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Post by Scumhunter on May 21, 2015 11:05:28 GMT -5
I am usually leery of posting topics I know may cause a heated debate as I generally like to keep civil discussions on our forum. (For example, gun control, I don't talk about it here, because I feel it's nearly impossible to talk about it without it getting out of hand- it's a debate where I've never seen it not get out of hand on any site).
However, unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably been aware of controversies involving alleged police misconduct in terms of the deaths of Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, and Freddie Gray among others. Some cases the involved officers were not indicted setting off protests. In the case of Michael Slager, a South Carolina police officer who was shown on video shooting a black man named Walter Scott running away, there was a murder charge. I feel there have been so many cases lately we should have a running dialogue about it.
All these controversies in the news I think provides an interesting moral dilemma for us AMW/Hunt fans. On one hand, cops arrest the same dangerous bad guys we've seen on the show. And we know how dangerous their work can be from AMW's "In The Line Of Duty" segments. On the other hand, AMW was a show that was the court of last resort for many people but especially minorities who felt their cases were often neglected by their police and/or mainstream media. AMW was who they turned to when they felt no one else cared. AMW was also not shy of showing EVERYONE, including cops, who were accused of wrongdoing.
I will say this. Most cops are good guys. I have a cop in my family. And the old saying goes- everyone hates cops- until they need one. Most cops risk their lives every day knowing every day they might not back home to their family. They have an incredibly difficult job to do, which is often unappreciated by the public.
At the same time it can't be denied that there are bad cops out there that are a disgrace to an otherwise honorable profession. And many people feel the few bad cops aren't being held accountable.
Obviously there are different situations. Michael Brown's shooting was controversial but many people pointed out the conflicting witness testimonies. The non-indictment of Daniel Pantaleo in the Eric Garner case seemed to surprise people more since he was caught on tape doing a chokehold that had been banned by the NYPD. Video evidence did seem to help indict Slager, however. And of course, a few officers have now been indicted in the Freddie Gray case.
Many people say police brutality has gotten out of hand and that recent acquittals or non-indictments proves officers who disrespect the badge aren't being held accountable. Others say the media race baits and exaggerates these stories. Others say the media wouldn't talk about these cases if there wasn't increased video evidence thanks to YouTube, cell phone recorders, etc. like there was in the past.
Anyway, just curious what everyone's thoughts were in regards to the events lately?
I'll say this- if you hate cops, I'd like to ask who exactly are you going to call if god forbid you ever have something happen to you or a family member?
If I have anything to say it's that I wish more of the good cops would speak out against the rare bad cops as it does seem there is a "blue wall of silence."
I also think regardless of how fair or unfair the portrayal of police controversies have been, it cannot be denied that there is a rift between many African-American communities and police, and recent polls say a large portion of today's youth do not trust the police as well.
So I do hope more communities and police work together and there is more open dialogue among both police and citizens as to how they can best help each other out. Because I believe we all can do better.
In summary, most cops are good. And this site is pro law-enforcement. But hopefully those who do not honor the badge and think they're above the law are held accountable so it can create more trust in communities. Obviously, there has been a lot of negativity lately, but I truly believe that relations between police and communities, specifically minority communities, can improve and we can still work together.
