Legitimate Law Enforcement or Uncommon Criminal Behavior?

First, by way of introduction, here is a moving testimonial from a cop who doesn't understand the pharmacology of tetrahydracannabinol. (How many style points does that judge have?)



We've already talked extensively about police corruption and brutality. I would agree that there are law enforcement officers who are more than thugs with badges. Unfortunately for those who would like to have a rosy view of the state of law enforcement in America, there is an abundance of evidence that police officers aren't always the most upstanding citizens. But, also, there is a sense of helplessness in the face of power, demonstrated by the examples of police who are charged with brutality or some other criminal charge, yet are given the equivalent of a vacation with pay.

In this case,(with video) a police officer is caught on the camera of his squad car planting marijuana on a suspect. As the suspect already had a warrant out for his arrest, the additional brutality and charges seem rather spiteful.

In this case,(with video) a family from Hobart, Indiana catches their beating on their front yard surveillance camera. I can't help but wonder what that woman said to the police officer to receive that kind of treatment.

In the trial of the two officers charged with manslaughter in the 50+ bullet shootout that resulted in the death of Sean Bell, there has been some pretty startling testimony. I'm sure that the defense will try to destroy the credibility of the witness on cross examination, but the question remains whether or not officers identified themselves as such before they started shooting.

Of course, there is the question or racial discrimination in the enforcement of laws. In some cases, as is allegedly the case in Seattle, there are allegations that police officers arrest minorities on subjective charges, which will invariably tear communities apart through distrust. In other cases, law enforcement officials cover-up the actions of violent racist extremists, as allegedly is the case in North Carolina, which would appear to be a horrible example of officially legitimated violence against those protesting racism and injustice. As the records in question were allegedly destroyed in 2004 or 5, one has to wonder who is being protected by this?

While it may seem a foregone conclusion that our society must have police officers, it is not necessary that there be police officers who flagrantly violate the law. After all, if those entrusted with enforcing the law have no interest in following the law, why should the rest of us? (+ or -?)