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Psychiatrist. We're rather sensitive about the distinction (given we are MDs and psychologists are PhDs...completely different training),
I deal with police all the time. They have a tough job, no doubt. I don't envy there position much of the time. But so do I....so do all professionals that have lives in their hands. They are given a great deal of authority (as are psychiatrists/doctors) and with that comes a great deal of responsibility. From my perspective, they've come a long way in even the years since I have been in training/practice in terms of training for conflict resolution, dealing with difficult or mentally ill citizens...often with training that became mandated only because of an incident or repeated incidents of inappropriate force. And I've seen many instances of restraint and good/appropriate engagement by police with what I'd consider professional and understanding attitudes toward people. However, I've also seen many instances of excessive force, poor attitudes and treatment of citizens (in my experiences, primarily severely mentally ill), the "John Wayne" power-tripping authority types and complete disregard for the people they are entrusted to protect. All too often. And the internal code of protection they get from superiors, etc, even when their offenses are egregious is concerning. There is too much protection for them in my opinion to engage in inappropriate, excessive force/abuse of their authority...with little consequence. Typically a slap on the wrist or a paid suspension at worst.
Again, completely erasing the race issues (which absolutely exists and are a factor)...that completely aside, the (growing) power and authority of police, coupled with the increasing militarization of police should be a major concern for citizens. All citizens. Then the fact that there is clear and overwhelming evidence that specific groups/classes are targeted disproportionately should also concern us all. They're tasked to serve and protect us...not intimidate and harm us by putting themselves in inappropriate situations and resorting to lethal violence. They serve us, not the other way around.
This post was edited on 12/4 7:24 PM by Gergs
Psychiatrist. We're rather sensitive about the distinction (given we are MDs and psychologists are PhDs...completely different training),
I deal with police all the time. They have a tough job, no doubt. I don't envy there position much of the time. But so do I....so do all professionals that have lives in their hands. They are given a great deal of authority (as are psychiatrists/doctors) and with that comes a great deal of responsibility. From my perspective, they've come a long way in even the years since I have been in training/practice in terms of training for conflict resolution, dealing with difficult or mentally ill citizens...often with training that became mandated only because of an incident or repeated incidents of inappropriate force. And I've seen many instances of restraint and good/appropriate engagement by police with what I'd consider professional and understanding attitudes toward people. However, I've also seen many instances of excessive force, poor attitudes and treatment of citizens (in my experiences, primarily severely mentally ill), the "John Wayne" power-tripping authority types and complete disregard for the people they are entrusted to protect. All too often. And the internal code of protection they get from superiors, etc, even when their offenses are egregious is concerning. There is too much protection for them in my opinion to engage in inappropriate, excessive force/abuse of their authority...with little consequence. Typically a slap on the wrist or a paid suspension at worst.
Again, completely erasing the race issues (which absolutely exists and are a factor)...that completely aside, the (growing) power and authority of police, coupled with the increasing militarization of police should be a major concern for citizens. All citizens. Then the fact that there is clear and overwhelming evidence that specific groups/classes are targeted disproportionately should also concern us all. They're tasked to serve and protect us...not intimidate and harm us by putting themselves in inappropriate situations and resorting to lethal violence. They serve us, not the other way around.
This post was edited on 12/4 7:24 PM by Gergs
