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Comment by chithanh | Hacker News Reader

> because the local political elites enable them to be assholes

FTFY

It is true. When a policeman breaks the law himself he might get covered by his higher ups and merely lose his rank or the job but still not face any criminal consequences.

Might. Or when she breaks the law, she might get thrown in jail like everyone else.

It depends on how corrupt the local establishment is. The cops play a tactical role.

For reference, see the original handling of the Jussie Smollett case. Clearly laws were broken, but corrupt higher-ups provided cover.

In all honesty, I'm not really sure how the whole, "well everyone is corrupt" thing all you guys commenting here seem to be doing helps. I mean, yeah, everyone is corrupt, but you are still responsible for your actions. I mean, if the DA or mayor or whatever in a town is bent, does that mean a cop who coerces sexual favors from a prostitute he's caught in that jurisdiction is not a dirtbag?

Of course not.

It only means that your DA is a dirtbag, and your cop is a dirtbag. (It's also likely that the dirtbaggery extends to others in city leadership. The judges, the mayor, some council people. Etc. Just like the dirtbaggery in the police force likely extends to other cops in that department.)

It is also in the nature of a policeman to follow law, I think. Non corrupt ones don't really have a choice.

I agree with that. Cops that get into their career because they believe in Justice will follow the letters of the law. Only as they gain experience to they see the big picture and become the best kind of cop. Someone that uses good judgement

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