How America's cops became untouchable w/Joanna Schwartz | The Chris Hedges Report

The terror of police power is a recurring fact of American life, particularly in this country's poorest communities and in communities of color. The power officers have over us comes not only from the strength of their weapons, but also from a legal system that is swift to protect its enforcers, yet slow to hold them to account. Where did this virtual immunity from prosecution come from? Has it always been this way? Historian Joanna Schwartz joins The Chris Hedges report to discuss her new book, Shielded: How the Police Became Untouchable.
Joanna Schwartz is a professor of law at UCLA, where she teaches civil procedure and courses on police accountability and public interest lawyering.
Studio Production: Adam Coley, Dwayne Gladden
Post-Production: Adam Coley
Audio Post-Production: Tommy Harron
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[@The.Messenger.2832]

The "fighting" on behalf of corrupt cops who commit unlawful acts are done by the DAs. They should be held accountable.

[@Voe198]

We are the fools for respecting an illegitimate legal system.

[@gallectee6032]

It's funny to me when in TV shows there is a character who goes by the motto of "there is nothing more important than law", when in reality, the legal system (or sections of it) is often morally bankrupt and written primarily by the corporations via lobbyists to benefit solely themselves at the expense of others.

[@markhirstwood4190]

East Germany collapsed after the Stasi did all this. Why can't Canada and America collapse? They are totally corrupt lawless industrial penal colonies. They can collapse...

[@markhirstwood4190]

Those shows are to brainwash people so the cops can prey on us. It's all run by the Freemasons behind the scenes. @@gallectee6032

[@cantonlowlifemedia]

The official motto of EVERY Internal Affairs division in EVERY law enforcement agency in the United States of America is: "We investigated ourselves and found no wrongdoing!"

[@markhirstwood4190]

Same here in Ontario. Cops that drink and golf together investigate each other and say 'Not in the public interest. File closed.' It's the Freemasons. They run the cops secretly behind the scenes and they plan it all and help the cops cover up their crimes.

[@art-hx6hq]

Only in US? I think it is called 5 columns of power and you know last person to challenge it ended up.

[@JothanGurr]

End qualified impunity!!!

[@John-ow2mw]

NOW!

[@User-nw37]

I remember someone very smart said 15 years ago: “In the future, there will be 3 groups of people: the top 5%, the bottom 80%, and the 15% who protects the 5% from the 80%.”

[@lurelover7065]

When you have a country that's built on corruption and can only thrive on corruption, the majority of the people in the country are going to be corrupted. (look up: The Vikings)

[@averayugen7802]

I learned that 40 years ago

[@tomchirillo1663]

It is happening now with poorly trained American Police who after perhaps after 8 weeks of so called training are given a badge and gun and told that they can now kill people with impunity.

[@John-ow2mw]

My friend, and here we are.

[@ronniebuchanan6575]

May I use this.

[@gordongarrett6229]

The Supreme Court will not fix the problem they've caused. They should be held accountable.

[@foipa1]

How we treat the least in our society is the judgement of how healthy our Republic is or is not

[@ComradeBeer]

Yeah. We're fucked

[@cheri238]

This country and others have become traumatized by powers of greed. We know why.

[@reubenmorris487]

Lots of sickness in the United States...apparently by design.

[@cathyjohnson7827]

No truer words were ever said! Dr Who, just saying, said it well also!

[@rrussell9731]

This is why First Amendment Audit videos are becoming so popular. Nobody likes criminals and when the system doesn't hold itself accountable people see a double standard.

[@1Stonerock]

Amen... amen.

[@nikto-ky4kx]

I find it alarming that to "enforce traffic laws" they have basically become commandos as if they were at war with us.

[@imminenthope8970]

It is but we also have a crazy gun nutty population and legal rights to carry firearms!! It is absurd!! We basically give people the right to be terrorists! 2a begins a well regulated militia being necessary… meaning you have a right to defend your state in the national guard. Not go around packing. Most traffic violations can be dealt with by lasers and cameras. Reckless drivers are a serious problem but we don’t need police we need lazers every mile measuring each cars speed as it crosses the lazer and the car is billed for each violation every mile. People will stop speeding. Only when they don’t pay will an officer be sent to arrest then mom and response their car or impound or until all violations are paid in full and or spend time in jail car impounded. License revoked forever!!! You have no right to drive. None of us do! It’s a reckless privilege! And killing society and the planet! More people die on highways then anything else.

[@edwardmiessner6502]

In many states they are. And if you carry any significant amount of cash with you on the highway they'll steal it from you under civil asset forfeiture and then you have to hire a lawyer and sue to get the money back. Oftentimes they'll steal it or steal some of it so that the department has a lower amount taken on record or nothing at all!

