Police brutality cases on rise since 9/11

[RamboLiberal]

Source: USA Today

Federal prosecutors are targeting a rising number of law enforcement officers for alleged brutality, Justice Department statistics show. The heightened prosecutions come as the nation's largest police union fears that agencies are dropping standards to fill thousands of vacancies and "scrimping" on training.

Cases in which police, prison guards and other law enforcement authorities have used excessive force or other tactics to violate victims' civil rights have increased 25% (281 vs. 224) from fiscal years 2001 to 2007 over the previous seven years, the department says.

During the same period, the department says it won 53% more convictions (391 vs. 256). Some cases result in multiple convictions.

Federal records show the vast majority of police brutality cases referred by investigators are not prosecuted.



Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-12-17-Copmisconduct_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip

[flashl]

1. Excerpts

For the past few years, dozens of police departments across the country have scrambled to fill vacancies. The recruiting effort, which often features cash bonuses, has intensified since 9/11, because many police recruits have been drawn to military service.

In its post-Sept. 11 reorganization, the FBI listed police misconduct as one of its highest civil rights priorities to keep pace with an anticipated increase in police hiring through 2009.

Last year, 96% of cases referred for prosecution by investigative agencies were declined.

In 2005, 98% were declined, a rate that has remained "extremely high" under every administration dating to President Carter, according to a TRAC report.

The high refusal rates, say Burnham and law enforcement analysts, result in part from the extraordinary difficulty in prosecuting abuse cases. Juries are conditioned to believe cops, and victims' credibility is often challenged.

"When police are accused of wrongdoing, the world is turned upside down," Harris says. "In some cases, it may be impossible for (juries) to make the adjustment."

From another post about torture, there is a link with police brutality and reports of torture when recruiting from a pool of ex-military.

[Arkansas Granny]

12. Our local station covered a story this morning about a city in our

area trying to recruit candidates. They said in the interview that they especially try to recruit ex-military members.

"They'll try pulling recruits from nearby colleges, as well as from all branches of the military, especially those just returning from active duty."

http://www.kfsm.com/global/story.asp?s=7510602

I just wonder if there is any correlation between police officers who have recently served in Iraq and Afghanistan and the increased accounts of police brutality. If so, could that be some form of PTSD? Just wondering.

[flashl]

13. The connection between brutality, shootings, etc. and ex-military who were law enforcement

was established after Vietnam.

Law enforcement in and of itself is enough for PTSD. LEOs receive defensive training that keep them at a high level of vigilance.

We do not take care of our vets or diagnose them correctly because it means payment of benefits. Plus, after serving in the military, getting a person to point and shoot a gun is not as difficult.

I rambled, but to answer your question, yes, I strongly believe there is a correlation.

[Vickers]

2. "the vast majority of police brutality cases referred by investigators are not prosecuted"

:wow::wow::wow::wow::wow::wow::wow::wow::wow::wow:

[AX10]

3. It seems that Pennsylvania has some antiquaited strip search

laws.
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/special/12494326.html

[Danger Mouse]

6. Dear lord, that's horrifying.

God, the way police treat people these days... :puke:

[sasquatch]

10. "The Delaware County jail, now run by a private firm"

:wtf:
How the hell is that even legal?

[MikeNearMcChord]

4. That is why Guliani must never get into the White House

It will be Guliani Time 24-7 with toilet plungers and electrodes.

[Danger Mouse]

5. With Giuliani as president, torture won't just be for brown people anymore!

[sinkingfeeling]

7. Duh! Tasers for every Barney Pfife!

[doodadem]

8. Cops are always believed to tell the truth

And that is so far from the actual truth. And there's plenty of bad apples out there.

I can personally attest to that, per our property dispute that I've posted about previously. I was brutalized by a sheriff's deputy, who then lied like crazy in his report to cover his ass. In our area, there are numerous reports like this. It's like, because we are in a rural mountain area, they can get by with anything.

[Dont_Bogart_the_Pretzel]

14. Off subject...just like those nasty preist with their boys, n/t

[doodadem]

15. Yes!

Nightly news tradeoff in Cincy--if it wasn't cops beating the hell out of minorities, it was another story about local pedophile priests...........

[LynnTheDem]

9. "agencies are dropping standards"... such as our entire

government? I mean look at the low-standard we have for a pResident.

[rodeodance]

11. trickle down from the WH behavior.