Truth, justice, and the American way

Shannon Bohrer

(8/2020) Since the killing of George Floyd, we have experienced numerous events, protests and heard expert opinions of how to improve our criminal justice system, specifically how to improve the police. The police are often the most visible part of our government and they have the legal authority, under certain conditions, to take a life. When this authority is abused, it is only natural that the police should be held accountable and at times, individual officers criminally charges for their actions. Holding the individual officers accountable is justifiable, but we should also examine how to prevent the incidents from occurring.

When Mr. Floyd died in police custody, the police department first said his death was a "medical incident. "Later, after the videos became public, only then did the police retract their first statement. When the police give a false account, or lie, they become untrustworthy.

In Buffalo New York, a 75-year-old man approached a group of police officers and when he engaged several officers, he was pushed to the ground. He fell hitting his head on the concreate. He appeared unconscious and in need of medical help. The first report from the police was that this elderly gentleman tripped and fell. The film told us that the 75-year-old man was pushed. Truth is important and every time an officer or department gives a false statement, it reflects on every officer and it questions our trust in the police.

In Kentucky, three plainclothes police officers, entered a private residence after midnight and shot and killed a sleeping 26-year-old Breonna Taylor. Ms. Taylor’s boyfriend believed they were being robbed and he used his legal handgun to shoot at the intruders (the police). He also called the police to report the crime, that someone was breaking in his residence. The officers returned fire and in doing so they killed Ms. Taylor. Initially the police said they identified themselves before entering the residence. This was refuted by neighbors and the boyfriend. Only then did the police said they were executing a "no-knock" warrant, which would allow the officers to enter without identifying themselves.

Later, they said that even with the no knock warrant, they identified themselves. "The police report stated that Taylor had no injuries, even though she died from gunshot wounds. It also stated that no forced entry occurred, even though the officers had used a battering ram." When questioned about the discrepancies, the "police department said that technical errors led to a malformed report." Police reports and statements should not be a multiple-choice question, with multiple answers.

All these incidents occurred when there is public scrutiny about police, their policies procedures, and practices. Truth is important and when the people or agencies cannot tell the truth, they should expect more criticism. In my former agency you could be fired for lying on an official report, and I remember several officers being fired - for lying. After all, how can the courts believe an officer that lies? Why is lying on an official report not a universal disqualifier for being a police officer?

The lies and mistruths that occur within our criminal justice system, affect justice. We often hear that the public believes in law and order. However, law and order, at least historically has not always resulted in justice. Justice includes "righteousness and equitableness," meaning we are all treated equally.

"At his best, man is the noblest of all animals;
separated from law and justice he is the worst." Aristotle.

We know that minorities are stopped more often in traffic and on foot for suspicious activities at much greater levels than non-minorities. We also know that many of these stops result in no arrest or citations. Mr. Floyd was stopped and arrested for suspicion of trying to pass a counterfeit $20 dollar bill. About 10 years ago I was not allowed to make a purchase, because the $20 dollar bill I presented was thought to be counterfeit. I was advised to take the bill to a bank and have it examined. I do so and the bank was not sure if the bill was counterfeit , but they kept the bill to have it examined. Why was I treated differently that Mr. Floyd?

Many of the problems’ the police currently face are the direct result of their own behavior. We know the issues exist because of video evidence, much of it by the police cameras. Additionally, as the questions and investigations continue, additional incidents of police misconduct continue.

In Chicago, during the black lives matter march, groups of citizens broke into stores, stealing property and setting fires. Thankfully, during this lawless behavior, the police responded, and numerous arrests were made, and order was restored. However, while these incidents were occurring a group of officers that were supposed to be keeping the peace, were found to be inside an office building. The officers, including supervisors were captured on film, lounging, taking naps, and even eating popcorn. Literally, many were sleeping while on duty. As the Chicago Police Superintendent said, "What do you [the officers] do on a regular shift when there’s no riots?" Truth and Justice require that officers show up and enforce the laws equitably. If they do not even show up, how badly are they needed?

As a retired officer I hear a lot about supporting and standing with the police. I do, I support the police that show up and enforce the laws equitably. I support the officers that believe in the oath they took and do not lie. I do not support officers that push someone to the ground and then lie about their own actions. I do not support officers that kneel on someone’s neck for almost nine minutes, almost three of which when the person had no pulse. I do not support officers that shoot someone in the back while running away from a traffic stop.

I also support the Black Lives Matter movement. If black lives do not matter, if they are not treated equally, then all lives do not matter. I also support the peaceful protests; however, I do not support looting and rioting.

Americans should expect Truth and Justice from its criminal justice system. When it becomes evident and obvious that we are not all treated equally and we witness outrageous and even criminal behavior by some officers, we should be angry and infuriated. The police are part of our government, our government that is working for us.

"Law and order exist for the purpose of establishing justice and that when they fail in this purpose, they become the dangerously structured dams that block the flow of social progress." - Martin Luther King Jr.