Typically speaking, here at Visual Capitalist we focus at making the world of business and investing easy-to-understand and intuitive for everyone. Although it is true that some topics we cover only tangentially relate to these areas, we still believe they can impact markets.
Today’s topic does not fit in any of these above categories, but it is too important to not post.
Exactly one year ago, an 18-year old black man was fatally shot in Ferguson, Missouri by a police officer. Michael Brown’s death ignited a country-wide debate about the excessive amount of violence that occurs at the hand of police – particularly to African-Americans.
Widespread protests, both peaceful and violent, spread through the nation and conversations about the use of force, race, and policing have been center stage over the last twelve months.
But, where has that got us?
This infographic, collected from VICE News, shows that over the last year there have been an average of three Americans per day killed by cops.
California has been at the forefront of police violence, with at least 176 deaths alone. Five cities in the United States have had more than ten deaths over this time period: New York, Houston, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, and Los Angeles.
All but two states (Vermont and Rhode Island) have had fatal incidents involving police.
No cops or crime in RH or Vermont ?, must be the place to live. John
So how many of those killed were trying to kill the cop or someone else the way Michael Brown was trying to kill the officer that had to shoot him to protect his own life?
A statistic that never seems to be considered.
[img
[/img]
Just give the Europeans time .As the economy continues to get worse and they begin to deport all those Africans back to their original lands I’m sure the police will kill their fair share.
Have faith admin.
@Anon, the real question is how many were guilty, or even charged, with a crime?
How many were killed in their own homes/front porch because of suspicion of a bullshit crime?
How is it better for society to allow organized gangs to roam and dispense roadside justice with lifelong pay and benefits, than to remove half the legislated crimes (and thus the money in committing them)?
It is obvious, time and again, that the government unionists and their connections do not have to follow the same laws these cops kill OUR children over.
How are traffic violations and tax code infringements (alleged and not proved, btw) worthy of the death penalty?
Don’t statists have souls, or just lists of rules the rest of us have to follow?
TE,
Even charged?
So I open fire on an officer and he needs to have me charged first before shooting back?
Hell, if someone opens fire on me for any reason I’m going to shoot back in defense. I give the police the same right of defense as well.
Very few police shootings are unjustified, but those few that are are the only ones ever mentioned as if they represent all of them.
Police that shoot someone unjustifiably need to be prosecuted, but that doesn’t mean every police officer is guilty of a crime if he shoots someone that gives him reason to do so (like trying to kill him or someone else in the commission of a felony).
In the last several decades 37 police have been killed on duty in the entire United Kingdom
Between 1980 and 2010 111 police have been killed in NYC alone, more than the total number killed in the UK over the last century (excluding northern Ireland which is more of a military nature).
Maybe that mitigates the difference between the number of people killed by police here and in the UK.
They should have ducked.
I should move to Vermont, but I don’t think Bernie will have me.
Bob.
Anon,
Being a cop in the US is safer than being a fisherman or trash collector, for God’s sake. Half of the “on duty” deaths are from the cops driving like idiots or myocardial infarctions from too many donuts. I conclude you must be a paid shill. Question: how do I get a job like that?
Well, maybe we should give the old British system a try. We should arm our cops with only nightsticks and see if it works. I can assure all of you that the number of people killed by police will decline. I wonder how Admins trip through the 30 blocks would be. Peaceful and safe I am sure.
Just wait till the collapse is in full swing.There will be a full hour needed each evening to cover just part of the deaths and carnage that will be going on each day.
And fuk the Brits,We fought a war to get away from these pricks.
There is much angst and consternation against prosecutors and grand juries who refuse to bring charges against police officers, even when incontrovertible evidence is presented. Even with incontrovertible audio and video evidence, prosecutors are loath to prosecute rogue law enforcement personnel.
Let’s examine the reasons why it is so difficult to prosecute thug cops:
Most prosecutors are former police officers or have extensive dealings with police departments and have ongoing relationships with police departments in their respective jurisdictions. They are friendly with the judges in their jurisdictions, as well. This, along with “absolute immunity” makes it easy for them to “cover up” police abuses and behavior. Prosecutors cannot be sued for malfeasance…it takes a judge (who prosecutors are friendly with) to bring charges on a rogue prosecutor (which almost never happens).
In addition, prosecutors guide the actions of grand juries. Prosecutors are not required to introduce any evidence to grand juries, (can and do) easily “whitewash” the actions of rogue cops. On the other hand, prosecutors can (and often do) go after honest citizens who seek justice outside official channels…prosecutors have ultimate power and are not afraid to use it…their immunity sees to that.
Another aspect to a grand jury’s inability to prosecute bad cops is the fear of retribution…cops drive around all day, have nothing but time, have access to various databases, and can easily get the names and addresses of grand jurors…this, in itself can be a powerful deterrent against grand jurors who “want to do the right thing” and prosecute bad cops. There are many cases of cops parking in front of grand jurors’ residences, following them around, and threaten to issue citations to them, in order to “convince” them to “make the right decision”…the “thin blue line” at its worst…
The whole system has to change.
