Why the US military usually punishes misconduct but police often close ranks (theconversation.com)

Article summary

The US military and police have different approaches to handling misconduct, with the military generally punishing wrongdoing and the police often closing ranks to protect their own. This difference is attributed to the military's emphasis on organizational loyalty and accountability, as well as its internal justice system. The article suggests that the police culture of loyalty to fellow officers can lead to a 'blue wall of silence' that prevents misconduct from being reported or addressed. The military's system, on the other hand, prioritizes following lawful orders and holding individuals accountable for their actions.

Main themes

• Military vs Police Culture
• Accountability and Justice
• Use of Force
• Police Training and Protocols
• Gun Control and Safety
• Policing and Danger
• Organizational Loyalty

What commenters say

• The difference in approach between the military and police can be attributed to the military's emphasis on following lawful orders, whereas police are only obligated to follow reasonable orders.
• The presence of guns in the US contributes to the danger faced by police officers, but it is not the only factor and may not be the primary reason for police violence.
• Disarming the police could potentially reduce the risk of gunfights and promote de-escalation techniques, but it may also leave officers vulnerable to armed threats.
• The job of policing is often portrayed as more dangerous than it actually is, with many tasks being routine and bureaucratic rather than high-risk.
• The idea of disarming the police is not practical, as it would leave them unable to respond effectively to armed threats and would require significant changes to their training and protocols.
• The use of body armor by police officers is not a substitute for firearms, as it may not provide adequate protection in all situations and may not allow officers to effectively respond to threats.
• The perception of policing as a high-risk job may be exaggerated, with many officers spending most of their time on routine tasks rather than responding to violent crimes.
• The culture of policing can contribute to the 'blue wall of silence', where officers prioritize loyalty to their colleagues over accountability and justice.