't end there.
3
I am sick of the narrative that Black people have a higher propensity for murder and mayhem. It is a narrative that serves only to fuel a continuation of our obsession with focusing on the racial aspects of every situation without regard to the variables that drive the offending behavior regardless of race. Race is the wrong sort key.
It is well established that there is an inexorable correlation between poverty and crime; yet, our racial obsession impedes us from expressing anything in those terms. What a difference it would make if we would express crime stats in terms of household incomes rather than race. Imagine reporting that X% of murders are committed by people whose household income is below Y amount – and that when viewed in those terms what is disproportionate is not the rate of criminal conduct but the distribution of poverty. I believe we don’t engage in analysis from that perspective because it would transform the law and order discussion into an economic and class one.
The one thing we, as Americans, seem loathe to do is root cause analysis.
It is well established that there is an inexorable correlation between poverty and crime; yet, our racial obsession impedes us from expressing anything in those terms. What a difference it would make if we would express crime stats in terms of household incomes rather than race. Imagine reporting that X% of murders are committed by people whose household income is below Y amount – and that when viewed in those terms what is disproportionate is not the rate of criminal conduct but the distribution of poverty. I believe we don’t engage in analysis from that perspective because it would transform the law and order discussion into an economic and class one.
The one thing we, as Americans, seem loathe to do is root cause analysis.
6
Statistics. Just look at the statistics.
We concur with many points that Mr. Conlon makes in his article. Police officers are well trained professionals who inherently seek justifiable solutions to both mundane and complex legal issues. Protestors seek justice in cases were lack of professionalism has resulted in visually abusive behavior. The two arguments are logically independent and distinct. Yet, we occupy a realistic and emotional world that is reactionary and volatile. Cause and effect are blurred by emotions and reactions to unparalleled injustice and loss of life. When seeking a solution to our current national racial discourse, we should attempt to resolve its underline cause. Decades of flawed legislation which disproportionately disadvantaged the low income segment of our population. An unfair criminal justice system ("CJS") that punishes individuals permanently and excises them and their family pet mantle from society. The frustration displayed by the masses is misplaced at times because professional law enforcement agents, who occupy are streets, are the front line executors of flawed legislation. If we are to unify our nation, we should all stand together and unanimously reject the cause that creates disenfranchisement amongst our fellow citizens -- flawed legislation.
1
Don't like being stopped 49 times for traffic violations because a person continues to flaunt the law by not fixing a tail light or paying the fines to get their suspended license back, change the law? Right, got ya.
1
The vet majority of citizens obey the law and respect authority. Unfortunately there is a minority that does not.
The black on black murder rate is at 8x the rate of other groups. No one wants to say it,but there is a cultural problem in inner city black neighborhoods that spawns this behavior. Teens having multiple children when they should be in school, fatherless families, and a penchant for violence. Sure poverty plays a big role but there is something else going on here. Please don't say institutional racism since the vast majority of blacks want no part of this culture.
The black on black murder rate is at 8x the rate of other groups. No one wants to say it,but there is a cultural problem in inner city black neighborhoods that spawns this behavior. Teens having multiple children when they should be in school, fatherless families, and a penchant for violence. Sure poverty plays a big role but there is something else going on here. Please don't say institutional racism since the vast majority of blacks want no part of this culture.
33
"Teens having multiple children when they should be in school, fatherless families,"
The above two items are readily funded by our state and Federal governments. I don't know what the alternative is by the cycle of a man and women having a child into a home of single non-working mother is funded by our social welfare system. I believe, such families, not relying on a job for support, likely see little value in education setting up the next generation to continue they cycle. I believe such families generally attend schools with similar families and that obviously results in a school serving a bunch of families who don't care about education. Not caring about education means a tolerance for poor staff and academics, students who are below standards, don't come, and disrupt classrooms.
I wonder how much of this is a side affect of the Great Society which arguably, in an effort to relieve poverty, created an environment enabling the choices to be in poverty. I realize much of poverty is not choice, but having children as teens knowing there will be a single parent in the house and shunning education largely are.
John
The above two items are readily funded by our state and Federal governments. I don't know what the alternative is by the cycle of a man and women having a child into a home of single non-working mother is funded by our social welfare system. I believe, such families, not relying on a job for support, likely see little value in education setting up the next generation to continue they cycle. I believe such families generally attend schools with similar families and that obviously results in a school serving a bunch of families who don't care about education. Not caring about education means a tolerance for poor staff and academics, students who are below standards, don't come, and disrupt classrooms.
