Today, Explained The problem with police unions
Jun 3, 2020
Melissa Segura, a Fellow at New America and reporter at BuzzFeed News, dives deep into the controversial role of police unions. She reveals how they often protect officers from accountability even after events like George Floyd's tragic death. The discussion highlights the surprising alignment between police unions and right-wing politics, shaping public opinion and budget allocations. Segura also emphasizes grassroots movements pushing for transparency in policing, showcasing community efforts to challenge union contracts for better accountability.
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Ideological Wrench
- Police unions complicate the typical ideological divide on unions.
- Republicans generally oppose unions but support police unions, while Democrats, typically pro-union, push for police reform.
Culture of Impunity
- Police unions leverage the narrative of the difficult and stressful nature of policing.
- This creates a culture of unquestionability and impunity around police actions.
Florida Unionization Study
- A University of Chicago study analyzed Florida police departments before and after unionization.
- Complaints skyrocketed post-unionization, suggesting a link between unionization and impunity.