Protect and serve

well maybe they should go back to the old beat cop ways and walk the streets. an a little kick in the rump to check their attatuides at the door before they step out of the station. walking the town for a few months should stop them from thinking everyone is under them. just because you enforce the law does not mean you are the law.

Don't know why you people would find this suprising. If you've ever been the victim of police brutality you would understand. Just because you only see police beating and shooting black people on video doesn't mean it only happens a few times a year. It happens every day, all day. We need a justice system that will prosecute bad cops and give them long jail sentences. The same fear whites feel when they drive down carjack alley is the same fear blacks feel when ever a cop is around. What happen to Ryan Moats last week makes it hard to feel sorry for any police officers who dies in the line of duty.

Cops should have to do:
4 years of college
Go through mental evaluations.
Take at leastt 20 lie detector test.
Go through back ground checks.
Drug testing of all kinds (even steriods)
All police cars should have dash cams.

Let me get this straight, it was ok to kill the cops because blacks in Oakland have a right to be afraid of law inforcement. In the case of Oscar Grant the cops had no right to be on hightened alert because of the violence that is so prevelant in Oakland. I've seen the video of the Oscar Grant killing, yes it was an awful and a young man lost his life, however I believe that the office was going for his taser gun. In the case of the four police officers, Oakland lost four dedicated public servants to the evilness of an idividual who didn't belong amongst the general population. He is the reason we have the death penalty and prisons. Only his family will mourn his passing.

How sad that now a days it's fear that keeps us from justice. Fear that the law will not protect us and fear that those that control the streets will find us. When did it become this way? When will it stop? It's heart breaking that 5 people, the victims as well as the accusser, all lost their lives. People...learn from this. Speak up and start caring about your saftey as well as your neighborhoods. Others control the streets because we allow them to and we fear the police because of their authority. Things should start changing. If not for us then for our children that will soon grow up.

I think it's really difficult for people to feel safe when there are still "snitch killings" going on in the United States. No one is safe from harm, even if a suspect is in jail – the capabilities of inmates nowadays are outrageous. If they want a person dead, they could have it done.
People don't snitch because they don't want to end up being the one dead on the street corner. And in broad daylight nonetheless. And on top of that, it's hard for the police to prove that this suspect in another murder killed them (regardless of whether they physically did it or not), because they are already in jail awaiting trial. Perfect alibi.

Jamie, absolutely right. For too many years we have been forced to tolerate thugs and bullies on the police forces who might better have been housed in prison. It is not just in the cities. Here in rural America there two sets of rules: one set for the rich and well connected and an altogether harsher set for the rest of us. We need to stop ignoring cops who commit crimes while in uniform. Instead of a slap on the wrist, criminal penalties should be doubled for those who use the uniform as if it were a billy club.

Jamie, absolutely right. For too many years we have been forced to tolerate thugs and bullies on the police forces who might better have been housed in prison. It is not just in the cities. Here in rural America there two sets of rules: one set for the rich and well connected and an altogether harsher set for the rest of us. We need to stop ignoring cops who commit crimes while in uniform. Instead of a slap on the wrist, criminal penalties should be doubled for those who use the uniform as if it were a get out of jail free card.

We can rebuild that relationship between the police and the community by reporting crime. Yep, that's right, REPORT it-stop protecting criminals that make the streets unsafe for you and your children! I'm from a tough area too and you need to speak up or it will stay that way, don't let the criminal element take over. Start a revolution in your neighborhood by joining together for safety in numbers to fight back with determination and strength. Violence doesn't have to be a part of life, speak up!

Bulldoze the entire city.That would be a start

The people who did not call 911 are cowards. And the 20 or so idiots at the first scene who taunted police, they are the lowest form of scum there could be. The community is the problem not the police. True Americans stand up and do the right thing.

Oh this is just great! These people should be prosecuted also. All they had to do was call 911 and leave the house.

"But for folks to call 911, they have to feel safe, not just from criminals, but from the cops themselves. That’s why, to stop the violence, we have to rebuild the relationship between the police and the communities they protect and serve." Is it the cops that folks are afraid of, or retaliation from their neighbors for being known as a "snitch"? And if it is the cops, is that fear rational? Maybe I'm wrong, but your exiting remark makes it seem like you believe the onus is on the cops to mend that relationship. Why is it that WE have to rebuild that relationship, and not the communities who are being protected and served?