[@donniekraus1273]

It’s exactly what they are taught “If you want to go home after your shift, then you empty your clip first and investigate later” Training instructor

[@stephanielewis712]

​@@edwardmiessner6502 They do the same at the airports in mostly African Like Atlanta Georgia.

[@jimechols4347]

No shit!

[@jenniferw1956]

Get rid of qualified indemnity.

[@jamesallen3929]

I have growing up most of my life in Miami Florida, and here in Miami, we had one of the most notorious examples of police violence in America history. In December of 1979 police from what was then called the public safety department ( it's now called Miami-Dade county police department) chased a black insurance man by the name of Arthur McDuffie. After a Chase they dragged him off his motorcycle, for what was a supposedly minor traffic infractions. They promptly beat him to death with there police batons, and flashlights. They covered it up make it look like he fell off his bicycle. The county coroner even said he was beaten to death with blunt trauma. So how an all-white jury in Tampa Florida, acquitted all the police officers in the killing of Arthur McDuffie. On may 17,1980 Miami exploded in one the worst cases of racial violence, In American history. It lasted 3 days it destroyed much of the inner cities in Miami which I as a white person lived in. Will never forget how evil police can be.

[@goldenvulture6818]

White people living in inner cities in the 1980s and the pre-1980s wasn't anything unusual. There are still White people living in inner cities today.

[@nopt1118]

So painful

[@hungmeow8284]

The FBI raided me in 1993 over love letters criticizing WACO, FBI, courts and police and I had NO RIGHTS in federal court. I ended up locked up for 1 year over that. At the time I was in the Army reserves and an Air Force veteran. The POLICE are my sworn enemies. They should not EXIST. They are TYRRANTS.

[@Black_unity597]

It’s not just the police I understand that it is hard for some good ole white folks to say it or to face but as a race group your people are evil these race soldiers have been mandated to do this evil to the black community for generations and every time that we screamed out what was happening to us you people didn’t have no problem with what they were doing as ling as they only did it to us but now that power that you guys gave them is now coming back to you that power will corrupt anyone even though the entire thing was corrupt from the beginning! This thing may be to late to correct, it just maybe to late they are full n out of control the entire judicial system is screwed! What has to happen is these all white jury has to put their racist VEIWS to the side and judge these race soldiers fairly but that won’t happen because the vast majority of white Americans still harbor this strange hate for black Americans who have never done anything to them! Y’all just hate and have convinced all other race groups to hate us also it’s very strange thing the spell that white people has cast this spell on the world but I whole heartedly believe that karma will make its way right back to your peoples door!

[@averayugen7802]

Most people would say he was DRUG. THANK YOU for being literate and sorry this country is such a monster re human rights

[@gregoryjarvis000]

Why do our politicians keep turning a blind eye and deaf ear towards this terrible policing problem in America?

[@frankvandalen6524]

We're screwed if WE THE PEOPLE don't in some way rein in those who think they're above us!

[@rrussell9731]

That's why I watch Long Island Audit on KZbin.

[@sgtslaughter21]

And THAT'S THE BOTTOM LINE

[@Blue-hf7xt]

no we are not screwed. We need help. We need Divine Help Calls to Archangels, Prayers for protection and intervention. police powers/depts are Very dysfunctional as stated in this video. police depts/government is imploding on itself. It's Also important to know how to handle interactions/stops with cops. Know your Constitutional Rights. Many people give up their rights to cops. Saying Yes to search, saying 'I have nothing to hide'. Always Invoke God, Angels, Masters in all you do.

[@Blue-hf7xt]

@@rrussell9731 Yes Keep supporting the front line angels.

[@Jerzybred908]

This is the kind of journalism that is so important and imperative.. Thank you for reporting and showcasing subjects and stories that are needed.. A lot of society has a blind allegiance to supporting the police no matter what. And that’s not how any functional or true democracy should be.. From the beginning idea of peace officers to the distorted state of increasing militarized law enforcement army against citizens.. Stories like this should be shouted from rooftops and talked about constantly because the dam’s of what peace officers should be has been flooded with this militaristic, prison industrial complex we live in now..

[@goldenvulture6818]

You meant to write "dams"(plural)

[@gulfgal98]

Great comment. I agree completely.

[@DavidMoore-lx4xz]

“True democracy should be”. Stop with the ignorance. We are a Republic. Democracies fail every 200 years and that is what most of the division is over. People trying to turn the USA into a democracy. Beyond that I agree with everything you’ve said.

