A "Big Picture" Take

Have you ever felt that something is going on and you just couldn't put your finger on it? Some sixth sense making the hairs on the back of your neck prickle? Just thinking if you had one more piece, you might be able to see a bigger picture?

• We've noted over the past weeks of a number of previously justified shootings being re-opened.
• We've also heard rumors of some people being sent to Alternate Response (Callback) for some nonsense with the ISR's (still unconfirmed).
• There's an open CR on an officer who had an allegedly offensive bumper sticker on his car.

So we did what many coppers do - we went out for a beer to catch up with some old friends. And then we heard another rumor....and the nagging thoughts suddenly seemed a lot clearer.

• A bunch of scandals are being revisited. Large scandals.....scandals that never go away. Scandals quoted by types with axes to grind. Scandals where, even though the statute of limitations has run out on criminal charges, Official Misconduct (which doesn't have a statute of limitations) is a real possibility

And we think we've figured out at least a part of the end game:

• COPA is going to be launched near the end of September;
• COPA needs immediate legitimacy (the new "watchword");
• COPA knows the fastest and easiest way to "legitimize" themselves is to completely discredit IPRA.

To do this, COPA is revisiting shootings, scandals, complaints, anything at all that has a loose end. And they will loudly proclaim to the "community"

• "You were right all along! We are taking a second look at all of these old scandals/shootings/complaints and do you know what we are finding? Every allegation, every investigation, every so-called "justified" action taken by the police was tainted by IPRA's horrible investigations! Look at what we are going to do now!"

And do you know what they are going to do?

• Administratively Separate dozens, maybe scores, of cops.

Why else re-open shootings where no new information has come to light, no lawsuits have been filed or paid out? Cops who have been cleared are suddenly at call-back, or the subject of witch hunts. Cops who have come out on top of investigations or hearings are suddenly targeted for bumper stickers? It's a hunting expedition and coppers' heads are the prizes. You may have been within State Law, but the Administrative side? It's built to trip you up.

Furthermore, do you think those on the periphery of some of the more notable scandals - cops who were "cleared" or saved their own skins via political means - are in the clear? We don't. Official Misconduct can cost you your career and pension upon conviction, and it is a charge that is far easier to make stick. It's a lever to compel resignations.

Watch your backs.