If you ask around, I think 95 percent thinks cops are not your friends. Have you met any cops that are nice? Once the batch is on them, they acted and treated the community as though they ruled the town. I have yet to meet a nice cop yet. Sorry that I have to say this.

Although, I don't think any cops desrved to be shot. They are human and also have family. I wish every child that grows up wanted to become a cop. Most parents would tell their kids, if you don't do this, I will get the cop to get you. Bad sign from the beginning. Cops need to do a better job trying to relate to the community. From al lthese videos that the cops beat up people, it doesn't look good at all. A relationship needs to be built. Doing more with the community.

Yes Jami the relationship between general population and the cops needs to be rebuilt but , the people don`t respect the police when the police don`t respect them. There are so many times that police beat on people because they think their above the law. One simple example is a cop driving through town 50-55 mph in a 40 mph zone. that`s how accidents happen and their supposed to set an example for us. I have a police scanner on 24/7 at my house and we really get an ear full. It`s

The only thing I can say about these comments is "What???!!"

How can you dare say that the "no snitch" rule is the reason why they did not call the cops.

What if their houses were on fire? I bet they would drop that no snitch rule really quick.

Sorry to break this to you, but the only people who are afraid of the cops are either criminals or friends of criminals. I doubt the elderly in that community have a problem calling the cops.

**Come on people this is not Communist Russia, North Korea, East Germany, China, or Mexico.

That's such a load of crap. The community isn't afraid of the cops. They are afraid of the criminals and that's why they don't report crimes. Because, if they did, the fear retribution from the criminals. And why isn't anyone protesting and rioting over the murders of the police officers. Where are the "community leaders" rialling up the masses? Double standards. Makes me sick. These communities deserve no more than they give.

I don't know the whole story and I am not saying these cops deserved what they got, but, there are a LOT of dirty policy officers whom abuse minorities every day and get away with it. Maybe this is payback.
Signed,
Been A Victim Of The Police

I watched protests done in the streets against the police and for this killer and it made me sick and very sad.
People no matter our color we need to do the right thing. This scum bag chose to kill 4 officers and then was killed. End of story.

God Bless these officers and their families they are the victims

WOW This saddens me. Those guys are out there to protect us and you guys just sit on your tush AND DO NOTHING BAD BAD BAD!!!!!
IN my day I had run ins with them. I'm older and wiser now. I know that there are badcops out there. However there are much more good cops just doing their job. You guys SUCK UP THERE!!!!!

The bottom line is that not wanting to be a snitch is not a good enough excuse. Those that did not call need to imagine how they would feel if it was their loved ones. They would be the first to blame the police department for not responding. Can't have it both ways.

The citizens in Oakland do not trust the police. Bart, San Francisco and all of the Bay Area. Police are crooked.

Interesting...however, which is it? At first it sounds like due to the neighborhood they live in, they are afraid to "snitch" but then they're afraid of the police and calling the police to their neighborhood? It was a complete outrage that the black people of this area took to the streets in favor of the killing of these officers as reported on the news. A random cop that happens to kill a black person (or person other than white), does not warrant this behavior and it's unfortunate when individuals have such a lack of moral quantitative judgement that they feel that they are justified in behaving this way. The equivalent of shooting someone because they stepped on your new tennis shoes. Shouldn't the rest of the population of the area be able to riot for a couple days because the 4 officers were killed??? That would seem fair or equal, according to this code of conduct. It's terrible when someone, no matter the race, gets killed, whether on purpose or accidentally and by policeman or whomever. That doesn't give carte blanche to cheer when a cop gets killed and it's just common decency to call the police when an evil-doer such as Mixon hides in your neighborhood. Police aren't perfect and if individuals helped to make their own areas better, then there would be much less force needed to have peace.

Rebuild the relationship between the police and these communities? Really, was there ever one?