I wonder how much of this is a side affect of the Great Society which arguably, in an effort to relieve poverty, created an environment enabling the choices to be in poverty. I realize much of poverty is not choice, but having children as teens knowing there will be a single parent in the house and shunning education largely are.
John
1
The "8x" murder rate figure is both wrong and misleading. First, based on FBI 2013 crime data (the most recent complete year available on the web), 90% of black victims (2,245) were killed by black offenders. By itself this is a large and alarming number and can be used to paint a negative picture of communities of color. However, and in a similar pattern, 83% of white victims were killed by white offenders (2,509). The total number of murders of both blacks and whites (I am offending myself by using such superficial classifications) is similar. Noteworthy is that the total number of murders for each group illustrates more whites are murdered by whites than the other way around. There is a discussion to be had about policing, guns, economic status and crime, but blaming poor people of color for the situation at hand is not the place to start.
1
Black people are forced into an economic system that limits their financial, educational and political opportunities. They are insulted in culture and media, constantly being portrayed as criminals and thugs. On top of it all, people insist blacks as a people are deficient in some moral sense, implying many of their problems are of their own choosing. Who would chose to die for a broken taillight, selling single cigarettes or playing with a toy gun. And god forbid they ever get angry about these situations because then protest efforts are dismissed as racist and violent. Even when one attains the highest office in the land, he accorded no respect ("You lie!" during the State of the Union) with a more than significant proportion of a major national political party believing he isn't even a US citizen.
And you say institutional racism isn't significant? Tell me, what's it like growing up in Disneyland?
And you say institutional racism isn't significant? Tell me, what's it like growing up in Disneyland?
3
Amazing article. I just wanted to say that these are the kinds of nuanced arguments we need in order to get past this in a positive manner. For 50 years, we have gone through a vicious circle because our society sees just black and white in a multitude of ways. We live in the grey world, and we need to understand that nothing is black and white.
7
Too many of us are like Dubya who said "I don't do nuance".
1
"... (P)eople never stopped calling the police. Many calls came from the neighborhoods that activists claimed were where the police weren’t wanted, weren’t trusted, weren’t needed. And the police kept coming, as they always will."
Maybe the activists should put themselves in the shoes of the police and respond to the calls to the police in these neighborhoods? And the police listen to some of their own colleagues who have had unwarranted run-ins with cops while out of uniform owing to the color of their skin.
Maybe the activists should put themselves in the shoes of the police and respond to the calls to the police in these neighborhoods? And the police listen to some of their own colleagues who have had unwarranted run-ins with cops while out of uniform owing to the color of their skin.
8
You have made the common mistake of extrapolating personal experience to a general rule. For example, I personally do not like fish so by extension does that mean that nobody likes fish? It's ridiculously illogical.
Wars start with words and there certainly has been a lot of words hurled at police from every vector including this paper and its readers. Words then lead to acts of war which include weapons and the intent to harm. The police have been attacked and made the enemy and what has resulted is people picking up arms to kill them.
Wars start with words and there certainly has been a lot of words hurled at police from every vector including this paper and its readers. Words then lead to acts of war which include weapons and the intent to harm. The police have been attacked and made the enemy and what has resulted is people picking up arms to kill them.
19
This hasn't happened in a vacuum, A few overzealous trigger happy police have not put them in the best light and failing to mention that only makes the situation worse.
4
"A few overzealous trigger happy police "
Not to mention our inability to charge and/or convict those few, thanks to the Blue Wall of Silence maintained by the many.
Not to mention our inability to charge and/or convict those few, thanks to the Blue Wall of Silence maintained by the many.
3
NO WAR with 30 policemen slain in 2016 even before the summer is over? But it's not a war on the police? How does Edward Conlon define "war?" While it does appear to be a guerilla war, it is a war nonetheless. Let's wait and see. Meanwhile I fervently hope that the police will avail themselves of all resources available to make their jobs more productive and safer.
13
Mr Smith: a "war" usually requires an organized, cohesive, centrally controlled organization -- usually a nation-state -- to play the role of 'enemy'. (Unless of course we're talking about nonsense propaganda phrases like "wars" on things like drugs or terror.) I note that no such enemy exists here.