[@ll2nycell]

Every time I went to jury duty, they asked "Raise your hand if you ever had a negative encounter with law enforcement?"....I'm black..and I was like "duh". Glad you mentioned this. I thought it was such a filtering question. I've never made it to a jury yet, despite my efforts. I would love to participate.

[@dennispellock2359]

Lie and say no then find the person not guilty no matter what the evidence is.

[@worldweary1913]

SOLID INTERVIEW!

[@henrymark2288]

So the working class is screwed either way. Either the cop wins the lawsuit and continues to terrorize the community, or he loses the lawsuit and the community foots the bill for his actions. This is madness.

[@goldenvulture6818]

"Working Class" is an antiquated term

[@henrymark2288]

@@goldenvulture6818 What would you call the group of people who sell their labor to survive? Capitalism has changed a lot over the centuries, but by its very nature it will always be a class based system.

[@kenfernanadez3110]

At the end of the day, however corrupt the sustem may be, the individual police officer has a personal choice, just like the rest of us. IF police forces engage the most violent of the high school bully-types, then problem rests with the himan resources officials and more importantly, with the city councils that make doing, policy. IF thisnis not a matter of policy, then it is a matter of an individual's morality, ethics, and sense of service to the community. Such individuals must be vetted as best as possible.

[@MrDXRamirez]

If I am not mistaken civil lawsuits filed against police are settled by taxpayers. The personal or organization funds of the police are left intact. Unless a judge orders the settlement paid by the cops themselves they suffer no compensatory losses. Political autonomy is achieved through an economic autonomy, their money is out of bounds, is the unfairness of the system. Problem here is ... a structure of immunity. The City employs the police and the tax payer pays the settlement. Economic immunity is the result.

[@katiekane5247]

My point is; it's financial at it's core. Cop gets hurt, their insurance pays. Higher insurance costs the cops & unions. Civilian gets hurt, even if they sue & recover (a tiny number), the taxpayers foot the bill. The insurance industry actually impacts lots of policy, not just LE.

[@MrDXRamirez]

@@katiekane5247 All ( I repeat, ALL) problems in the public sector are a result of the private sector industries creating a society that works for the private sector not the public. Political parties is the political arm of the private sector stacked up against a mass of politically defenseless Americans. And there are alliances in the private sector that are literally out to extract more value from the public sector than what the private sector produces for the public. Everything is a commodity and Americans are uneducated about what commodities do to living individuals and societies. Misguided and falsely taught to believe. I agree with your point but take your point further to its logical conclusion and you will arrive at the same conclusion of a pervasive domination over people through the domination of things by the private sector.

[@SLR777i]

Correct!

[@faithford9143]

They take the money from the police budget and every cops has a bond attached to them that can be sued against them, she didn’t mention. Cops also defund themselves too. Our tax money don’t mean nothing to a civil lawsuits. At least it is giving to Americans not foreigners

[@Blue-hf7xt]

Regardless it does drain cops funding. And I would advise those winning lawsuit to use it to support cop auditors, do everything to learn and teach others about Constitutional rights, support organizations like the Institute for Justice.

[@cheri238]

Thank you, Chris Hedges for having Joanna Swartz on TRNN with her new book, "How the Police Became Untouchable." Another illuminating discussion between the both of you.❤

[@johnstrawb3521]

Imagine your police force courteous, scrupulously observant of your rights, willing to submit to total transparency and governance by the communities they police, and acknowledging that being given a gun and the ability to beat and kill citizens absolutely requires absolute oversight. ---Yeah, no. I can't either.

[@user-ti3vp9mt3z]

The State has the laws and apparatus for a police state which, I believe, is presently active, covertly and underground.

[@Scriptorsilentum]

edward snowden pointed this out to us and what happened? the govt wants him dead for high treason. be careful.

[@TupacNation]

Definitely

[@TI.T.O]

They have neural monitoring capabilities. They can literally read your mind and fuck with you in ways you cant even imagine. Beware of the voices that have no face. Be careful what you think. You dont want to be targeted by the police because they will stuff you in a dump truck and throw you in the landfill like they tried with me and all ive dealt with for the last 3 years is constant surveillance and electronic harrassment and heres a question everyone should be asking. What happens when the police become serial killers? What does one do when its the police who are trying to kill you? Ive been asking and theres no answers other then they get promoted.

[@wilfridcyr]

Probably worst.

[@Blue-hf7xt]

lookatceleste solumpolice powers on y t.

[@fiendssanctuary]

They are not law enforcement officers they are policy enforcers which is part of the problem with holding them accountable. They don't know the law nor obey the law only statutes, codes, rules, policies, and regulations.

