# Controversial encounters between law-enforcement and civilians - the omnibus thread #2

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread-2/912531>\
**Category:** The BBQ Pit\
**Created:** [June 23, 2020, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread-2/912531 "2020-06-23T20:29:26Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 146

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**Author:** ![Typo\_Negative](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/typo_negative/32/484_2.png) [@Typo\_Negative](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Negative)\
**Post date:** [September 11, 2022, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread-2/912531/2908 "2022-09-11T01:48:55Z")

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the FUCK???

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**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\
**Post date:** [September 11, 2022, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread-2/912531/2909 "2022-09-11T02:58:42Z")

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New here, are you?

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**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\
**Post date:** [September 11, 2022, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread-2/912531/2910 "2022-09-11T15:40:48Z")

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How about some cop on cop violence (aka friendly fire)

> **[Milwaukee police officer accidentally shoots another officer](https://www.fox6now.com/news/milwaukee-police-officer-accidentally-shoots-another-officer)**
>
> The officer sustained a non-fatal gunshot wound to his left leg.

I have to assume someone is lying when it’s stated “the officer’s firearm, which was in his holster, discharged one time striking the 41-year-old officer who was standing in the vicinity at the time of the discharge”. Whether the cop lied to whomever he spoke to about this or it happened somewhere else in the chain, I don’t know.  
It’s always been my understanding that part of the reason you use a holster is to make sure the trigger can’t be accessed and accidentally pulled. It’s why you should use a holster even if you’re going to keep it tucked into your waistband or keep it in your purse, you don’t want something catching on the trigger.  
On the assumption that this gun was issued to him by the MPD, I would assume it comes with the correct holster. So, how easy is it to accidentally discharge a weapon if it’s in your holster.

WAG: it wasn’t snapped/locked in, he was crawling around in the car, the gun shifted and he discharged it trying to push it back into the holster.

Side question that I keep meaning to ask. Years ago (10?) there was a case where a cop pulled over a vehicle, but instead of doing it the proper way, the cop went in front of the car and brake checked him. I got some traction for a little while, no doubt due to him having a dash cam, but then it disappeared.  
I can find articles about the initial incident, but I never saw any follow up. I assume nothing ever became of it.

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**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\
**Post date:** [September 12, 2022, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread-2/912531/2911 "2022-09-12T20:17:52Z")

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Turns out I was wrong about this, or rather, I jumped to a conclusion that’s not likely to be correct (still could be, though).  
Apparently the gun the MPD currently uses has a known issue of firing without the trigger being pulled. From what I’m reading, last year the police union told the city it intended to sue them since, even back then, it had already happened. Sounds like SIG Sauer is already being sued by other police departments for similar problems.  
Since this seems to be a not-unknown problem, I’m surprised any PDs would even bother with that specific gun. There’s a lot of guns to choose from, why this one?

Can you imagine how much worse it would be for the PD if an accidental discharge hit a civilian?

> **[Gun under fire: Is Milwaukee Police Department's gun flawed?](https://www.fox6now.com/news/gun-under-fire-is-milwaukee-police-departments-gun-flawed)**
>
> It is meant to protect, but is there a flaw with the gun carried by Milwaukee police? A Milwaukee police officer's gun went off in its holster on July 14 -- so how does something like that happen, and was it an accident, or something out of their...

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**Author:** ![Typo\_Negative](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/typo_negative/32/484_2.png) [@Typo\_Negative](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Negative)\
**Post date:** [September 12, 2022, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread-2/912531/2912 "2022-09-12T21:19:44Z")

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Its cheap? Salesman is someone’s nephew? Kickbacks?

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**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\
**Post date:** [September 12, 2022, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread-2/912531/2913 "2022-09-12T21:29:43Z")

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All of those, sure, but even if they wanted to go with SIG Sauer because that’s who’s gonna give them the kickbacks, they have [checks website] 50+ 9mm guns.  
I suppose it’s possible that if there was something going on behind the scenes that meant it had to be this specific gun. Maybe as a way to fix their [SIG Sauer] reputation??  
If that’s the case, I sincerely hope that anyone that knew (about this hypothetical deal) deals with the consequences from it.

I’m also if whoever chose the gun was aware of these documented issues (assuming it was possible for them to know). ISTM the choice is easy when picking between a gun that’s only shot people by accident a few times and one that’s never done it.

ETA, I have no idea if this problem happens with all/many of their guns or if it’s specific to this model, the P320.  
Also, to be fair to the MPD, it does appear to be used by quite a few police departments.

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**Author:** ![Rick\_Kitchen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rick_kitchen/32/522_2.png) [@Rick\_Kitchen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick_Kitchen)\
**Post date:** [September 15, 2022, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread-2/912531/2914 "2022-09-15T03:40:58Z")

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The notoriously corrupt Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department raided the homes of an anti-sheriff County Supervisor, and a member of the Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission. The article claims that the search warrant is blank, but signed by a judge who is associated with the Sheriff.

> **[Sheriff's Dept. Raids Homes of Supervisor Sheila Kuehl and Others](https://www.lamag.com/citythinkblog/sheriffs-dept-raids-homes-of-supervisor-sheila-kuehl-and-others/)**
>
> LASD investigators served search warrants to various enemies of Sheriff Alex Villanueva, who apparently says he's recused himself

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**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\
**Post date:** [September 15, 2022, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread-2/912531/2915 "2022-09-15T04:30:59Z")

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Dobie is gonna be _pissed_.

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**Author:** ![mordecaiB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mordecaib/32/7725_2.png) [@mordecaiB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mordecaiB)\
**Post date:** [September 16, 2022, 8:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread-2/912531/2916 "2022-09-16T08:40:19Z")

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> [@Rick\_Kitchen](#):
>
> The notoriously corrupt Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department raided the homes of an anti-sheriff County Supervisor, and a member of the Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission.

