imported post
ne1 wrote:
Here I go again with just another opportunity to bash LEOs but this is the way I see it:
The problems come from so-called model citizens setting a bad example for the rest of us when 'they' proclaim themselves to be the only ones professional enough to handle such responsibility (and then go on to act irresponsibly) all gunowners become tarred with the same brush. The difference is that LEOs never seem to suffer any real consequences for theirnegligence because every possible argument is used to diffusethe negative light cast toward the men in uniform, including "it just went off." Fortunately, guns rarely "just go off" due to some civilian brushing up against it because a LEO in uniform is likely to be afforded slightly more personal space while in public. However, LEOs are given substantially more latitude in explaining their actions byutilizingsome form of "it just went off in the line of duty and I was reasonably in fear for my life" argument.
Most other people involved in any kind of unintentional discharge will be persecuted very publicly even if not held criminally liable.Internal police investigations just seem to fall into a black hole with no individual responsibility hence, some might conclude, it must have been the gun's fault.
Bad guns. We must remove guns from society. The police, of course, are excluded.
I can completely understand the frustration of the people and even NE1 when it comes to holding cops responsible.
Blatant disregard for the safety and life of others should absolutely be prosecuted.
Here is my way of thinking on the matter. You can feel free to disagree if you like...
If you are going to have zero tolerance and put cops in jail for something that was accidental or unintentional.... and at the same time..... expect or even require them to place themselves in a position where they will risk prison for doing their job....
Your going to have cops that arenever going to get out of their car or chase after criminals. They are going to alwaysfear that if they make a mistakeon a spit second decision that turns out to not be not what they expected.. they can do 20 to life.
Something that comes to mind...
Your chasing a murder by firearm suspectwho stops on a dark street and faces you. You draw your gun and aim it at him while you order him to put his hands up. He reaches behind his back and quickly draws his hand out in your direction. You cannot see what is in his hand and you fear he is about to shoot you too. You have no time to wait so see if it is a real gun, waiting to hear it go off in the darkness. You quickly decide to shoothim and he dies.You find out he was unarmed and showing you his wallet.
Zero tolerance = Your going to go to jail now for 20 years for killing an unarmed man.
You are being paid to stopthe criminals so your expected to go catch him. Had you turned a blind eye.... you would not have shot him and would not be going to jail now.
Citizens are not being paid to run after criminals. If they do so... they do so at their own risk. Unless their life was in jeopardy and they could not escape they may be held liable for the death of another.
So we can put cops in jail but I am confident they will STOP doing any task that can cause them to go to jail. They will start their dutyand end their dutyin the station parking lot. They will only go to calls sent to them and then do next to nothing for the people. They will NEVER do anything that can cause them to go to jail even if they make the best decisions.
To do a job where your split decision can put you in jail even if you could justify your actions.... not good.