[@hungmeow8284]

The police NEVER obey the Bill of Rights and your CIVIL/HUMAN rights. The courts and governments are all tyrrants that is why they have thousands of laws violating your basic rights and the police are the tyrrants foot soldiers. That is why they pass tyrranical gun laws which is unconstitutional.

[@jamesjeanty7642]

I second that policies are not law, most police departments are out there enforcing policies, violating our constitutional rights to enforce policies and prosecutors and judges goes along with the miss justice. The public needs to start holding them accountable and demand that laws are enforced not policies.

[@fiendssanctuary]

@@jamesjeanty7642 facts, it's why they are called police. It's a derivative of the word POLICY. Take the Y off and replace it with an E and it changes the usage from a thing to a person. In general, if you know the process/ steps necessary to pass a LAW, you immediately know what is lawful compared to what is LEGAL. EVERYONE should Learn the law starting with your free national name, your state and federal Constitution, and jurisdiction. The rules of civil and criminal procedure. Corpus Delicti and the difference between what is legal compared to what is lawful. Case law= precedent = STARE DECISIS. One of the most important INALIENABLE RIGHTS that is glossed over is the your 1st AMENDMENT right to PETITION your so called governments for redress. No response = NIHIL DICIT JUDGEMENT. CONSENT IS THE LAW.

[@cathyjohnson7827]

WE have the internet everyone!! Educate yourselves and then get out there and effect change!! Auditors can't do it all!@@fiendssanctuary

[@marcusthomas6998]

They need to outlaw qualified immunity. There shouldn't be any undisclosed settlements, all settlements need to be known by citizens. Police should be held at a higher standard and take away departments ability to over see themselves.

[@Black_unity597]

None of that will change the racist in them race soldiers!

[@averayugen7802]

The example they set 4 the rest of us. And the idea that they subject SCHOOL CHILDREN to these ignorant violent monsters But they are always "against drugs" 4 sone reason..... yup up up up ONLY IN AMERIKKKKKKKKA

[@John-ow2mw]

I agree all settlements should be puplished.

[@cathyjohnson7827]

True, true! Help make that change!

[@collin5052]

Solidarity from Albany, NY

[@792slayer]

Lawsuit settlements should be paid from the police pension funds.

[@briananderson8428]

Outstanding guest, Chris. She is so well-versed and well-spoken. I'm guessing she's a great law school professor. Please have her back on to talk about general 4th Amendment issues. Thanks again!

[@wmb5240]

I agree she was a good guest.. However she parroted the same racist divisive bs by asserting Blacks, Latinos, and every other Minority group stands no chance in a Civil Case against the Police.. as if every Jury is all White, and all bigots who blindly back the Blue & believe Lying COPS.. In fact, a Jury of your peers as selected in your area will very likely include members of your own Demographic .. I agree & have seen in my own life how the brutality & corruption of the Police impacts EVERYONE!!

[@gertrudewest4535]

They lie and are lazy. Recently Had a frustrating situation with our local sheriffs department. Nothing violent but it was clear that they felt they didn’t need to perform their jobs, could lie with impunity and felt a misogynistic tone when I reached out for help - nothing serious, but their attitude was palatable.

[@deeplorable8988]

Were you being a Karen?

[@michaelkatz7862]

Reporter is lying. So many examples dispute his allegations about the system. Only 2% result in charges because 98% of the time cops don't want to lose their jobs and home and know when it's right to shoot. Your premise is propaganda and you should know better.

[@rrussell9731]

Yep, I learned the hard way myself. 25 years ago I was getting my teacher credential and needed fingerprints. You would have thought I was a serial killer the way they treated me. Maybe they were jealous that in every aspect I'm a better American than them, or more likely they're just losers. Either way I learned that only interact with them as a last resort...just as you would any other criminal.

[@caliss5715]

people in jail or prison can get bullied so that they plead guilty. Financial duress, physical duress, mental duress, to plead guilty.

[@user-ti3vp9mt3z]

The public has no idea how horrible and what goes on in our jails and prisons😲

[@streetwisepioneers4470]

​@@user-ti3vp9mt3z ​@J That's true. My only concern (in modern times) being they wouldn't care even if they did. As long as the the general perception is, it shouldn't happen to the articulate.

[@hungmeow8284]

The FEDERAL GOVERNMENT makes up false evidence and federal courts is NAZI GERMANY

[@edwardmiessner6502]

@@streetwisepioneers4470 Your concerns are well founded. I had a disgusting interaction with someone 25 years ago and he kept saying, "Why _shouldn't_ they be r@ped in prison?" 🤢🤮

[@SLR777i]

❓What's the solution when the cops who are supposed to protect you the citizens-taxpayers, become public enemy terrorist with Qualified Immunity from prosecution?