6
The lack of interaction between blacks and whites is pervasive. The whites who interact the most include the police, social workers, and teachers. Mother Jones writes about widespread racism in education. Countless scholars write about racism among social workers. And everyone who writes writes about racism and the police. There are a lot of whites who don't have contact with blacks pointing their fingers at whites who do. Apparently, they believe that avoiding contact is how you prove you're not racist.
31
An interesting observation... thanks.
1
You are so right. I worked in schools for 36 years. Teachers, social workers, and policemen are the people who interact the most with all kinds of people. There are some racists among all these groups but, for the most part, they understand the humans beneath the skin colors. Teachers, social workers, and policemen all work to help those at risk. Sometimes they succeed and sometimes they don't. My doctor brother often asked me to explain some black cultural phenomonen because, as a specialist, he didn't see many people of color. That is the biggest problem in the US today. We don't really know about those who asre different from us.
1
Beautiful sentiments of reconciliation. Thank you. It's easy for both sides to feel under attack, but that doesn't mean there is a war going on. The sooner we can see that we all want to be safe and have our needs met, the sooner we will get past this dark time.
8
Well written piece. Having been a member of the law enforcement community, I can say my experience was that police officers were primarily interested in protecting the communities in which they lived, the communities where their kids were growing up against bad guys. Their loyalties were to their oaths of office and their identities tied to those who wore their uniforms, the only color which was important to them.
10
It's hard to read you or anyone declare the killing of two men in a police car by a deranged man who also killed his girlfriend (a life and a death just like the others that was never mentioned) "means more to you" than an officer of the law murdering citizens - ever, at any time, of any color.
I feel like your choice of what to be the most bothered by would be similar to someone saying a bad judgement by a person who was mentally ill bothered you more than a bad judgement by a judge.
Police officers have more power in America than any other single human being has in this country. Abusing that enormous power will always be what upsets ME the most, regardless of who pays the price, male, female, black, white, child or elderly, someone with a tail light out or someone who is just walking down the street bothering nobody.
To say this is less important than any act of any criminal is impossible for me to understand as someone who considers our nation a nation above all of law. If the police break the law - regardless of not being prosecuted, there is no law.
Trust is about more than who is walking the beat, and about much more than needing law enforcement or calling them - who else is there to call - it is about so much more than that. You may not like a certain highway and consider it dangerous but still use it if it is the only way to get somewhere - that is not a vote of trust but of necessity - trust is a great deal more important and profound than that, as you know.
I feel like your choice of what to be the most bothered by would be similar to someone saying a bad judgement by a person who was mentally ill bothered you more than a bad judgement by a judge.
Police officers have more power in America than any other single human being has in this country. Abusing that enormous power will always be what upsets ME the most, regardless of who pays the price, male, female, black, white, child or elderly, someone with a tail light out or someone who is just walking down the street bothering nobody.
To say this is less important than any act of any criminal is impossible for me to understand as someone who considers our nation a nation above all of law. If the police break the law - regardless of not being prosecuted, there is no law.
Trust is about more than who is walking the beat, and about much more than needing law enforcement or calling them - who else is there to call - it is about so much more than that. You may not like a certain highway and consider it dangerous but still use it if it is the only way to get somewhere - that is not a vote of trust but of necessity - trust is a great deal more important and profound than that, as you know.
66
No proof anyone was "murdered". Two men werre shot and the departments are investigating, along iwth several Federal agencies.
The author is walking a mile in his shoes, relating to the murder of two fellow offices like many relate to the deaths of the two men mentioned.
The author is walking a mile in his shoes, relating to the murder of two fellow offices like many relate to the deaths of the two men mentioned.
1
I decided not to address this very point in my earlier post,but yours is edifying.
I think the author has profoundly internalized the rhetoric of the institution that he had been employed by for so long.
Secondly, he's also trying to employ a literary artifice that doesn't seem to serve him well at all, namely, oppositional binaries. He's trying to weigh emotions, facts, but he only succumbs to the perverse ideologies that he's been inoculated with.
I think the author has profoundly internalized the rhetoric of the institution that he had been employed by for so long.
Secondly, he's also trying to employ a literary artifice that doesn't seem to serve him well at all, namely, oppositional binaries. He's trying to weigh emotions, facts, but he only succumbs to the perverse ideologies that he's been inoculated with.
