Apparently getting fired from the Memphis police department requires embarrassing its leadership. Yesterday, four months after a police officer beat a non-threatening person in custody who was in a waiting area, the department got around to an administrative hearing and fired the officer.
The incident was recorded on video and found its way into public view last week.
A department spokesperson said the department doesn't rush such things because it doesn't want to embarrass an officer. Apparently when the brass gets tarnished, the real action happens.
Firing the officer was an important first step, but it's only a first step. The incident took place in an area in full view of other police personnel. No one stepped forward to stop the violence. For the rest of us, that would make us accomplices. For police officers, who are sworn to uphold the law and protect the public, it's unacceptable.
City and police leadership need to make it clear that civil rights, civil liberties and legal protections will be afforded to all citizens and that violence is only to be used when necessary to protect the public's or police officer's safety.
If the Memphis police department wants respect, it first needs to show that it believes in justice.
-- Jim Grinstead
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