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Post by Scumhunter on Dec 29, 2015 15:58:08 GMT -5
So now the officer who shot 12-year old Tamir Rice was not indicted so I felt like I'd bump this up again. I do feel as the admin of a crime forum and fan of AMW/The Hunt I'm in a catch-22 "damned if I do, damned if I don't situation" when commenting- as I felt like fans of AMW and now The Hunt are both law enforcement types AND those like minorities who feel like they're still denied their rights in cases like this. AMW sort of represents both sides of the issue. (Although it is usually the federal cops like US Marshals and FBI that arrest AMW/Hunt fugitives and not the local police- just trying to make somewhat of a distinction since it seems mainly city and local police forces that are at the root of these controversies as opposed to federal agencies). I think the thing here is most people are not protesting the police, but they're protesting bad police and feel bad police aren't being held accountable. I'm going to admit the Michael Brown controversy is probably the iffiest of all the recent controversies- conflicting witness testimony, he was a robbery suspect who possibly lunged at Officer Wilson. But when a 12-year old boy is killed for pointing a toy gun at someone, the Officer was already reported to be somewhat of a loose cannon, and he's not even indicted, I'm sorry, but it doesn't sit right with me. (Not to mention an adult white woman in Connecticut recently pointed a BB Gun at cops and wasn't shot- jezebel.com/white-woman-points-bb-gun-at-cops-shouts-shoot-me-is-1749973948 ) I support the police, they arrest the bad guys on my favorite true crime shows, I even made a frigging crime forum, but my most wanted fugitives are those who kill children. And when a 12-year old child with a toy gun gets shot, I'm sorry but I'm not comfortable with it. It's such a tough situation to comment on. Anyone who "hates all cops" can go bleep themselves, but I think the problem is most people support the police, but are just angry that the bad ones don't get held accountable. And yes, despite the controversies highlighted in the media, when you compare it to the amount of arrests that don't end in death and/or controversy, it's a small percentage. But many people are just angry that nothing is done about that small percentage that they feel used excessive force. I realize this is a scary topic for anyone else to comment on, I tried my best to tread lightly and not offend anyone but hope both cops and minorities respect my comments, but I figured I should give some additional thoughts with the new news about Tamir Rice. I think like New York State has done by now done using their state Attorney General who's independent to investigate alleged police misconduct is the way to go, so regardless of outcome, people will be satisfied there wasn't a bias. I also think many Police Chiefs across the nation and community leaders need to create an open dialogue, have meetings, discuss ways to work together. I think most cops do care and are concerned about mainly African-Americans but some others mistrusting them. They know they need the community to help solve their cases and arrest bad guys who commit crimes against innocent people. They want to build that trust again despite the recent controversies. It's just a matter of EVERYONE putting aside their differences and finding ways to work together. And that's the main thing. |
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Post by 912thamwuser on Dec 29, 2015 20:14:57 GMT -5
I'm now despairing over the Tamir Rice case. Now I can't imagine the killer of Tamir Rice ever getting punished or thwarted before he has the chance to kill another preteen child. WHY DO THE CROOKED ONES ALWAYS GET AWAY WITH IT?!
UPDATE: I've also heard that the prosecutor was in bed with the corrupt cop, held an unexplained (and perhaps irrational!) grudge against Tamir Rice's family, and rigged the hearing so that the charges would be dropped. Once that's proven, the prosecutor needs to hand in his resignation! When Tamir Rice's killer strikes again, the biased prosecutor might have another child's blood on his hands! I'm afraid that anything that could be done to spare the next child's life would set a bad precedent or break a completely different rule that I haven't heard of.
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Post by тσρтєиhυитєя on Jul 7, 2016 22:06:52 GMT -5
Guys unfortunately it's happened a couple times Minnesota & Baton Rouge, LA, So we are seeing protests in major cities. However it all turned ugly in Dallas as 2 snipers have been reported after 10 officers were shot, 3 are deceased (UPDATED at 11:37pm on 7/7/16)
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Post by Scumhunter on Jul 7, 2016 23:16:01 GMT -5
All of this needs to stop.
The problem is society has become more divisive somehow and everything has been broken down into there are only two sides or arguments to be made.
The gun debate has been turned into for or against guns when really the issue is gun laws and not guns themselves.
The police debate has been turned into pro or anti-police when really the issue is police procedures specifically in dealing with minorities.
It's possible to support individual gun rights while wanting better gun laws.
It's possible to support the police as a whole while not liking bad cops.
However society, the 24/7 news cycle, social media etc... as made it as you need to be for or against.
The reason we've seen such ugliness and violence is a result of how divisive the country has become.
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Post by тσρтєиhυитєя on Jul 8, 2016 11:46:47 GMT -5
This shooting was so horrible that I don't think they should have been taken like that, these were innocent officers that did no harm to anyone. At the same time the actions of law enforcement in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Minnesota are unacceptable.
