How to Stop Killer Cops

While it is reassuring that Tennessee Sheriff Jones fired officer Frank Phillips after a choking hold, we also sense that the firing would not have happened without the outstanding photos taken of the incident by John Messner. What is worse is that the series of pictures shows that the officer did this without provocation, like this was the common method of arresting people, which it probably was. Choking is very dangerous even if not lethal. Even more obvious is that even though the other officers were obviously not approving (look at their faces) that they were not stopping the behavior. This incident is backed by a preponderance of incidents. We have a systematic problem not a solitary problem.

The real question is how do we change policing, so that the police again act like the good guys and not the bad guys. We cannot just be outraged over incidents, we have to change how policing works down to its root causes.

I do have a real concrete plan of action after the fold.

Police the Police

The first step is to remember that most police really are the good guys. The problem is the blue wall of silence and protection. We need policing for the police instead of a free pass. Currently Chiefs are the only ones doing that. Previous bad politics caused many protective layers to be added to policing like arbitration and mediation. Arbitration and mediation have proven to be very biased, reinstating bad cops fired by the Chief. We need to remove arbitration and mediation, and bring court justice back.  Already cameras are part of squad cars and even mounted on police. People filming cops helps. We need expand what jobs are under control of the chiefs, so there are many more places to put the bad cops if they have not yet gone far enough for removal. Outside agencies need to be established that watch the entire court system and report corruption. Hire for Character not Resume

Hire for character not because someone went through a criminal justice program. In fact being a part of a criminal justice program maybe a sign of a craving for violence. It may be a sign of Dexter type of personality seeking a legitimate outlet. Good character can not be trained, the methods of policing can be trained.

Extend Probation from 6 months to two years

Add a stress test week to the hiring process where we see how people react under stress instead of relying on rigorous background check, a psychological test and an interview.

Combine Policing with Social Services

We can solve three problems at once by combing the criminal justice degree with social services degree. Multiple chiefs and sheriffs have told me how their officers have to deal with multiple social problems on the streets. It has become a major part of their job. Domestic violence calls are common and dangerous. The right training is very helpful. A veteran going through PTSD requires special handling. Mental health issues are very common. If we combined the degrees, then police officers would have the needed social services training.

Combine policing and social services in an umbrella organization that easily allows transfers. Closely associate policing and social services, so there is an expectation that all police officers must start in social services. Cultivate the expectation that officers who are no longer field appropriate (due to injury, stress or inability to use appropriate force) are expected to transfer.

With the closing of mental health services and other services, the police have become the default agency for everything. We should reflect that public decision in our policing structure. Conclusion

This is the framework to the solution. Obviously, a more in-depth discussion is needed. I think it is time to really consider changes.

Note also published at MN Progressive Project