Let me be clear. Most of the victims of police brutality aren't blameless. To be sure, you have your kids getting tasered by stupid cops, wound up and fearful police officers attacking complete innocents who happened to be in a crowd, and off duty cops who like brandishing their guns, but most police brutality happens after annoying drunks resist and insult police officers, often for long periods of time. A close second would the post-car chase beating. Suspects disregard the safety of everyone else by driving like bats out of hell, hoping to avoid the law, and once adrenaline crazed police officers catch up with them, they are understandably angry. In a similar situation, I might beat the shit out of someone too. I am not a police officer though. I don't carry a gun, have a badge, nor do I have the authority to detain people. Being a police officer means you have to make good, responsible decisions under stress. Moreover, if I were to beat someone or respond with unnecessary force because I was stressed for a good reason, it wouldn't be my friends and coworkers who evaluated my actions. When stressed out, violent officers are protected by other officers, the police force becomes an extra-legal entity- a very professional, well intentioned gang.
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