People who want to bring change and prevent these shootings by police, going out there with a semi automatic weapon isn't the solution, it further divides people and police.
Look if we are going to accomplish any change in policing, why don't these people that want to change, infiltrate the police forces across America and make a change that way by taking out the bad practices and ensuring equality.
Also using powerful and peaceful protests will continue the help but someone needs to throw a life line to law enforcement leaders during these protests so that many officers would encourage the change.
See violence is stupid it's awful and the media paints it out to be a 2 sided thing but yet never give a middle ground, cops need to be trained in a different way.
Well all must unite together to promote a change in law enforcement, but it'll take everyone, not just one person and hopefully law enforcement changes their style when it comes to training.
Not all cops are bad there are mostly good apples out there protecting and serving, each time I see a cop I just wave and say hello and how are you doing, as a way to show that I accept them.
We need to end the madness, stop this war against law enforcement, and work together to bring a change, let's make peace not war, during these protests they should offer to reach out to law enforcement leaders and talk about making changes to certain practices.
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Post by Scumhunter on Jul 8, 2016 23:14:52 GMT -5
Just wanted to add I'm pretty much in agreement with you except all the facts haven't been gathered yet in the latest police shootings. Right now it doesn't look good for them I admit but that is another problem is social media has made this a knee-jerk society where we react to everything and think we know everything right away and want instant answers on everything. If those officers are proven to be at fault then they deserve to be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
I think another problem is though many African-Americans feel even when there is a trial the system is biased in favor of cops accused of wrongdoing (and biased against African-Americans accused of wrongdoing). There was video evidence of alleged wrongdoing in the Rodney King trial and those cops were acquitted. There was evidence of an illegal chokehold being used in the Eric Garner case and that officer wasn't even indicted. (I am not saying those decisions were correct or incorrect but that African-Americans felt they were unjust.)
I'm old enough to remember the O.J. Simpson trial and it was obvious he killed Nicole Brown and Ronald Goldman and that the majority black jury acquitted him as payback for the Rodney King verdict. (Two jurors pretty much admitted it in a recent documentary.) So this racial tension thing has gone on for a while. It is time to finally do something about it.
What makes the Dallas shooting so tragic is they have a reputation as one of the fairest large city police departments when it comes to dealing with minorities. The officers and Mayor were letting everyone protest in peace and supporting their right to free speech when an a-hole decided to ruin it for everyone.
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Post by тσρтєиhυитєя on Jul 9, 2016 1:31:08 GMT -5
The whole shooting in Dallas was done by 1 person as CNN is now reporting it, but still that wasn't a good way to show that wanting of change, it doesn't work that. Now also the outrage this week is huge as there have been not 1 but 2 men killed by cops, both caught on video in 2 different parts of the country, so I feel why people want to go out and protest, but there needs to be patience to wait for facts to come out.
The racial tensions are really unnecessary in all honesty, I feel it's people who want to be ignorant and borderline racist by saying "oh he was a thug oh he was this and that" on social media when compared to the fugitives we profile on the site to Elton Sterling and Philando Castile they have nothing in common with these fugitives, see in order for people to attack that poisonous rhetoric, you need to sit down an have a calm collected conversation by speaking facts about this and then come to a conclusion, but if they don't care then they are free to believe that but it also makes them look like A-Holes and at the same time, it's the STUPID, RIDICULOUS, MAINSTREAM media painting it as black and white thing, which further divides people, look there are cases like Shanika Minor, that were not reported as much besides her being a top tenner or Dracy Pendleton, the mainstream could have covered him since he was wanted for shooting at cops see the media picks and chooses what we watch and get fed, my take is they should cover everything that happens around the country instead of focusing on 1 topic that will reopen old wounds
Now look things now have really gotten to the point where it's dangerously 2 sided to where your either your with #blacklivesmatter or #bluelivesmatter, but my position is #letsstopthemadness, I want to see an end to these killings by police, I want an end to racial tensions, I want to see an end to wanting to wage war against cops, my position stands firmly with Elton Sterling, Philando Castile, and the 5 Dallas officers they need justice but lets wait for the facts and give the officers their day in court
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Post by Scumhunter on Jul 17, 2016 20:22:06 GMT -5
Just wanted to say if any other suspects are named in the Baton Rouge police killings, they will immediately be added to the site as breaking news fugitives.
