Introduction

The question of whether American police officers are endowed with too much authority has been a subject of intense debate. The belief is not that they are formally endowed with excessive power, but rather that many police personnel often believe and act as if they possess more authority than is warranted. This essay explores the extent of police authority, the lack of proper oversight, and the impact on civil rights.

Police Authority and Training Issues

Police officers in the United States are often perceived as having an imbalanced amount of power. Their training typically lasts only a couple of months, and they are equipped with firearms, less-lethal weapons, and badges, before being deployed into the community. In contrast, becoming a barber or other profession can take several years of education and training. This disparity contributes to the perception that police officers are given too much authority.

Furthermore, the lack of personal growth and adult-like behavior in police training does not adequately prepare officers for the complexities of their roles. Internal Affairs and judges may cover up the wrongdoings of police, leading to a system where police are allowed to act without accountability, often at a spoiled 2-year-old level with the use of firearms and live ammo. This creates a bad example for those who observe the behavior of police officers.

Lack of Oversight and Civil Rights Violations

One of the most critical issues is the lack of proper oversight. This environment allows police officers to overstep their authority and bully individuals in ways that violate civil rights. Civil rights, which used to be emphasized in schools, are now often not taught, making it easier for officers to exploit ignorance and violate these rights.

A notable area of concern is the use of vehicle stops and the methods employed by law enforcement during these interactions. Officers often lie to justify stops, such as claiming to have an eyewitness or evidence that might not be true. Media shows like 'Live PD' have normalized this behavior, with police frequently using the claim of smelling marijuana as a pretext to search vehicles. In many cases, police dogs are brought to the scene, and the handlers are often seen giving subtle signals to the dogs to find evidence, making the dog's "hit" almost unavoidable.

These practices not only undermine public trust but also violate the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. The lack of transparency and the inherent bias in these practices further exacerbate the issue.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is apparent that the current system of police authority and oversight in the United States is flawed. While the question of formal endowment of authority remains complex, the substantial belief that many police officers act as if they have more power than is warranted is a significant cause for concern. Addressing the training, oversight, and accountability of police officers is essential to ensuring the protection of civil rights and the maintenance of public trust in law enforcement.