“You get pulled over. The cop says he thinks you possess drugs or are otherwise involved in other illegal activity. He searches you and the car. You have $1,000. The cop intimidates you, saying that money came from illegal activities. Out of fear, and in lieu of being charged with a crime, you sign a piece of paper forfeiting your ownership of that $1,000. The cop and his department get to keep it and do with it what they wish. You’re never charged with a crime. You don’t fight because that would cost more than the cop stole from you to begin with.” – N Hodges

American police certainly have a bad name lately.

It isn’t all police, of course. The majority of them are great people.

But there are more than a few bad apples.

And the real problem is that the bad apples are routinely and unquestionably shielded by the good.

Things would be a lot different if cops who broke the law, or were even perceived to break the law, were dealt with like common criminals.

But instead they’re protected. Given the benefit of the doubt. Given administrative leave, not fired. Investigated by one of their peers with no real follow-up.

Often an incident boils down to “he said / she said,” with judges and juries historically siding with the one with a badge.

And it’s led to a litany of problems with police.

Absolute Power

Make no mistake. Police in this country have absolute power. They are able to kill someone in broad daylight largely without consequence. Continue reading →