[@dashboardkid21]

they were never established as peace keepers or protectors of the people. they keep the peace of wealthy white folks and protect their private property. organize!

[@Skyhors3]

Citizens' Arrest, 2A.

[@gallectee6032]

@@Skyhors3 They will probably kill you if you try that.

[@Johnconno]

The police aren't meant to protect you.

[@MartintheTinman]

Copper Jacketed Lead

[@1Stonerock]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! This is a far greater problem than most people know. Too many people become cops for the wrong reasons.

[@ramongonzales2292]

How unjust the US is. Amazing…!

[@jimcocke]

Police should be treated exactly the same as everybody else on legal and criminal matters

[@John-ow2mw]

The police should be liable for beating people up and killing. And cities should not be allowed to by ass kicking and killer cop insurance because with out penalty cops have no incentive to change their attitude and behavior.

[@loninappleton]

Recently I was watching and old crime film on You Tube. The frustrated central character was in a scene where he wants to leave his job as detective. His superior responds, paraphrasing, 'You know if you leave the force you become one of the little people.' I was very taken with the remark since it was from from the 50s or so.

[@AlternativeHomesteading]

Excellent interview. Thank you.

[@CyberspacedLoner]

Liberty and Justice for Some

[@GregoryJWalters]

Super discussion! Thank you

[@regcrowder9010]

Thank you! Well done. 😊

[@davidwillis5016]

Thank you for the work you do OTVO

[@adamgorelick3714]

I knew a woman whose ex-husband, a Canadian citizen and black, was stopped by U.S. police for no apparent reason. He happened to be a successful person who was driving a Maserati at the time and several cops approached him with guns drawn and the usual Stormtrooper {Nazi} screaming of orders. Was this an example of "Probable Cause" or "Reasonable Suspicion" ? Just today a cop in California was shot in the arm by a suspect who fled. When he is enviably found, police vigilante "justice" would be predictable - or a huge sentence. What happens when a cop murders an unarmed {usually black} person ?

[@MartintheTinman]

They get extra Doughnuts

[@ronrhea2001]

Only an insane, sick,, and evil society would protect roaming Gestapo soldiers to have so much protection that they must practically go on a mass murder spree to be held accountable.

[@eric_a_]

If an officer doesn't have probable cause how can they have reasonable suspicion

[@gordongarrett6229]

End Qualified Immunity for government thugs and hold them accountable for crimes against innocent citizens. Overturn Terry v Ohio as well. We The People Insist.

[@Caffein780]

We need to change these laws. In the highest courts in the nation.

[@barrysims9906]

Face it. They are out of control. We are screwed.

[@n0rg]

Compared to your tirade on Late Night Comedians, I can really support this take on police abuse. They really need to be held accountable like the rest of us.

[@chgojack1]

So true. I'm a disabled veteran. My neighbor's dog had bitten. When I complained, my neighbor ruined my life. His son in law is a Shitcago cop, they put me under false arrest 3 times, had the cops beat me, had me evicted, drove me to homelessness. I lost most of my possessions. It was a nightmare

[@johnanderson591]

The old , poor , marginalized are always at a disantavantage. The powerful will never be treated like that. ..😮

[@katiekane5247]

I maintain it's economic forces that drive the cop safety above all else. Cop gets hurt, insurance pays. Civilian, doubtful there's even a lawsuit, if the victim recovers anything, it comes out of tax funds. Can we not see how this affects training, policy & outcomes? Now with military equipment & attitude, we've become the enemy.

[@nopt1118]

They've "served" in Iraq, Afghanistan etc, they tortured, killed, they are tainted and psychologically sick. They bring this violence back home. They are given battle-grade weapons to police the population. They have immunity. They can do as they please.

[@hungmeow8284]

Yes if you don’t belong to either major party you are also considered a domestic enemy. The democrats consider Trump supporters like some of my relatives who are Asian and veterans like myself as DOMESTIC enemies. I was a victim of the feds and these cowards like DHS and FBI visited me Jan 2021 and Mar 2022 over speech on youtube over NAZI JOE BIDEN and democrats. I am a combat retired disabled veteran that lives 2 hrs from the cities in the mountains of Idaho. I left CA to get away from the police state only to end up in another police state. I went from a blue to s red state. Both parties red and blue love their FASCIST POLICE. The feds tried to tie me with Jan 6 which was started by democrats under Pelosi. I don’t belong to either party and I do not protest and I have not left Idaho since moving here in 2018 as of Mar 2022. I never been to the North East Coast like DC. CAN YOU SEE THE FASCISM in the courts and their police? This is NAZI GERMANY we have been living the past 30 yrs even though it started in 1871

[@blackfreud9048]

I thought 'ignorance of the law was not a defense! Negligence is criminality in lethal situations.....