Eliminate absolute and qualified immunity for all public officials. The fear of personal lawsuits would be a powerful deterrent against abuses of the public.
Any funds disbursed to civilians as a result of official misconduct must be taken from the police pension funds–NOT from the taxpayers.
Grand juries must be superior to the prosecutor; ALL evidence must be presented to grand jurors. Failure to do so must be considered a felony and subject prosecutors to prosecution themselves.
No police agency can be allowed to investigate itself. Internal affairs departments must be restricted to minor in-house investigations of behavior between cops. All investigations must be handled by outside agencies, preferably at the state level.
Civilian police review boards must be free of police influence. Members of civilian review boards must have NO ties to police departments. Relatives of police would be prohibited from serving…Recently, the “supreme court” threw police another “bone”. The court ruled that police are not responsible for their actions if they are “ignorant of the law”…now, let’s get this straight–honest citizens cannot use “ignorance of the law” as an excuse, but cops can??
Revolution is sorely needed…..
Here are “police” practices that deserve to be exposed:
#1. During a traffic stop, the police officer will touch the back of your car. The reason for this “touch” is that, quite often, the police officer will have a small quantity of narcotics (marijuana or cocaine) on him (in his hand) that he will rub on the car in order to help “justify a search”. When the dog is brought in, it will react to “cues” from its handler as well as the drug residue on the vehicle and help “justify a search”. This tactic is mostly used against young people. Drugs can also be “planted” on a “suspect”.
The “touch” used to be a way for police officers to “prove” that they had an interaction with a citizen, but no more . . .
#2. Most (if not all) cops possess a “throwdown” weapon. This “helper” is obtained from a criminal who is then “let go” without his weapon and is always used to justify a questionable police situation and to “sanitize” a “crime scene to absolve police on the scene of criminal police behavior.
#3. If you are in the back of a police car, LIE DOWN on the seat. Police use the concept of “screening” to abuse their unwilling “passenger”. This involves, driving at high rates of speed, violent turns and other antics to get the passenger to “hit the screen” separating the front from the back with his face. Hence the act of “screening”.
#4. If you are being handcuffed, quite often the police officer will wrench you arm behind you, forcing you to “turn around”. The officer will then add a charge of “assault” to whatever other charges they concoct against you (just for being forced to turn around). They “pile on” charges, hoping you will plead guilty to at least one.
Remember–NEVER CONSENT TO SEARCH . . . You must be polite, but firm in your refusal. You can state that “you NEVER consent to searches” as well as using these “magic” words–“am I free to go?” The police officer MUST answer your question . . . If you are being detained and an illegal search takes place, you have legal recourse.
Remember–police are not your friends . . .
That being said, not all “law enforcement” is criminal, but the “thin blue line” that they so jealously guard (and “look the other way” when rogue cops abuse their authority) does much to taint ALL “law enforcement” with having ulterior motives.
Since when is the cop’s word not taken over that of the citizen??
It has been my personal experience that unless there is a “third party” or the citizen themselves videotaping the “exchange” between the cop and the citizen, the cop will always be the one to prevail. 99% of all cops, prosecutors, court officials, politicians and the like could give a “rat’s @ss” about the Constitution. The LAW is what they say it is, the Constitution be damned.
Please be aware that Constitutional issues brought up in most “courts” will be “laughed out of court. Most courts will not rule on a Constitutional basis. In fact, “contempt of court” can be imposed on those that bring up a Constitutional issue . . .
The only way to “solve” this problem” is to eliminate “qualified immunity” for ALL public officials. The constant threat of being personally sued by average citizens should “encourage” them to behave.
When the cops put the body armor on, the helmet, the ACUs, BDUs or whatever camouflage that they use, drop leg holster, the boots, and grab the AR, they are no longer cops. The mentality that goes with that gear is infantry–kill the enemy, destroy his will to fight. That is the reason so many unarmed, innocent civilians are injured or killed when the idiots break down the door of the wrong house, and why people clearly surrendering are severely injured by unjustified force.
Too, the penchant anymore is to respond to an event with overwhelming force, furthering the pack instinct of aggression.
There needs to be severe oversight on the conduct of the police. This is a free country. Any armed response needs to be justified and if there is a death of an unarmed civilian innocent, or the shooting of an individual clearly surrendering the State police should investigate all local incidents.
A special division of the State Police needs to be established out of the Governor’s office to investigate any incidents involving local and county police.
The recent conduct of the LAPD in shooting up several innocent people’s vehicles and injuring two while hunting the rogue cop is an indication of how out of control the cops are with this militarization mentality. What fire discipline, what ROE? There was none demonstrated in those two incidents.
The FBI should investigate any situation where there are injuries to the suspect or innocents to determine if the constitutional rights of the victim(s) were violated by undue force, or lack of proper notification. Too many times since 9-11, they just kick down doors without yelling “police, warrant!” or whatever.
Enough of this Gestapo malarkey.
This ain’t the Third Reich.