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Post by Scumhunter on Aug 17, 2016 2:19:59 GMT -5
John Walsh has weighed in on the police controversies in an interview about the Justice Network on a West Palm Beach Florida local TV station. Walsh talks about the tragedy of all the cops killed in the line of the duty and how they put their life on the line, but at the same time says cops need to receive better training and there have been bad shootings. Glad to hear his thoughts as I really wanted to finally hear him say something. www.wpbf.com/news/john-walsh-and-the-justice-network/41229044 |
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Post by Scumhunter on Sept 21, 2016 20:14:19 GMT -5
More shooting controversies (Tulsa, Charlotte), more violent protests (in Charlotte).
Sadly it seems like me saying I had hope for the future that all sides could work together is looking naive at this point. I'm generally an optimist, but even I have to just shake my head at this point.
9/11 is what should have brought us all together, but we've somehow become a more divisive country since then.
All I can do is hope and pray against my now pessimistic outlook that things get better.
Edit: Just want to add that the facts have been disputed in the Charlotte case on whether or not Keith Scott had a gun and the Tulsa officer charged with manslaughter is still presumed innocent until proven guilty. Some shootings are justified and some shootings are bad shootings, and my depression is just at the overall divide of our nation right now.
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Post by Scumhunter on May 28, 2020 0:52:22 GMT -5
Wow I can't believe it's been four years since I posted here. Unfortunately all I said was before the election of Trump and the further exacerbation of ugliness in this country (Hillary Clinton wouldn't have magically solved racism but I doubt things would be nearly as bad as they are now), but I just wanted to say what happened to George Floyd in Minneapolis was inexcusable and the four officers should be charged with murder and them being fired is not good enough. They were holding onto him as he was yelling and begging he couldn't breathe and the crowd was begging for them to ease up on the neck. I thought Eric Garner was bad but he wasn't continually held on his neck and this is even worse.
I'm glad Peter Manfredonia was caught, but this week a white serial killer was arrested without incident while a black man wanted only for forgery was killed while begging to breathe. I feel that's telling.
This is unacceptable. Yes, I support law enforcement but they need to do better. There are too many bad cops and poor training right now. Everyone regardless of profession needs to be held accountable for their actions.
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Post by Scumhunter on May 28, 2020 22:42:23 GMT -5
I also want to say I in no way condone the looting or burning down of businesses and protests should be legal but peaceful. At the same time, I understand the pent-up rage and frustration. Well, I'd have to be African-American to fully understand, but I feel that what we see here is a result of anger over inactivity towards their plight.
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Post by тσρтєиhυитєя on May 28, 2020 23:40:42 GMT -5
I think in the light of all this..... police departments need an overhaul.
I found an old essay I wrote just for the heck of it in the summer of 2016, where I suggested we either overhaul, or disband police departments and instead do community policing which is chosen by the people of a given community. That way we can have that law enforcement alienating the public mentality go away.
Before this can actually happen, we need to pass stricter gun legislation, end the drug war, fund less better off communities, and demilitarize police so community policing could be a thing.
Also I proposed a three strikes rule for cops, where if they abuse their power or use excessive force, they could be terminated and are never allowed to work for any police department in the country ever again upon getting their third strike and records should be kept of that.
I know this may seem harsh, but we need to regulate cops so they can protect and serve us and find actual bad guys instead of being oppressors. I support them and I proposed this because I want them to be better and people can restore faith in law enforcement.
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Post by Scumhunter on May 28, 2020 23:56:20 GMT -5
I don't know about community policing which would still have issues but I do feel they need to do at least a mandatory retraining across the country.
I agree with everything else though.
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