[@gortnicktu3177]

To understand just how out of control the police/community disfunction is, consider the case of a smaller rural, low-crime locality with serious homeless/housing problems amidst budget shortfalls. The median income in that community mostly matches th national average. The police are paid three times the median, until recently when the conservative city council approved a 20% pay increase. None of this redounds to the community's benefit and yet there it is.

[@edmike54]

In order to get a conviction in cases that the cops lack enough evidence to get a guilty verdict they just lock a person up, wake them up day after day at 2am in the morning and just let them sit the whole day in a holding cell in an effort to break them down and in some instances they will juice up other inmates to click on them over and over until that person gets tired an just signs a plea deal just to get out of jail (many of whom are actually innocent of what they are being charged with) this is one of the main reasons they do not want people with a conviction on juries simply because those people know all the unlawful tricks the just-us system uses to obtain a conviction...

[@BillyBasd]

Of course all that goes away if you can ransom yourself. Sorry post bail/bond

[@jean6453]

Wow, I learned a lot from this conversation. Thank you both so much ! How are we ever going to fix this mess? I am not hopeful.

[@michaelkay7999]

“If the individual is no longer sovereign, if the police can pick him up whenever they do not like the cut of his jib, if they can seize and search him at their discretion, we enter a new regime.” Justice as William O. Douglas’ words were prophetic. We are living in that new regime! We can be detained and or arrested for any reason or no reason at all.

[@fernly2]

TY, Beautiful Chris, for having this great truthteller on . I’ve ordered her book and tried to review. Law and order must be funded including the best training to help our citizens. Lately a couple police officers found an unconscious man under a park table near me. They roused him, asked if he was OK and left. No evidence of knowing how to help an injured man. I am simply floored at the level of competence.

[@joeanthony7759]

You mean "incompetence". But cops aren't supposed to be social workers. However, that does not excuse the fact that many lack intelligence and decency. Both attributes would go a long way if they were required attributes for becoming a police officer.

[@dansonthetube]

Another excellent CHR for TRNN 👏

[@OffShoreSniper]

Somehow got this in my recommendations. Glad I stuck it out. I like this lady. Very informative video.

[@christopherjordan2890]

This is just disgusting how out of control this has gotten, and to think it all started with qualified immunity, the concept of frivolous lawsuits bankrupting poor officers just doing their job, when there has been no evidence to show that this was ever a possibility. And how it has grown into this huge machine since then - should make it very clear to every American that we live in a police state. I bet if the Supreme Court at the time knew it would become what it is today, they would all have taken a very different stance on qualified immunity. It is clear to any individual with common sense that at the very least these lawsuits should be coming out of the police budget, if not from the officers directly. Why should the taxpayers suffer, and especially those without political power as her work has shown, when often those are the communities being violated most often.

[@mulengroak4687]

Eliminate qualified immunity for ALL violations of constiturional rights. Next, make law enforcement carry malpractice insurance just like doctors, no insurance, no job. Also, make Brady reporting mandatory for law enforcement, allow common citizens to Brady list cops, and make appeals subject to citizen review.

[@averayugen7802]

Never knew this story, sure didn't learn it in junior high. Never learned it at all. But personally speaking ALL of them should be FIRED today. My life was ruined in 1986 by this CRIMINAL MOB and then the whole CRIMINAL diabolical system after I was a domestic violence crime victim

[@darrell8167]

The question is is why has the cops been allowed to even go this far who told him that it's okay to act this way towards the citizens to begin with

[@streetwisepioneers4470]

Group dynamics.

[@TENNSUMITSUMA]

​@@streetwisepioneers4470explain!

[@MartintheTinman]

Watch the video and listen to what was said

[@helifynoe9930]

Imagine hopping from country to country as a huge vacation plan. When in the airplane about to leave one airport, you notice that the pilot and co-pilot are talking to passengers. So you ask the person sitting next to you, who seems to be from that country, what is going on. The person then informs you that here, in this country, the pilot and co-pilot select passengers who are then to fly the airplane. Immediately, you panic. The professionals are NOT going to fly the plane, but mere citizens will instead. Now picture yourself in court. You did NOT commit a crime, but here you are in court. Your lawyer, the pilot, supports you, but there is another lawyer, a suicidal co-pilot, who is against you. But not to worry, because the average inexperienced citizens, the jury, are going to fly your case.

[@janetbusener6634]

File charges against violent cops with the local DA office.

[@krischanlive]

She knows her stuff, very interesting, thanks yall

[@daviscd6837]

This is the case for Defund The Police.

