Opinion

Editorial: From the bad of a few cops, do more to make good cops better

Monday, Jan. 30, 2023 -- What cities like Memphis, communities in North Carolina need is to REFUND the police. We want to REFUND law enforcement that hires more GOOD individuals who care about their communities, are dedicated public servants devoted to protect and defend their neighbors and also understand the responsibilities and trust that comes with their jobs.

Posted 2023-01-30T03:43:55+00:00 - Updated 2023-01-30T10:00:00+00:00

CBC Editorial: Monday, Jan. 30, 2023; editorial #8822

The following is the opinion of Capitol Broadcasting Company

To anyone who has seen the video of Tyre Nichols’ deadly beating at the hands of five Memphis City police officers, it is hard to find words to fully convey the horrible abusiveness of the incident.

“Bad cops” doesn’t begin to describe the five. Regardless of the uniforms they wear, the badges that adorn them or the firearms in their holsters, the color of their skin -- these five demonstrably are bad people.

Three weeks following the deadly beating, Memphis officials released video that leaves no question in any reasonable mind about the horrific behavior of those law enforcement officers. And, to its credit, the leaders of the police department and the city, didn’t hem-and-haw about the matter.

They were right to release the videos. It is important that the public – as well as other law enforcement and public officials – have the opportunity to witness for themselves the horror of what these five did.

Memphis police leaders permanently deactivated the “SCIRPION” unit the five were part of. “While the heinous actions of a few casts a cloud of dishonor on the title SCORPION, it is imperative that we, the Memphis Police Department take proactive steps in the healing process for all impacted.”

“Acts that defy humanity,” is how Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis described the beating. The five now former Memphis Police Officers involved have been charged with second-degree murder and aggravated kidnapping.

There is no excuse for bad cops – and it is worthy of note to mention that the city and its police department aren’t making any. No cover up, no dodges. Raw honesty from public officials in dealing with their constituents. It hasn’t been pretty, but it has been honest.

The spontaneous, genuine and peaceful protests that have followed release of the video shouldn’t be passed off with dismissive its just more “defund the police” rhetoric from those who want to play politics but don’t want to provide resources needed for quality law enforcement and assurances of community safety.

Candles burn at a makeshift memorial after a community vigil for Tyre Nichols at Tobey Skatepark in Memphis, Tenn. on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023. Two emergency medical technicians who first evaluated Nichols have been suspended until an investigation is complete. (Brad Vest/The New York Times)

These five cops are the tragic exception. The vast majority of good law enforcement need and deserve greater support.

What cities like Memphis, communities in North Carolina and across the nation need is to REFUND the police. By refunding, we don’t mean spending more money for the same kind of law enforcement that isn’t working to keep communities safe, fails to protect individuals and is rapidly losing citizens’ respect and trust.

We want to REFUND law enforcement that hires more GOOD individuals who care about their communities, are dedicated public servants devoted to protect and defend their neighbors and also understand the responsibilities and trust that comes with their jobs.

Refunding the police means:

Finding quality recruits to fill the depleted ranks law enforcement agencies face in so many communities.
Looking for more effective and creative ways for law enforcement to do its job. In Raleigh, Charlotte, Durham, and other communities, for example, police officers and social workers are teaming up to respond to certain situations in an effort to de-escalate potentially violent situations and also more directly help people who are struggling.
Providing more effective training for law enforcement recruits, so incidents like the Memphis beating of Tyre Nichols are not repeated.

In North Carolina, the training of EVERY law enforcement officer (current and recruits) should include being required to watch the Memphis video as part of an appropriately developed session with discussion of what is seen. There should be an opportunity for reactions and instruction on appropriate behavior, ways to intervene when witnessing inappropriate actions and a clear set of policies and procedures for law enforcement officers.

Further, there should be policies and procedures for the general public to follow to address ANY incidences or allegations of inappropriate behavior and actions by police.

In Memphis, all those responsible for the death of Tyre Nichols should be brought to justice.

In North Carolina, and the rest of the nation, state and local law enforcement agencies must examine and improve: How they do their jobs; The behavior and training of those entrusted to enforce the law; The ways they interact with the citizens they’re charged to protect; and how they can tap other resources to do their jobs better.

Let’s set the slogans and political posturing aside. They are just excuses for failing to act.

It is time to “REFUND the police” and give communities law enforcement that truly protects them from harm and keeps them safe.

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