Changing Sides Essay

Cam Atkinson
Dr. Sally Carpentier
English 115
31 October 2008


Changing Sides

In an unfortunate turn of events, those who promised to serve and protect when in need, ceased to be trusted. Police officers utilized their powers as government officials, for wrongdoing. Today, some police officers feel that the current system of justice is faulty, therefore take justice into their own hands, leading to fear among society. Police officers cannot continue to be trusted because of these violent acts, abuse of power, and the continued corruption of the police force.

Instances of defiance regarding the obligation and duty of a police officer occur frequently. Four police officers approach a man’s door in search of a suspected rapist. The man was shot 41 times and later found to be innocent and unarmed. Some police officers feel faulty laws in the justice system allow criminals to get off on technicalities, allowing them to roam the streets once again. This drives some police officials to take justice into their own hands. Others say the cause is the constant stress and feelings of endangerment as their lives are in constant danger. This is false because police officers are actually at half the risk of a typical farmer, truck driver, or a roofer. Moreover the average police officer never draws his weapon throughout his entire career. Most brutality occurs from power imbalances due to racism and discrimination.   Some police officers develop a sense of authority over society, as they feel above the law.

One might think that it is only a few who ruin the reputation for law enforcement but even one incident is too many. Abusing a citizen violates the trust implied to the position of an officer and the power that the officer wields. Moreover, members of the public may then perceive use of force by police as excessive, even when used appropriately in a situation. False accusations may be due to stereotyping of police which is a result of the development of a...