Holding individual police officers accountable for improper conduct is necessary and I'm sure we all agree on this issue. But the question is, "How can this be accomplished?" The problem is not the chief, the mayor nor the city council, but rather how the law is currently stated in dealing with these issues. We all remember Sgt. Sarow (sp?): Though his abuse of power was clear cut, it was not dealt with appropriately. Folks, it is the written state law pertaining to accountability that is the root of the problem. The police federation is very powerful and influential on the state legislature. This is the level where we as individuals can make a change in the system. It is not effective to bark up the wrong tree, nor is it effective to create an alternative group (i.e. CPC Safe) in order to be in touch with the police. Personally, I believe there a good cops out there who should be commended for their good work. But when there is a bad apple in the force, it certainly! does not help the reputation of those good officers. Therefore, there must be a system that is strict and active enough to deal with the bad apples and remove them from the force. Police should be treated the same as an employee in any company. They should be able to be fired for wrongdoing or their ineffectiveness just like you can do with your employee. Also, when an officer has commited an act of misconduct, he/she should be personally held accountable for part of the financial recovery of such a claim. The city should not alone be responsible the individual officer mistake. Everyone has a deductible with insurance policies. The individual police should also have a deductible. When it affects their own job or pocket, they will start acting as more responsible employees of the city. Sincerely, Basim Sabri Mpls Developer _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