3
@Bear, I think the author uses the comparison of the killed police officers with the black men as a way to acknowledge and convey to the reader that he is biased in favor of the police, especially since he is an ex-cop. When you take the sentence out of context, as you did, it appears heartless. I read his point to be that despite identifying more with the killed police officers than with the killed black men, the author still does not believe there to be a war on cops. He's making the case that even police, despite leaning more towards supporting their own, can and ought to have a more reasoned and moderate response to the recent killings of police officers. In fact, I think he's arguing against the very either/or thinking and out of context analogies that you offer in your comment.
Detective Conlon appears to me in this piece to have combined pouring oil on the waters and declaring a number of emperors clothes-less, in just about the most terse, timely, thoughtful and tactful way. Bravo, Detective!
11
What world have you lived in? My students live in one where a race baiting president uses blaming the cops for cheap political points. Half of them believe the lie and the other half are desperate to escape.
21
unfortunately for you, the world you describe is only on right wing media. in the real world, we have a president who eloquently describes the tensions that exist for black folks and for cops. The right wing seems to think that the way to deal with the issues of black communities is not to mention them and they'll go away (or "learn their place."). The rw media call the president a divider for listening and mentioning black communities legitimate problems. Somehow, though, the RW media go deaf when he champions law enforcement. They're the real dividers and you believe it, hook, line and sinker.
8
Please show me one instance of the president race baiting. Go ahead, I'll wait.
2
"My students live in one where a race baiting president uses blaming the cops for cheap political points."
What sort of a school would have you as a teacher? Bob Jones University? Or a Trump real estate seminar? Save the children: retire now.
What sort of a school would have you as a teacher? Bob Jones University? Or a Trump real estate seminar? Save the children: retire now.
3
I understand I think.
I've lived in many countries and we have way many more guns than adults in our country.
Police need all types of guns off the streets of all types. Both rich and poor brown and white are suffering gun violence and fear.
Keep your guns in your homes where they belong.
Keep them off the streets where our Police, Children, Mothers, Fathers, Sons, Daughters and you yourself wish to stroll in freedom.
More guns don't make you more safe.
Acting more human makes all of us safer.
Thanks
Brother Dave
I've lived in many countries and we have way many more guns than adults in our country.
Police need all types of guns off the streets of all types. Both rich and poor brown and white are suffering gun violence and fear.
Keep your guns in your homes where they belong.
Keep them off the streets where our Police, Children, Mothers, Fathers, Sons, Daughters and you yourself wish to stroll in freedom.
More guns don't make you more safe.
Acting more human makes all of us safer.
Thanks
Brother Dave
69
I'm not sure many police departments understand their role in the society. Public safety comes before personal safety, that's the deal. That's why officers are compensated so generously and allowed to retire so early.
50
"Compensated so generously"
I hope that was your attempt at sarcasm!!
I hope that was your attempt at sarcasm!!
2
Thank you for saying that.
1
My grandson earns $32, 000 a year, not such generous compensation, for a person with a BA. And, as far as retiring early, do you want 60 year old cops trying to chase and capture 20+ year old trouble makers? The older cops have usually moved up and out of patrol situations, and are not eager to retire early on a small pension when they are too young for SS. They have a difficult and stressful job. Be glad someone is willing to do it.
"Do cops treat blacks differently because of racism, or because blacks commit a disproportionate number of violent crimes? The answer is yes."
it takes a cop to tell the twin uncomfortable truths that neither side wants to admit;
1. a good percentage of cops are racist when it comes to treatment of black folks esp men. and depts protect their designated "thumpers" or "beaters" who are allowed to physically beat the heck out of detainees which then gets covered up by commanders.
2. black men commit violent crimes at a rate of between 10x and 25x the representation in the general population. just go look at the FBI UCS, the Violent Crimes Victim Study or specific city or state crime stats which specifically address race like NYC, Milwaukee or California stats. they all are 100% in agreement to numbers cited above.
the right thinks the cops are "under siege" and unfairly portrayed blah, blah, blah. and the left refuses to acknowledge a fact so clear, so stark and so unambiguous that its obvious dogma trumps facts, no pun intended. its protestations are also just so much blah, blah, blah. de nile is a river that runs deep in their wrong perceptions but until both sides admit the obvious, nothing will be solved and the killing will continue.
it takes a cop to tell the twin uncomfortable truths that neither side wants to admit;
1. a good percentage of cops are racist when it comes to treatment of black folks esp men. and depts protect their designated "thumpers" or "beaters" who are allowed to physically beat the heck out of detainees which then gets covered up by commanders.