Okay, do you not see how flawed this "no snitch" rule is? Ignorance breeds ignorance.
It is no wonder there is more senseless killings everyday, if you continue to allow these killers free reign eventually you will be a victim.
I read day after day of young black females being killed by jealous boyfriends, acquaintances with rap sheets full of violent crime. How does any sane person believe police can help you if you first don't help yourself? Most recently I read of a young Mother coming home to a dead baby and sleeping boyfriend. He couldn't sleep because the baby was up, he didn't work the Mother of the baby supported him. That's how he thanked her, and got a good nights sleep.
If these same people who have hid them were to be robbed, shot , stabbed they would expect the police to make their case priority because after all they are now a victim.
You make yourself just as guilty as the person who commits the crime when you help them.
We should lobby for a no 911 rule. If you are known to have harbored an individual, no emergency help will assist you. After all you seem to know best how to handle these types of people, so handle it.

I want to say that the slaying of four police officer's no matter what color is way out of bounds and for anyone to make a decision like that whether they were in the right frame of mind or not, should have realized the scope of what the fallout would be behind such an act. The fact that every time someone wants to report a crime someone screams out the word "snitch" obviously will not help get anything solved, the fact that when someone does want to report something and their names get out in public they are either ridiculed, ostracized, or perhaps worse (if the wrong individuals find out) makes people feel like after they supply the much needed information they are just cast aside until they are needed further and when the trial is over they could care less what happens to the "informant". The irony is even some police officer's are repulsed when someone want's to report something they know and look at you like your a disgusting individual even though it could potentially help solve their case. I think the relationship between the police and the average citizen has got to start a mending process and there has to be a way to weed out the officer's that cross the line and put them where they belong....right with the criminals because at least a real criminal wouldn't be caught dead trying to hide behind the mask of a police officer and for that I give them a certain respect vs the officer that would intentionally go thru the academy and become an officer knowing they are just using the badge as a front.

Marginalized people (Hispanics, Blacks etc) will never succeed unless they change. "If nothing changes-nothing- changes" I live in the border city of Nogales, Az and I see first hand how people come to the USA to work and live but regretfully they bring their culture of entitlement that rich folks owe them, the goverment owes them etc. Their way of life does not change. I was born in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico and became a resident alien at age 8 and before I came to the USA my mother made sure that I spoke, read and wrote english, and that I respect the beautiful flag of the USA. I'm a veteran of the Vietnam Era with an Honorable Discharge, I did not run back to Mexico when I was drafted. I love, respect and protect my Country.

The police problem is all over the United States. The problem is good cops KNOW there are cops that are corrupt or have bad intentions and they dont turn them in or snitch on them. So just like citizens of the streets dont want to be a snitch neither do cops. Its a revolving door that never goes any where it just keeps revolving. We think that building a better relationship with citizens is the best answer, although it is a good solution to an ongoing problem, solving the issue will take one thing. We have to develop a system to test the compassion and common sense of the people we employ as officers and when they finally do that then the trust of the people will be gained. Perfect example: The cop who detained houston running back while is mother in law was on death bed. The RB was in no way a combatant nor a criminal nor was he attempting to commit a felonious act, the cop should have just let him go to see his mother before she died Its sickening, just like oscar grant, and everyone else that has been victimized by corrupt police officers, or as I call them Bullies with Badges. Why are they bullies? BECAUSE WITH A GUN AND A BADGE THAT MEANS YOU HAVE AUTHORITY TO DO WHAT YOU WANT and even your own cheif will support you publicly, what a message they send to the public.

Make whatever rationalization you like for Oakland's black community, but there's right and there's wrong, and shame on them if they can't step up and do the right thing. When are we going to stop trying to excuse the propensity for crime and violence? When are people going to accept responsibility for their actions? If East Oakland is an indicator, it's not happening any time soon.

This person selfishly took four lives before getting himself killed, thereby destroying five families in the process. And no one had the courage to pick up the phone because they didn't want to be called a "snitch." When Mr. Grant was tragically shot in the back while in police custody, dozens of citizens rightfully came forward, to the police, to the press, on YouTube, etc. So are they "snitchers?"
The murders of our first responders are equally as tragic as Mr. Grant's. I have heard plenty of apologists come forward in defense of Oakland's image. I have yet to hear a single resident say "People, we have a huge problem, and only we ourselves can fix it."
Ronno in NC
(formerly of L.A.)

well, they won't have snitch on this killer anymore

I think that it was a bad idea for the people not to call the police, but I think that they had every right not to call the police after what happened in January.

