I have represented a number of police officers that have been charged with criminal and administrative offenses and have been involved with police practice cases for over 26 years during my career.
Over the past two years, I have noticed an increase in legal cases against police officers that I would characterize as overly aggressive for minor incidents and rule infractions, which are easily correctible. To my surprise, these matters have turned out to be prosecuted to the “full extent of the law.”
I am witnessing a police community that, to me, is caught in the middle of a perfect storm of community outrage and disrespect, coupled with an institutional response that has gone far overboard due to police administrators and prosecutors who fear being accused of “protecting the cops.” Although, many administrators and prosecutors have the skill set, knowledge, and courage to “do the right thing” – many do not. It is a hazardous time for police officers and, consequently, makes it hard to know when, why, and how they may get into trouble…