The Real Reason Police Unions Enable the Worst Cop Abuses

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http://www.alternet.org/civil-liberties/real-reason-police-unions-enable-worst-cop-abuses



There is no greater symbol for excesses in American policing than the unending tirades by Patrick Lynch, New York City Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association president, in his war of words, work slowdowns, displays of disrespect, insubordination and complaints lapped up by right-wing media about NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration.

But there might be a cynical method behind the madness of Lynch’s ever-escalating feud that has not been widely covered. This loudmouth union leader may be trying to bully his way into a better deal for his 24,000 members after not having a contract for four years. Amid his tirades about City Hall not showing sufficient respect, he has said that raises recently accepted by eight other city uniformed officer unions were not good enough for him.

“Compared to our fellow police officers, we are the lowest paid,” Lynch said last month, frowning on the announcement that eight other New York City unions—including police detectives, lieutenants, captains and wardens—accepted an 11 percent raise over seven years. He’s recently added that the city has a “moral obligation” to correct pension “injustice.”

Lynch’s advocacy is so selfish and cartoonish that it eclipses serious issues facing police in New York and nationwide. Namely, what can be done to reform a police culture that too readily embraces excess suspicion and force—from racial profiling, to pre-emptive arrests (both of which de Blasio pledged to stem), to protecting cops who kill unarmed people, to local police using military weapons at protest and during drug raids.