[@ronniebuchanan6575]

We don't need to completely defund but overhaul training and the system do away with qualified immunity or make very stringent rules that can take away qualified immunity if they violate our rights or use excessive force.

[@n0rg]

Also, the police are virtually the only org that removes someone from service with paid leave during an investigation. No other company I know does that. Some of these recent cases where someone is said to have done something (remember innocent until proven guilty) are fired before an investigation ensues because of fear.

[@madcat61207]

When I heard her interview on NPR, I got Shielded on audiobooks, and then listened to it while driving. It was a great follow up to Rise of the Warrior Cop, Mafia Democracy, and 1984.

[@boombot934]

Thank❤🌹🙏 you, Joanna Schwartz and Chris Hedges! System is rotten to the bone😢

[@richardpeel6056]

If it were thought that many attempts to hold police officers accountable were frivolous why was it also thought that those same police officers would lose in open court and have to pay compensation? If frivolous cases against the police actually win in open court they may be fairly minor but they prove that police officers are not competent to serve the public. Police officers that do not serve the public are public enemies!

[@darrell8167]

Well if this behavior from the police continues to get worse than I suggest that the citizens start arming themselves and protecting their rights as an American citizen with our constitution behind us

[@hungmeow8284]

That is why you never obey any GUN LAWS or any laws that violate your BILL OF RIGHTS ( 10 ) and your CIVIL/HUMAN RIGHTS. You have an equal right to kill the police. The courts and governments gives special rights to police which is tyrrany and unconstitutional but the courts do not obey the US CONSTITUTION.

[@johnanderson591]

Good luck 😮

[@TENNSUMITSUMA]

I had to fast scroll for 60 seconds before finding this comment, the only solution that will work!

[@darrell8167]

@@johnanderson591 you're a big wussy

[@painkillerjones6232]

The judge is right!! I guess our mayor thinks she is above the law..And By the way, when has Planned Parenthood EVER helped anyone plan for parenthood???

[@andrewsirkis9114]

Excellent and informative interview

[@jeffreyjackson5229]

They have become that way because something big, really big, is coming, and the powers that be don't want the legal system to be enmeshed with litigation that will result when law enforcement has to use measures to quell it. This is bigger than what most think or know.

[@darrelrhyne4332]

Qualified immunity has to go 🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@JD-yz4kr]

In other words, in the American system, you have to be lawless to implement the law. You also have to wage war to obtain peace. Only rich men can solve the problems of the poor. Bad is good and good is bad.

[@dahui2085]

Listening to this tells me, we the people have no real recourse. It scares me.

[@BigFatAndWhite]

Im white. And a big guy. And ive beem perceived as a threat to law enforcement on several occasions. Especially when armed with a camera

[@karengrice2303]

We have the technology. Laws should be put into place to make body cameras mandatory for ALL police officers. When they were first rolled out, I thought that would happen but it hasn’t.

[@denisconor648]

Great stuff.

[@charlenef.9055]

😢😢 thanks for sharing and showing light how powers versus powerful versus powerless all can swarm one another and a victor prevail once the dust settles.

[@harrietjohnson1930]

Lord help us. 🙏🏾

[@caliss5715]

People need instructions on how to file for 1983, etc.. Local complaints can go ignored, etc.. Where to get forms?

[@gordm3527]

Chris, you deserve a Pulitzer every year, even though that award and the Nobel are shams. I’m reminded of a Netflix series on Waco several years back (not the recent one). The police were moving in on the compound and the Captain was asked why they were being so heavy-handed? He replied: “In America the civilians outnumber law-enforcement 5000-1. If we don’t kick ass when we get the chance we’ll be overrun in a week.” Food for thought. Peace & blessings 🙏

[@helifynoe9930]

Also, have you been hearing much about doctors being sued. You ave no idea what cover ups are going on. I ended up with a drug induced illness. The drug was given to me by a doctor. This was then followed with 5 doctors working together making sure that I could not sue, even though that had not even crossed my mind due to me now doing everything I could just to barely stay alive. What they did, is unthinkable, unimaginable.

[@TheLosrodri]

Nice to hear an actually nuanced discussion about such a nuanced topic which, despite having received a ton of attention in the last 5-10 years, nevertheless always seems to be disgustingly oversimplified, on BOTH sides.

[@MrLafrontera]

But no one brings these problematic problems to the presidential candidates on the debates! Why??

[@crossroadspublishing5629]

Royer v. Florida tightened up the ability to frisk. He can pat down to search for weapons but can NOT go through pockets or car without probable cause or a warrant!

