My point in referencing the recorded intentional murders was to extrapolate how much destruction likely happens further down the line. These are professions where there should be a high burden or responsibility.
This.
I guess I don’t disagree. The EMPLOYER getting sued conforms to current practice, but tell me if you see gross exceptions. Cities pay out big sums for police misconduct. Hospitals pay out big sums for malpractice. School districts are subject to lawsuits for negligence that harms students. What I have a problem with is the run of the mill employees getting arrested or brought in for civil suits:
1. The pendulum has moved too far in the direction of convicting or suing individual police officers for
misconduct. Together with the epidemic of violence in our cities, this factor has resulted in many police departments not being able to find people who want the job.
2. And now a state like Florida has passed legislation that would result in conviction of teachers who are perceived to be guilty of teaching misconduct. Who exactly will make the arrests? An extremely poorly thought out piece of legislation. Again, in the middle of teaching shortages.
3. And again, who wants to be a nurse if you can be pulled into court for a medication error lawsuit?
You make good points but point number 1 is a little off. There are many good cops and there are also bad ones, like any other profession. The bigger problem is not that people don’t want the job, it’s why do people want the job.
It’s a tough job where you’re putting your life at risk every day.
Many want to serve their community. Some are power hungry.
The real question is what is the job of a police officer? They have to make spilt second decisions under tremendous duress. The amount of stress they encounter from a routine traffic stop to house call must be insane, walking in blind to most situations.
The media has vilified police, from decisions with George Floyd to the actions at the school shootings. It’s safe to assume that someone who decides to be a LEO isn’t worried about litigation or probably even losing their life. The people who are sworn to protect and serve are and should be held to a higher standard. That should be a top consideration when applying for the job.
The problem law enforcement faces is the same problem it always has had (and really any civil service position) who are the people that want to serve, what is their character and why do they want the job?