2. black men commit violent crimes at a rate of between 10x and 25x the representation in the general population. just go look at the FBI UCS, the Violent Crimes Victim Study or specific city or state crime stats which specifically address race like NYC, Milwaukee or California stats. they all are 100% in agreement to numbers cited above.
the right thinks the cops are "under siege" and unfairly portrayed blah, blah, blah. and the left refuses to acknowledge a fact so clear, so stark and so unambiguous that its obvious dogma trumps facts, no pun intended. its protestations are also just so much blah, blah, blah. de nile is a river that runs deep in their wrong perceptions but until both sides admit the obvious, nothing will be solved and the killing will continue.
26
"black men commit violent crimes at a rate of between 10x and 25x the representation in the general population"
That multiple is high. In none of the categories are blacks more than 56.4% of the arrestees for violent crime. They are 13.2% of the population.
https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2013/crime-in-the-u.s.-2013/tables/...
That multiple is high. In none of the categories are blacks more than 56.4% of the arrestees for violent crime. They are 13.2% of the population.
https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2013/crime-in-the-u.s.-2013/tables/...
4
@flyover: I appreciate the facts you delivered with references in item #2.
Where are your facts and references for item #1? What is the "good percentage" of cops who are racist? How many "depts protect their designated 'thumpers'"? What fraction of commanders are covering up these incidents?
"The War On Cops" by Heather Mac Donald is illuminating.
Where are your facts and references for item #1? What is the "good percentage" of cops who are racist? How many "depts protect their designated 'thumpers'"? What fraction of commanders are covering up these incidents?
"The War On Cops" by Heather Mac Donald is illuminating.
2
Lets add poverty rates and levels to those statistics and see where we come out. What are the rates of murder, mayhem and out of wedlock births in the poverty stricken areas of Appalachia, Maine, Montana etc. How about low income Reservation areas.
Yes it is true that War Against cops is really bad . They are always commit to their work or most of the time they give up their life just to save us.We all are same as the color of the blood running in to our vain is same. Fighting can not lead us to conclusion .If we put up cop socks then only we can see how they always play a major role to make us sleep without fear at home.Hats of to all Cops of all country .
1
I'm baffled as to why no one addresses the elephant in the room, the GOP. The heightened sense of fear which leads to excessive force can be traced to one thing- guns. Guns everywhere, good guys, bad guys, good guys turned bad guys, citizen vigilantes. This is what is killing police. Yet law enforcement seems to side with conservatives on gun control. Some sheriffs have announced they will not enforce any gun control. We witnessed the confusion in Dallas as the wrong person was identified as the possible shooter. As long as police think there's a gun on every person, they will overreact. We have been helpless to overcome the grip of the NRA and the GOP on guns. So if police won't stand up for regulations of assault rifles, hollow point bullets, background checks and a revisit of open carry, all we can offer them is thoughts and prayers. We can't save police if they won't save themselves. Wash, rinse, repeat.
186
The GOP? Chicago has the strictest gun laws in the nation. All the major crime is in democratic lead cities. No the problem is not the GOP or guns. It is the people living in these areas.
9
Why is it that the folks with gun licenses commit virtually zero crime? If guns are the problem, why are the folks with the most guns the most law abiding and safe? Why in Switzerland, where citizens keep military assault rifles at home as reservists, is there virtually zero misuse of the weapons. The answer is of course that the population's mental attitude toward life is different. The people committing crimes in the US are criminals who just don't care about laws. Terrorists use bombs , guns and trucks, all inanimate objects, to kill but of course the screams are only about guns because the real agenda is to disarm law abiding citizens. The problem with crime and terrorism is criminals and terrorists.
1
And what about the gun laws in the states surrounding those cities? Funny, people like you never seem to notice that.
5
This is a powerful essay, and I hope it's widely read. I think many citizens feel disaffected (for economic and other reasons), and have a reasonable distrust of the powers that be. The police, acting as the agents of that power, and being on the front lines, inherit this distrust. And, of course, social media and press overload inflame passions and perhaps drown out voices such as Mr. Conlon's.
19
A rational voice from experience. Emotion often rules and dominates the public forum. The NYT and possibly other venues gives us an occasional glimpse of the alternate reality. It helps keep me grounded and optimistic about the larger reality. Thanks to the author and editors.
15
Refreshing, thanks for the break. We will now return to our regular scheduled activity.
