I'm re-examining my support of Police Unions.

[rgbecker]

I was supportive of the bargaining rights of government workers unions as in the Wisconsin vs. Walker situation but now I'm seeing why Walker left the Police union free of his restrictions. These guys are bought and paid for. Give them some weapons, knee pads and send them out to repress the 99%.

Are there no Police Union spokesmen willing to speak out? Have I missed their press release concerning UC Davis, Oakland and Wall Street?

[dddem]

1. i was just thinking

that someone needs to remind the police department that folks who are suffering financially (at least in my community) are really resentful of the benefits the active duty and retired police officers have at their expense. Things like health insurance for retirees, overtime and traffic details are being scrutinized and criticized. While Police officers are arresting occupiers, someone ought to remind them that, like it or not, they are very much among the 99% whose rights and benefits are dwindling.

[WingDinger]

2. Yaknow, despising their insularity, makes them more insular. Cant win.

[Earth_First]

3. My support of unions is all-inclusive...

Their violence against my brothers and sisters only goes to further solidify our involvement, and ultimately builds the movement as a whole; provided we remain wholly peaceful.

There was a commentator on CNN who said that majority support of #OWS is from folks who fear repercussions to their already devestated economic viability in this country. They are unwilling to lose their jobs over vocalization or simply cannot miss work and fall behind even further.

I believe this to be true of most 'rank and file' officers.

These orders are comming down from 'top brass'

Most of these brutal attack are being facilitated by the 'white shirts' or top lieutenants or above.

By supporting a give and tack approach to union organizing, you risk losing the complete viability of unions across the board.

It's not a precedent that I am willing to support.

As was pointed out in a thread earlier this weekend, there are cracks in the police system that will ultimately break way to widespread dissent among the rank and file...

Be patient.

TOGETHER we WIN!

Love and light, -ef

[TheKentuckian]

4. Where are these cracks? They have not opened despite generations of systemic problems

How many more generations until the widespread dissent breaks out.

I'm. Not an impatient person as such but I don't base it on hope, what is the evidence and observation that what you speculate has any anchor in reality.
I have seen nothing over the course of my lifetime to indicate more than a token of resistance in the culture, in fact the likelihood seems with each passing year, decade, and generation they have become more insular, more reactionary, and with less continuity with the broader community.

I think the police culture is a danger to the broader civilization, have refused to show solidarity with their brothers and sisters, and increasingly rather decreasingly are a separate and superior caste in their own minds.

The police need a reboot and a complete culture change, a reboot of pay, benefits, and community support may remind them they are not apart from their communities and the reduction in financial security may reduce the attraction and dedication to the profession.

Bring down that blue wall and I can consider supporting these workaday minions of the wealthy and powerful again but as long as it stands they are the enemy.
I think defunding is a perfectly logical tool to erode influence and internal morale.

A few cops on our side is meaningless if the opposition remains in control of the majority and as long as those that are "with us" refuse to handle the oppressive ones.
Never have they stood against their own ranks, no matter how vile or out of control. They will ever stand with their internal culture when pressed.

[msongs]

5. following orders is no longer an excuse for personal choices. nt

[rgbecker]

9. The UC Davis Pepper sprayer looks as rank and file as it gets

Other officers stand and watch...not one move to interfere.

[Starry Messenger]

6. Well, the alternative is privatized security forces like XE.

I'm not sure mercenaries paid by the scalp would really improve this situation.

[L. Coyote]

7. unrec

why focus on a union, instead of on the inappropriate behavior?

[rgbecker]

8. I'm not focused on "a" union...I'm looking for some leadership from the unions.

I can't believe we have to wait for an official investigation before these guys, Bologna and the pepper sprayer are repremanded. Doesn't the Union play a role in making sure its ranks are qualified etc.???

[Modern_Matthew]

10. Yep. There should be no unionized labor for authority figures.

They should be able to be let go quickly and easily in the case of brutality.

[MilesColtrane]

11. "Are there no Police Union spokesmen willing to speak out?"

I can't even find a web site for the Federated University Police Officers Association.

However, the UC Davis Police Support Services Division seems to have a way to file a complaint against their employees.

http://police.ucdavis.edu/campus-services/support-services-division

Professional Standards Unit:

This unit will be staffed by a full time Police Sergeant responsible for investigating and coordinating all complaints alleged against employees. He or she will also be responsible for review of police department policy. Routine review of policy must occur to ensure the department complies with current law, community needs and industry standards.

Under the direction of the Support Services Captain the Police Sergeant will ensure all complaints are fairly and thoroughly investigated.

To check the status of an open investigation or to obtain information regarding complaints filed against and investigated by the police department you may email us at [e-mail].

Two contacts given:

Captain Joyce Souza
530-752-6202
Monday - Friday
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
[e-mail]

Lieutenant John Pike
530-752-3989
[e-mail]

[applegrove]

12. I'm sure the gop would love to privatize them if you give them an "in" like your op.

Professionalism would go down not up.

[Better Believe It]

13. They have already been privatized in the sense they protect and serve the privatizers.

The hard core right thinks the government should only fund the military and cops.