Unpacking the word “civilian” a bit… I urge everyone to please be mindful in its use.
Here in the U.S., police officers, law enforcement officers (LEOs), peace officers, etc. [at least AFAIK] are to sworn to uphold civil law.
The police ≠ the military.
The police are civilians themselves. Yes, they have a chain of command.
But.
Police are not sworn to obey a supreme commander of a or all armed forces.
I oppose militarization of police departments. It’s happening, but that doesn’t mean it’s ok. Or even in-scope given their own operating rules.
https://op-talk.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/08/17/drawing-the-line-between-soldier-and-cop/
Here’s what I guess is the oath that St. Louis Metropolitan Police Officers swear, or agree to, from their own web site:
http://www.slmpd.org/law_enforcement_code_of_ethics.shtml
Law Enforcement Code of Ethics
As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve the community; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the constitutional rights of all to liberty, equality and justice.I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all and will behave in a manner that does not bring discredit to me or to my agency. I will maintain courageous calm in the face of danger, scorn or ridicule; develop self-restraint; and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others. Honest in thought and deed both in my personal and official life, I will be exemplary in obeying the law and the regulations of my department. Whatever I see or hear of a confidential nature that is confided to me in my official capacity will be kept ever secret unless revelation is necessary in the performance of my duty.
I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, political beliefs, aspirations, animosities or friendships to influence my decisions. With no compromise for crime and with relentless prosecution of criminals, I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear or favor, malice or ill will, never employing unnecessary force of violence and never accept gratuities.
I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and I accept it as a public trust to be held so long as I am true to the ethics of police service.
…
Are there honest cops out there?
I believe so.
Are there bad cops out there ?
Yes.
What would the world look like now if LEOs actually did everything that this code of ethics outlined? Would our world be a better place?
What if honest cops had the backing of us “civilians” in calling out bad cops?
Would it look like this:
?
https://www.transparency.org/news/story/police_whistleblowers
?
?
?
I’ve noticed hero movies too numerous to count these days are superhero movies. Capes. Stretchy outfits. Superpowers. Cool stuff. Fun. Colorful. Amazing CGI and special effects. Fantasy. Distraction. Momentary respite, doubtless a relief from our troubled world.
You want some real hero shit?
Go be one.
If you would rather not, find a way to support real life people who against overwhelming odds and in the face of great personal danger and sacrifice, choose to be whistleblowers who actually call out IRL evil when they’ve seen it and give a damn.
Seems to be they are more superhero that the movie kind.
Is a better world possible?
We could sure benefit from people giving a damn.
All people.
Everywhere.
Often.
Here’s the process for making a complaint wrt the OP’s cops:
ETA: grammar