5
I recall conversations with our college cook, back in the late 60's. A resident of Roxbury, the all black region of Boston, he would complain about police bullying and corruption, and also that they would seldom come when needed when there was trouble in his neighborhood. His solution was to call and say: "You better come quick, there's a police in trouble here!" That call got a fast response every time--and the police, once there, would always address the actual problem in the neighborhood.
The dynamic between police and citizens in poor minority neighborhoods has been complicated for a long time--but certainly not anything like a war, then or now.
The dynamic between police and citizens in poor minority neighborhoods has been complicated for a long time--but certainly not anything like a war, then or now.
75
Liberals and conservatives won't like this, but it is the truth. The core of the problem is that, in America, due process generally requires that the government, including the police, treat similarly situated people the same without regard to race. However, experience and statistics tells police officers that dealing with young, black men is dangerous. Given the amount of violence by young black men, it is rational for police to be wary around them. This "rational discrimination" is common sense and likely to help an officer return safe and sound to his or her family that day.
However, rational discrimination violates due process if it results in cops being willing to pull the trigger quicker around black motorists, or if it requires blacks to act "perfectly docile" around police to avoid being harmed or harassed. If white motorists detained by police are allowed to make sudden moves and are given the benefit of the doubt, or allowed to mouth off without consequences, while blacks are not, there is an unfair and illegal double-standard operating.
The problem won't be solved until we accommodate the cops' need to rationally discriminate to stay safe, with the right of blacks to be free from unnecessary special scrutiny and treatment. The best approach may be the new de-escalation training, which teaches cops not to freak out around black people from lower classes who may speak and act differently. Gradually bridging the cultural divide in small steps is the best hope.
However, rational discrimination violates due process if it results in cops being willing to pull the trigger quicker around black motorists, or if it requires blacks to act "perfectly docile" around police to avoid being harmed or harassed. If white motorists detained by police are allowed to make sudden moves and are given the benefit of the doubt, or allowed to mouth off without consequences, while blacks are not, there is an unfair and illegal double-standard operating.
The problem won't be solved until we accommodate the cops' need to rationally discriminate to stay safe, with the right of blacks to be free from unnecessary special scrutiny and treatment. The best approach may be the new de-escalation training, which teaches cops not to freak out around black people from lower classes who may speak and act differently. Gradually bridging the cultural divide in small steps is the best hope.
108
It is obvious that racial bias will continue being an attribute of American policing. Each best approach should be tried and measured for its effectiveness in reducing the effects of racial bias. We need to continue thinking about how to best improve outcomes. One idea may help, another may help too. Don't stop trying.
Never allowed to shoot unless no other way to prevent a death.
Tried by criminal law if you do.
That will end this problem.
Blue suit is not a free pass on obeying the law.
Tried by criminal law if you do.
That will end this problem.
Blue suit is not a free pass on obeying the law.
2
Police officers are not more likely to shoot blacks than whites. The most recent study (“An Empirical Analysis of Racial Differences in Police Use of Force”) recently cited by the New York Times found no racial bias in officer-involved shootings. The false assertion that police are quicker on the trigger when suspects are black or that blacks must act more docile than whites has not factual basis. The new study points out that only a tiny percent of police shootings occur during traffic stops. Almost all occur as police respond to disturbance calls.
3
Thanks Mr. Conlon. I've known several cops and I'd think most of them would agree with you, if not all. I've also had plenty of interactions with cops, mostly good ones.
I think most of us have direct memories of cops being literal life-savers. One of my earliest memories is from when I got my head caught between two iron fence railings next door, at an age small and dumb enough to do that. It was the 10th precinct fellows that got me out of that fence, and I've felt indebted to them ever since.
Most people are also not inclined to homicide. Takes a lot for someone to get sufficiently furious or amoral. So I agree there's no war on police because there's no large, organized group fighting them here, unlike in Capone's days or northern Mexico.
But I think one thing being made more deafeningly clear every week is that the proliferation of guns is resulting in a lot more shootings, and a corresponding death rate. Cops are getting shot more too, but it seems lots of folks are.
I keep hoping we can get some accommodation with the race issue so we could really, honestly, just try to start tackling the gun issue.
I think most of us have direct memories of cops being literal life-savers. One of my earliest memories is from when I got my head caught between two iron fence railings next door, at an age small and dumb enough to do that. It was the 10th precinct fellows that got me out of that fence, and I've felt indebted to them ever since.
Most people are also not inclined to homicide. Takes a lot for someone to get sufficiently furious or amoral. So I agree there's no war on police because there's no large, organized group fighting them here, unlike in Capone's days or northern Mexico.
