zlacker

>>evo_9+(OP)
This deserves state and/or federal investigations...

EDIT:

Contrast: In Washington State, an investigation about the death in Tacoma a couple months ago was just this mentioned in a news conference by the governor. Due to conflicts of interest the state is currently evaluating who can be assigned to lead a fully independent and unbiased investigation, with new announcements expected in the next few days.

>>mjevan+z4
The Louisville PD and the FBI have both announced investigations and the officers involved are on paid leave. Historically, that hasn't generally produced much in the way of prosecutions. Maybe in the current climate things will be different.

>>newacc+O4
The concept of paid leave has always puzzled me. This would be my choice of punishment if I am ever given a choice.

>>mchusm+46
Paid leave isn't meant to be a punishment. There is some expectation that police officers will inherently be involved in controversial activities that will require further investigation, some of which may legitimately reveal that the cop did nothing wrong. Paid leave is supposed to be a compromise to remove cops from active duty during the investigation (in case they are guilty, we don't want them still roaming the street potentially doing bad things) but also not be a punishment (in case they aren't guilty).

The problem is that said investigations always seem to drag their feet, never going further than the paid leave, and never seem to actually get to the things that are meant to be a punishment (firing, arrest, etc).