Hello, I am a 21yr. retired U.S. Army SFC, and I just want everyone in this country to know I am completely outraged ! about the situation with the young man that was stopped by one of Dallas's officers at the hospital. First of all, this is not an isolated incident ! This type of thing has been happening in and arround the Dallas metroplex for years. So I'm telling you that this entire incident was based on "race" and vanity. So for this city and state to resolve it's race division between whites and blacks, the officer that stopped this young man at the hospital need, and should be (fired) instantly. If not this may cause a serious outbrake of problems in this city and or state.....

Really Sad and pathetic that someone kills other's life's

Maybe it could help to increase the number of black cops serving along the white cops.

First of all, that is not the sentiments of most,and it is discouraging to here that with the loss of good lives last Saturday folks are still talking as if they knew why, or how this occurred. As a parent I am saddened by the fact that these fathers, and sons leave their families in emotional shambles. It breaks my heart that this has happened in my city. We all have jobs, they were doing theirs, You are not supposed to die for doing your job..

Sure. There are some bad apples in law enforcement but is that a logical reason to harbor a known murderer or to not be forthcoming with information about a crime? Not in my book.

This is unfortunate. My heart goes out the these officers and their families. This guy chose to live a life of crime and destruction. If he was my brother and I knew he was up to no good, I would have called 911, and dealt with the backlash from the family.

With that being said, wealthier neighborhoods aren't any better because most of them stay to themselves and do have a clue who's living next door. or what's going on next door. I've lived in both places and my home was invaded in a upscale neighborhood. 4 masked gunmen smashed my patio door and no one heard a thing...

I'm sorry that these lives were lost. But what about all the lives of the innocent ones that the police kills and justice is on their side. We don't think about that. As an African American citizen, I don't understand how justice works, but one thing I do see thoughout the USA our justice system does not work for us. This man is a known criminal who was dangerous, but with the past of our own people dying by the hands of police, we intend not to get involve at all. So, of course you're going have this gap between the police and the minority communities. We're afraid to get involve because we are treated like criminals also.

They should be ashamed of themselves. I hope they can live with the guilt!

What you describe does not justify any of this. Why does it have to be black vs white or white vs black. Where are these peoples morals? humanity? So instead of stepping up and doing the right thing they allowed two more human beings to die.
Your justification of these events in this article makes me sick!

If he had killed anyone from the neighborhood prior to his capture those same people who wouldn't call the police would have complained that the police should have done a better job of hunting him down. As an African-American myself, I don't understand the "logic."

Racist cops...I do not feel sorry for them

I say the police should stop patrols in areas where no snitching thrives. Let the community tear its self apart. Then when the people come begging for help, say, police should just say Sorry..cant help ya.

This hits close to home for me. To think that all of those innocent people just sat by while a gun weilding felon hid in their neighborhood. It doesn't have anything to do with trusting the cops. It has to do with the lifestyle they lead, whether they are tsuck there or choose to love it. They complain and want their neighborhoods safe for their children and themselves, but it woon't happen without the police. So I guess they are in a catch 22.

There is NO EXCUSE. "No snitch" rule is just ignorant.

First of all none of the cops were black, but they weren't all white either so I don't think this can be made into a racial statement. Mayor Ron Dellum has his hands full with a city full of ignorant people. The fact that Oakland's education is one of the lowest in California probably plays a huge role here, but that is no excuse for people not wanting to get involved. I live 15 minutes from Oakland and here we say those people are COWARDS. You couldn't pay me to live in a City that promotes or has vigils for a murdering rapist. Thats right you forgot to mention that the suspect raped a 12 year old girl the previous month. The residents of Oakland that don't get involved are just going to need to conform and be decent citizens or stop their bitching. OPD protects them in an area full of people that don't deserve it. Maybe the Mayor needs to bring in the National Guard and put East Oakland on LOCKDOWN!!