But I think one thing being made more deafeningly clear every week is that the proliferation of guns is resulting in a lot more shootings, and a corresponding death rate. Cops are getting shot more too, but it seems lots of folks are.
I keep hoping we can get some accommodation with the race issue so we could really, honestly, just try to start tackling the gun issue.
43
There IS a war on police, and liberals like you, who want to pretend otherwise, are enabling it, either consciously or unconsciously,
"There IS a war on police"
No, but there might be if you keep declaring it.
No, but there might be if you keep declaring it.
3
@DanStackhouse I agree that we have a serious gun issue in this country and I find the shootings appalling and inexcusable; however, publicly available FBI data shows that the homicide rate in this United States is about half of what it was through most of the 1970s and 80s, and into the early 1990s. In fact, the homicide rate in the United States has not been this low since the 1960s. Cops are also not shot more, as you state in your comment. Cops were shot far more often during the Prohibition and in the 1970s and 80s. Mass shootings, however, are a different story and appear to be rising in recent years.
1
Correct. Their is no war. And the killing of police officers is abhorrent. Law and order instutions are the pillars of democracy; yes, people will always call the police - they do so out of a sense of justice.
Here's the thing: while there are calls for healing; calls for an end to poverty; calls for Blue Lives Matter; assurances that the police are there to protect communities, the facts are that police are shooting black people wo are not a lethal threat. Now with new video technology this is being exposed very frequently.
While it's important to speak of healing and alternatives to protests, and how important our police services are to our communities, by far the most important thing is that police must stop shooting/killing black people without ultimate cause or be *brought to justice* if they commit these acts. Period.
Here's the thing: while there are calls for healing; calls for an end to poverty; calls for Blue Lives Matter; assurances that the police are there to protect communities, the facts are that police are shooting black people wo are not a lethal threat. Now with new video technology this is being exposed very frequently.
While it's important to speak of healing and alternatives to protests, and how important our police services are to our communities, by far the most important thing is that police must stop shooting/killing black people without ultimate cause or be *brought to justice* if they commit these acts. Period.
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I see police shooting people who are lethal threats, as well as some who reasonably appeared to be. For one reason or another there are individuals who prefer a stance of resistance, or a posture that challenges authority; as a result fear anger and hatred get involved. People are hurt, even killed. Theoretically, the danger involved in police work increases the likelihood that some individuals on the force will abuse their power and be a corrupting influence generally. An article like this one points to the fact that throughout the country there remains a reality, a good neighborhood cop. Since policing is for the most part a local function, it seems wise community action will help. By all means, let the punishment fit the crime, when there is one. And by all means, let us listen to the half-truthers, and let them hear themselves.
Yet here you are calling for one-sided focus on corrective action despite the elephant in the room: black communities have failed and neither the police nor the schools can safe thrm from themselves. Fifty years after Jim Crow they hold the rapt attention of the media, the office of POTUS and enjoy strong preferential legal treatment everywhere. So what else do they want? What's left to gain? Why target cops to get it? And if their majority is peaceful why are so few of their leaders? And why did POTUS me tin fixing some fringe race problem over the dead bodies of police at eulogies? They faced so many excellent questions they simply cannot ABC will not answer.
Ummm, maybe you didn't see the recent article by a black Harvard professor that illustrating that more whites are killed by cops as a %.
2
W tend to forget what our police aand ireen do daily to protect us. Every ambulance call is accompanied by a fire truck. Police perform duty at work sites on our streets to direct traffic and prevent possible injury as equipment obstructs traffic fllow. Police officers guard our polls,act as custodians of the keys to our voting machines and guarantee the ballot boxes will not be tampeed, accompanying them back to the election offices after the polls close. So very often, there are emergencies that require police and fire crews from surrounding communities to respond. There are big fires, barroom brawls, car accidents and natural disasters that should make us all very appreciative of their presence. They often do not get our graitude for their service. Here's to you, our police and fire departments.
33
To dwell on the obvious for a moment: People keep calling the police in these areas because the overwhelming majority of them are law abiding citizens and are victimized everyday by that small minority of criminals that really do exist and really are a menace to Society.
159
Thank you for a little common sense.
I agree, there is no "War on the cops" but the Watts riots were due to hatred of the cops. Minority communities had legitimate grievances, they were and still are viewed with suspicion in those communities.
It is a case of categorizing people by types, and Black people have an unacceptable rate of crime among them, most of it Black on Black. It has taken years for the population in LA to trust the cops as their protectors.