[@john_cockpit]

I think the judge could have been more kind and say; god bless you to

[@maddogwillie1019]

If we don’t punish criminals we know to expect more crime…if we don’t hold law enforcement accountable we know they will become unaccountable…we need tougher law on criminals and tougher laws on police accountability…if we don’t you won’t be able to tell the difference between cops and criminals

[@abumujahid5696]

What The Hell, WE can not tell the difference now so to say that only means that things will get worse and oh my that is a very hard thing to even imagine 😮

[@maddogwillie1019]

@@abumujahid5696 things are only going get worst…situation like this never get better

[@kingninewillnotreturnvilla2]

Our civilization is sick 🤪

[@donniekraus1273]

Not for long The people WILL rise up🇺🇸

[@edwardmiessner6502]

There's a case up before the Supreme Court that may give police officers an new absolute immunity, called King v Brownback. Basically what the government wants is to immunize federal and joint task force officers from being sued under Section 1983 or Bivens if, in the same lawsuit, a state law tort claim is brought against the federal government under the Federal Tort Claims Act whether or not the plaintiff wins or loses the tort claim.

[@marionmarcetic7287]

I Agree Completely With Joanna Schwartz!!! Having Had A Few Negative Experience's With PD Department's Myself.🌺🌺🌺🙏🙏🙏🇨🇦🇮🇱♾️🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🦅🗽‼️

[@deadave100]

How about a dose of truth about US Law Enforcement: 1) The Supreme Court has said that the police have NO DUTY to protect the public: Castle Rock v. Gonzales, DeShaney v. Winnebago County and Warren v. DC. 2) The Supreme Court has said that the police do not have to understand the laws they are sworn to protect: Hein v. North Carolina (For pesky citizens, the general rule is that 'ignorance of the law is not a defense') 3) The Supreme Court has said that the police can make "reasonable mistakes" even to the point of killing someone: Hein v. North Carolina (For pesky citizens, we have "Accountability", no immunity for us) 4) The Supreme Court has said that police are allowed to lie and be deceptive: Frazier v. Cupp (For pesky citizens, that is a crime) 5) After the Parkland School shooting, a Federal Judge ruled the Sheriif's office had no legal duty to protect students. (For pesky citizens, re-read Number 1) 6) Police 'can' issue ticket(s) for seatbelts, Jaywalking, ect, for OUR safety but 'can't' save our children from a active shooter while our children are in a Government school, cause of THEIR Safety. (The ONLY reason why the Border Officer went into Ulvade school was because his wife and child was in that school..other wise...he would of kept Parents from saving their own children with the other 400 Brave Officers). 7) The Police in the United States investigate themselves when something goes wrong and...surprise, surprise...they find that they did nothing wrong.

[@JS-pe7uc]

Theyd do well to remember that they aren't untouchable, and there's way more of us than them.

[@goldenvulture6818]

You meant to write "they'd"

[@frankvandalen6524]

​@Golden Vulture the apostrophe is understood to be there. Spell check isn't always what it is meant to be.

[@ivandafoe5451]

Unfortunately superior numbers are meaningless when all of the power and resources are in the hands of a legally protected minority.

[@SLR777i]

🌶️ Problem for you is that they're organised trained k¡||ers with bigger we@pons than you or us and they have qualified immunity from prosecution! Can you beat that? 🌶️2nd Ammendment's is a fanciful farce!

[@montanamayfield]

I have an indepth case study for the writer/ professor I will send her. This case spans 5 years investigating the Washington State police and how WSP handled a legitimate false arrest claim from a citizen.

[@kurtbogle2973]

There should be openings in Law Enforcement. Any honest person who wants law enforcement with with integrity should join the Force. Connection with the Officers who do have integrity, and work to bring the bought and paid for, Thugs with badges to justice! We the people must be willing to get up and do our part.

[@hassanal-mosawi4235]

Well said!

[@ciacutout]

Based on the following models, BROWNSHIRTS and GERMAN STAZI

[@goldenvulture6818]

Correction: East German Stasi

[@ciacutout]

@@goldenvulture6818 Yes you are correct....A Nazi is still a Nazi, no matter how you spell it....And when they are done with the brownshirts....look what Adolphe did to the FIRST brown shirts....

[@KEITHHAYES001]

Anybody see the protesters at Black Rock, arrested for blocking a road being given their Miranda rights? Me neither.

[@isaqkampp4044]

As one of my favorite musicians once put it: They want to give you the opportunity to give them the opportunity to do something bad to you"

[@helifynoe9930]

Take hospitals for instance. Hospitals just put one person aside, a nurse, rather than have the person arrested. Today, it is estimated that the actions of the nurse may have led to the deaths of up to 400 people. The hospitals involved said that they did this because if the news got out, it would effect their financial support system, meaning people would stop providing financial support..