I know police unions get a lot of flack, and I understand some of the reasons why they’re not great and can be (or just are) down right dangerous.
I guess my question boils down to wanting other peoples insights and opinions on police unions, preferably with reasons beyond “ACAB”. It’s easy to throw that out as a reason, and it’s not wrong currently, but it hopefully won’t be like that for all of existence.
I know a bit of labour history, I know cops in unions were doing union busting on behalf of whoever was hiring them. I know our current system of policing is built on racist ideals and laws, and I know currently the police system is not for the Everyman, but rather the ruling class.
I like to try and think about the way things can be, and I honestly see police unions having a place in the future for things like proper pay, work place safety and increased training, mandated mental health leaves, on staff therapist and mental health workers, etc. as opposed to how they operate now to keep the bastards in a job, and to keep the boat-rockers from succeeding.
I’d like to understand other perspectives, and for my own it’s along the lines that unions benefit all the workers who are in them, and a healthier police force would result in a healthier society.
Heck, if your opinion is that cops shouldn’t exist in any capacity and we all go at things like a free for all, I’d like to hear that too, just with some reasons and some thought beyond “ACAB” and “freedom”.