The Asian community coming from countries where the cops are part of the corrupt government have not learned to treat cops as their friends, they think crime is normal, and the cops are friends of the crooks.
There does seem to be some sort of connection among these current murders of cops, if there is, it will be uncovered. I can recall that not too many years ago, a member of the mob killing a cop, was an automatic death sentence. The cops took bribes, looked the other way on rackets, but not when it came to killing one of them. That was worse than original sin. The cops did not have to find you, your friends did it for you. What happened to Luigi, oh he had to leave town, usually in the body of a car going to the crusher.
A war on cops will be soon put out of business, everyone will see to that.
It is a case of categorizing people by types, and Black people have an unacceptable rate of crime among them, most of it Black on Black. It has taken years for the population in LA to trust the cops as their protectors.
The Asian community coming from countries where the cops are part of the corrupt government have not learned to treat cops as their friends, they think crime is normal, and the cops are friends of the crooks.
There does seem to be some sort of connection among these current murders of cops, if there is, it will be uncovered. I can recall that not too many years ago, a member of the mob killing a cop, was an automatic death sentence. The cops took bribes, looked the other way on rackets, but not when it came to killing one of them. That was worse than original sin. The cops did not have to find you, your friends did it for you. What happened to Luigi, oh he had to leave town, usually in the body of a car going to the crusher.
A war on cops will be soon put out of business, everyone will see to that.
7
Thank you for a frank, realistic picture of the entire situation right now, Mr. Conlon. There are many good things happening that don't get news coverage and it makes people think things are worse than they are. I posted this with another New York Times article today but it bears repeating:
My daughter, who has a black husband and brown son, called my attention to the "First Step Barbeque" held in Wichita, Kansas to bring the community together instead of having a second Black Lives Matter protest. The idea was floated to BLM organizers by the police chief. Over 1000 people attended and the police department provided the main food with attendees pitching in potluck style. It actually saved the city money because instead of overtime police work to watch over the protest the money was used to solve problems. Everyone called it a successful first step towards community healing. What makes this even more extraordinary is that it happened on the same day as the Baton Rouge shootings and was held in the city where the democracy-destroying, gun manufacturing Koch brothers have their international headquarters. It's simply amazing and shows what people of good will can accomplish when they decide to talk, heal and move ahead.
brhttp://www.kwch.com/content/news/WPD-community-activists-hosts-First-Ste...
My daughter, who has a black husband and brown son, called my attention to the "First Step Barbeque" held in Wichita, Kansas to bring the community together instead of having a second Black Lives Matter protest. The idea was floated to BLM organizers by the police chief. Over 1000 people attended and the police department provided the main food with attendees pitching in potluck style. It actually saved the city money because instead of overtime police work to watch over the protest the money was used to solve problems. Everyone called it a successful first step towards community healing. What makes this even more extraordinary is that it happened on the same day as the Baton Rouge shootings and was held in the city where the democracy-destroying, gun manufacturing Koch brothers have their international headquarters. It's simply amazing and shows what people of good will can accomplish when they decide to talk, heal and move ahead.
brhttp://www.kwch.com/content/news/WPD-community-activists-hosts-First-Ste...
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I will bring this to the attention of our Chief of Police at our next Community Relations meeting, if not before that. Thank you. It is the sharing of ideas that helps when our police departments are under such stress.
10
Good dig at the Koch brothers, njglea.
But I would suggest to you that on any given day the Koch Brothers have done more good for more people than you will do in your entire lifetime.
They don't manufacture guns. There is Heckler and Koch in Germany but that is not the Koch brothers..
And, more to the point of the article: How many criminals' lives do you think we'd save if all of all of THEM turned in their guns tomorrow?
But I would suggest to you that on any given day the Koch Brothers have done more good for more people than you will do in your entire lifetime.
They don't manufacture guns. There is Heckler and Koch in Germany but that is not the Koch brothers..
And, more to the point of the article: How many criminals' lives do you think we'd save if all of all of THEM turned in their guns tomorrow?
timbo555, the Koch brothers and people like them are the funding money masters behind the "stand your ground" gun laws and lawsuits overturning reasonable gun control, as well as all the open carry laws. They cannot do enough good to make up for the calculated destruction of democracy in America.
5
If there murders happened to any other group of people, there would be a different reaction.
It is disgusting that people cling to freedom while having contempt for those who protect it.