Who Is Behind Police Unions? | NowThis

Summary

This special episode of 'Who Is?' delves into the role of police unions in the United States, particularly their unique power and influence amidst protests against systemic racism and police brutality. It highlights cases like George Floyd's murder and the controversial support police unions provide to officers involved in such incidents, often complicating accountability and reform. The script also examines the militarized training, political connections, and aggressive tactics of some union leaders, suggesting the need for a cultural shift within law enforcement.

Takeaways

• 🏙️ The state of Minnesota initiated an inquiry into the Minneapolis Police Department after the murder of George Floyd by a police officer.
• ✋ The death of George Floyd sparked global protests against systemic racism and police brutality, highlighting a pattern of Black individuals dying at the hands of the police.
• 🔬 A study revealed that Derek Chauvin, the officer responsible for Floyd's death, had been involved in multiple police shootings, indicating a broader issue of police conduct.
• 👮‍♂️ Police unions in the U.S. have a unique role compared to other public sector unions due to the militarized nature of police work and their ability to use lethal force.
• 💵 Elected officials are often tied to police unions through donations and campaign support, complicating the pursuit of accountability for police misconduct.
• 📜 A Reuters examination of police union contracts in 2017 exposed the challenges in holding police accountable for their actions.
• 🛡️ Bob Kroll, the former head of the Minneapolis police union, implemented a warrior-style police training approach, which was later banned by the city's mayor.
• 🐺 Patrick Lynch, known as the 'blue bulldog,' led the New York police union in supporting Officer Daniel Pantaleo, who was involved in the death of Eric Garner.
• 🚫 One of New York's police unions engaged in the controversial act of doxxing, posting the private information of Mayor Bill de Blasio's daughter on Twitter.
• 🆚 In Chicago, the head of the police union, John Catanzara, faced numerous misconduct allegations, some of which were substantiated, reflecting issues within the union leadership.
• 💰 Police unions have been known to raise funds for officers involved in high-profile killings, such as in the cases of Michael Brown and Freddie Gray, suggesting a systemic bias in support of their members.

Q & A

What triggered the nationwide and global protests against systematic racism and police brutality?

The murder of George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, by a white police officer Derek Chauvin, who knelt on his neck, sparked the protests.

What is unique about police unions compared to other public sector employee unions in the U.S.?

Police unions are unique due to the militarized role police have assumed in recent decades, which includes the power to use lethal force and implement unjust orders.

How are elected officials tied to police unions and what impact does this have on accountability?

Elected officials are tied to police unions through donations and campaign support, which makes holding police accountable for misconduct nearly impossible.

What was the role of Bob Kroll in the Minneapolis Police Department and how did his leadership affect the department?

Bob Kroll was the head of the city's police union, implementing warrior-style police training and being an outspoken supporter of President Trump. His leadership was controversial, with accusations of misconduct and racial bias.

What was the stance of the Minnesota State United Labor Unions Organized AFL-CIO President on Bob Kroll?

President Bill McCarthy released a statement calling for Bob Kroll to resign his post due to his controversial actions and statements.

Can you provide an example of police union support for an officer involved in a high-profile case?

In New York, the police union backed Officer Daniel Pantaleo, who killed Eric Garner with a chokehold, and the head of the union, Patrick Lynch, defended Pantaleo even after his firing.

What was the incident involving New York's police union and Mayor Bill de Blasio's daughter?

One of New York's police unions doxxed Mayor Bill de Blasio's daughter, posting her private information on Twitter and publicly threatening her during protests over George Floyd's murder.

What is the background of John Catanzara, the head of Chicago's police union, in terms of misconduct allegations?

John Catanzara has had 50 misconduct allegations against him, with 10 of those allegations sustained, indicating a violation of policy or procedure.

How did the police union in Ferguson respond to the murder of Michael Brown by Darren Wilson?

The police union in Ferguson raised over $200,000 for Darren Wilson, the officer who killed Michael Brown.

What is the suggested solution in the script for addressing the issue of police misconduct and the role of police unions?

The script suggests changing the culture of the officers themselves and reevaluating the role of police unions, which may include removing them from the labor movement if they continue to safeguard misconduct.

What was the impact of the study conducted by Reuters on police union contracts in 2017?

The Reuters study examined police union contracts and found issues that could hinder accountability and transparency in cases of police misconduct.