It is time to bring the cops under control.The cop has the same rights as you, until they say the four magic words: “you are under arrest.” At that point, you have been notified that your constitutional rights are suspended, and you are under the authority of that police officer. The police officer can then use any force required to maintain control. However, if the police officer grabs you before he notifies you that your constitutional rights have been suspended by stating that you are under arrest, tell him to release you, and if he does not, break his arm up to his shoulder. He has committed assault upon you and you have a right to defend yourself.
You see, cops are trained to follow procedure, but, they get sloppy, they get arrogant, especially if their leadership is out of control.
This is a free country, but we let it slip into darkness every time the cops get away with abuse of force, our politicians are not held accountable for their conduct, and we ignore, turn away, or otherwise fail to act to remind our government that we the people are the boss, not gov’t.
One solution for overbearing and illegal behavior by rogue government officials is to eliminate the concept of “qualified immunity”. If all public officials knew that they could be personally sued for violating someone’s rights, they would be more likely to behave themselves.
Eliminate ALL “immunity for all public officials (not just cops) and you will see a wholesale change in their behavior . . .
@Anon
You miss the point, intentionally I think.
The cops roll up and ATTACK you in your home, usually with little more than suspicion maybe a warrant. This means you are SUSPECTED but NOT proven to have done something “wrong,” maybe something as little as not returning your library books.
You, sitting in your home, probably sleeping, are roused into the world by black-garbed gangs coming in through your windows, doors and killing your dog, terrorizing your children.
You, being a believer in the right to protect yourself, jump up in an aggressive stance, thus “threatening” a team of well-armed soldiers that just destroyed your home. So you die.
Many here CHEER! Yeah! THAT is why my forefathers risked everything and shed their blood! Woot! Woot!
I cry, not only have we totally lost the once-in-a-millennia chance of actually living free, most support the paradigm and scream out for more!
But, my comment was really more about the STATISTICS.
My Uncle was a cop in the early 80s, I worked for a couple businesses (bookkeeper/manager) that were owned by cops too.
These cops, from different jurisdictions and even different states, told me (repeatedly) that EVERY cop that was on duty in America in the early ’80s KNOWS and was ORDERED to begin fudging records to “reflect” more drinking problems and more drug problems.
Ordered to write the accident up as “alcohol related” when an empty, obviously weathered, beer bottle was found in the ditch that today’s accident happened. Ordered to write up the accident as “alcohol related” when a passenger in the non-at-fault car was drinking (but neither driver).
They were ORDERED to make it seem that all crimes were 100% the “blame” of drugs and alcohol, even when the cops knew it was bullshit.
As such NONE of this self-reporting should be trusted. NONE of it.
Americans really have no idea how much we have been used and how deeply the lies go.
We believe them, no matter how many times they are caught LYING. That is the definition of insanity.
Armed and dangerous, you do realize that the little old man whom was first robbed, then killed a week later by cops was one of the people in that stat, right?
If you have ANYTHING, including a fucking pen in your hand, your death will go down as you, the innocent, DEAD, victim, as being “armed and dangerous.”
My only hope is that those whom continue to actively work to support our suffering and imprisonment will realize the error of their thinking before they end up the “armed and dangerous rightwing militant” shot in his own home and shown on the evening news.
Human nature and history tells me that number will be far less than the number of supporters of this regime whom will end up realizing their impending death didn’t have to happen.
Peace to you. My prayers are with the Statists and Judgers. You all have very large debts that will eventually be paid by your children. Mine too, and that is what sucks.
Police Officer Test
How do you tell the difference between an Australian Police Officer, a Canadian Police Officer, an American Police Officer and a Scottish police officer? The answer is found below.
QUESTION: You’re a policeman, on duty by yourself. You are walking on a deserted street late at night. Suddenly, an armed man with a huge knife comes around the corner, locks eyes with you and screaming something that sounds like obscenities, raises the knife and lunges at you.
You are carrying your truncheon and are an expert in using it. However, you have only a split second to react before he reaches you. What do you do?
ANSWERS:
Canadian Police Officer:
Firstly, the Officer must consider the man’s human rights.
1) Does the man look poor and/or oppressed or is he an indigenous person?
2) Is he newly arrived in this country and does not yet understand the law?
3) Is this really a knife or a ceremonial dagger?
4) Have I ever done anything to him that would inspire him to attack?
5) Am I dressed provocatively?
6) Could I run away?
7) Could I possibly swing my truncheon and knock the knife out of his hand?
8) Should I try and negotiate with him to discuss his wrong-doings?
9) Why am I carrying a truncheon anyway and what kind of message does this send to society?
10) Does he definitely want to kill me or would he be content just to wound me?
11) If I were to grab his knees and hold on, would he still want to stab and kill me?
12) If I raise my truncheon and he turns and runs away, do I get blamed if he falls over, knocks his head and kills himself?
13) If I hurt him and lose the subsequent court case, does he have the opportunity to sue me, cost me my job, my credibility and the loss of my family home?
Australian Police Officer:
BANG !
American Police Officer:
BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! BANG !
‘Click’…Reload…
BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! BANG ! BANG !
Glasgow Police Officer:
“Haw, Jimmie….! Drop the wee knifie reet this minute noo, unless ye want it stuck up yer arse!”