Even better, they also never informed the DA about the search and the DA has said if the warrant is contested, he will not defend it in court.

I don’t understand why there aren’t ongoing federal investigations into the LASO. There have been news stories for years about corruption and even that officers belong to a gang, sporting matching tattoos.

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**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\
**Post date:** [September 18, 2022, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread-2/912531/2917 "2022-09-18T12:29:35Z")

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I think this counts:

> **[Arizona Legislature won't defend law limiting police filming](https://news.yahoo.com/arizona-legislature-wont-defend-law-194634849.html)**
>
> The Republican leaders of the Arizona Legislature will not try to defend a new law limiting up-close filming of police that has been blocked by a federal judge, a decision that essentially ends the fight over the contentious proposal. Senate...

What a fuckin waste of time and money.

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**Author:** ![Typo\_Negative](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/typo_negative/32/484_2.png) [@Typo\_Negative](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Negative)\
**Post date:** [September 20, 2022, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread-2/912531/2918 "2022-09-20T23:46:51Z")

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The best way to be a criminal is to carry a badge.

> **[Kansas Police Officer Allegedly Preyed on Black Women and Girls for Years:...](https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/kansas-police-officer-allegedly-preyed-on-black-women-and-girls-for-years-terrorized-a-community/ar-AA1231vU?ocid=entnewsntp&cvid=6e8cc3a76f9e49ef8b2b1c28f67ad762)**
>
> Prosecutors allege that Roger Golubski, who retired in 2010, brandished a gun during some of his alleged crimes

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**Author:** ![QMatic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/aeb1de/32.png) [@QMatic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QMatic)\
**Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread-2/912531/2919 "2022-09-24T22:30:07Z")

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Cops leave suspect handcuffed in patrol car stopped on train tracks, ignore train whistle until…

[![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/vISSDzz079o/maxresdefault.jpg "8-minute video shows officer response, train hit woman in Platteville police car") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vISSDzz079o)

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**Author:** ![Projammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/projammer/32/559_2.png) [@Projammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Projammer)\
**Post date:** [September 25, 2022, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread-2/912531/2920 "2022-09-25T18:23:42Z")

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Followup coverage with a more descriptive video of the sequence of events.

[Video Shows Train Hit Officer’s Car with Suspect Inside](https://kdvr.com/news/local/video-shows-train-hit-officers-car-with-suspect-inside/)

The officer didn’t deliberately park on the tracks. He was just criminally negligent (imo).

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**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\
**Post date:** [September 25, 2022, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread-2/912531/2921 "2022-09-25T18:50:15Z")

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> [@Projammer](#):
>
> He was just criminally negligent (imo).

There was more than one officer at the scene, and not one of them thought to move the car that had the suspect in it. The suspect’s vehicle was secure: searching it could not have been such an overriding priority other than both/all the officers were intent on being “_I’m the one that found the thing/stuff!_” If the department incentivizes glory-grabbing, the flaw lies at least in part in department policy.

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**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\
**Post date:** [September 26, 2022, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread-2/912531/2922 "2022-09-26T01:08:49Z")

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Am I mistaken in thinking that their main focus after the train struck was to search her vehicle for incriminating evidence?

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**Author:** ![Typo\_Negative](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/typo_negative/32/484_2.png) [@Typo\_Negative](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Negative)\
**Post date:** [September 26, 2022, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread-2/912531/2923 "2022-09-26T16:16:27Z")

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You are not. Zero concern that they just killed a woman. Looking for something to justify it.

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**Author:** ![Typo\_Negative](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/typo_negative/32/484_2.png) [@Typo\_Negative](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Negative)\
**Post date:** [September 26, 2022, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread-2/912531/2924 "2022-09-26T17:18:51Z")

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This will cost them MANY millions and the jobs of most of the officers there.

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**Author:** ![HeyHomie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heyhomie/32/207_2.png) [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\
**Post date:** [September 26, 2022, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread-2/912531/2925 "2022-09-26T17:23:24Z")

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The first part, yes, undoubtedly. The second, not so much. In the unlikely event that a court doesn’t grant them qualified immunity, and in the unlikely event that they do get fired, their unions will get their jobs back for them. Failing that, they’ll just go to work at other departments.

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**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\
**Post date:** [September 26, 2022, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread-2/912531/2926 "2022-09-26T17:34:02Z")

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> [@Typo\_Negative](#):
>
> The best way to be a criminal is to carry a badge.

That headline reminded me of a local one that I don’t think has been mentioned here yet. There’s an officer that was busted, more than once, breaking into houses of people she knew were attending funerals at the time.

> **[In trouble again: Former Jefferson deputy accused of breaking into home,...](https://www.fox6now.com/news/in-trouble-again-former-jefferson-deputy-accused-of-breaking-into-home-stealing-hydrocodone)**
>
> Articles and videos about In trouble again: Former Jefferson deputy accused of breaking into home, stealing hydrocodone on FOX6 News Milwaukee | Wisconsin & Local Milwaukee News WITI.

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**Author:** ![Dr.Winston\_OBoogie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.winston_oboogie/32/2945_2.png) [@Dr.Winston\_OBoogie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Winston_OBoogie)\
**Post date:** [September 26, 2022, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread-2/912531/2927 "2022-09-26T17:50:26Z")

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> [@Joey\_P](#):
>
> That headline reminded me of a local one that I don’t think has been mentioned here yet. There’s an officer that was busted, more than once, breaking into houses of people she knew were attending funerals at the time.

We had a scandal in our town. In the 80s, if a semi was parked overnight at the local Sears, the police would come over with the paddy wagon and empty the semi.

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