I used to live not too far from that area, just across the bay. This area has a huge amount of poverty and unemployment. Welfare is almost the rule and not the exception. High housing costs, low wages, poor housing conditions are almost everywhere. There has been a number of bad cops that have made it more difficult for all the good, honest, hardworking cops. The 'NO SNITCHING" unwritten rule is enforced by extreme violence dished out by the multitude of gangs who almost rule the streets and will kill without reason.

Illegal drugs, guns, prostitutes are plentiful, day or night. Crimes don't hardly rate very much press, unless it is very bad. The criminals roam with impunity and are almost immune from jail, having no real future job prospects, they don't really fear jail. The residents live with this fearful way of life every day because it's so difficunt for the average person to buy a gun to protect themselves from the thugs.

I know for sure that I would NEVER go even near that area without my concealed gun, and certainly NEVER at night for any reason.

And it is sad because it is actually a nice place to see and most of Oakland is NOT bad, in fact most of Oakland is really nice,it's just certain areas, that are bad . and most of the cops, like the 4 who were murdered by a felon, wanted on a no-bail warrant, and possesing illegal(for him, possessing a firearm by felon), are very dedicated, hardworking and trying to make a difference.

Thats how animals act in the Zoo

There is no excuse for harboring a murderer, black/white/other. What about communities taking responsibilities for themselves? This has become a country of 'it is not my fault' or 'it is someone else's problem'. Personal responsibility is a blasé notion and look where we are because of that. Stop making excuses! We are a lazy and disrespectful society that only points at everyone else. The common threads that we share needs to be more than ignorance and volatility.

Not "snitching" is something that you see in any collectivist society...and although the US would typically be considered "individualist," there are numerous "collectivist" subcultures that live within it. In collectivist societies there is immense pressure to not go against the grain...to not rock the boat. You say,

"But for folks to call 911, they have to feel safe, not just from criminals, but from the cops themselves."

I say, they also have to feel safe from everyone they live around if they snitch. Who wants to snitch if it's going to lead to feelings of disloyalty, or their ostracization...or even worse retaliation?

Both sides have to take responsibility for rebuilding relationships. Both have caused the breakdown. Then there are the innocent law abiding citizens who are caught in the middle. I would say to move from this area if at all possible.

I'm watching this on tv and my question is how does he have the money to hire a lawyer that represented Kolbe Bryant, is it done with drug money?

Great post Jamie, I live in the inner city of Milwaukee and the tension is some what the same with the community and police...Knowing the situation the current foot patrol in the neighborhoods is creating relief for residence here...The slow process after police were gunned down some years back has evolved into more supportive communities but it took some time before the slight changes came...

I find your article offensive and disgusting to try to justify the actions of a murdering rapist thug, that he and the community are somehow victims because they are black. You and others are always trying to play the race card and I am SICK of it. MANY black people in the U.S. don't have these problems because they are hard working people and THEY DON"T break the law.. ANYONE can place an anonymous call to authorities, so they are just as dispicable as the scumbag who gunned down these officers. As long as people like you and others in these communities try to protect violent criminals nothing will ever change.

I have been following this trial since the first day.... I can not believe that Mr. Craig has been found NOT GUILTY!!!
Although the horrible crime happened 10 years ago, and memories fail, no one would ever forget the actual shooting of these young boys.
This memory would be something not one person would be able to say they would forget ... this is something that you would remember for the rest of your life.
I also have to comment on the reaction of Mr. Craig when the verdict was read ... I don't see any relief ... just a look of ... I can't believe I actually got away with this!

Whether BC is guilty no longer matters, the jury has found him inocent of all charges. There is however a higher court where his guilt or inocence cannot be evaded. There were far too many "reasonable" doubts. The jury had no other path open to them.
Pastor Howard...Kingman, Az

The police are always at fault. It is easier to blame them instead of the felon rapist who doesn't want to go back to prison. It warms one's heart to see people in the streets marching in celebration of a killer's actions. I guess race relations with the police department are the reason that four police officers were killed in Pittsburgh this weekend. All of these people were killed because of the evil intentions of killers and the sooner we all recognize this the sooner we will all be safer.

I won't mention any names because one of your posters gets rather upset when his intelligence, or lack thereof, is discussed.

We, with our tax dollars, pay for police departments. We pay them to hinder, and hopefully eliminate, the criminal element in our communities. Do we want them to be the kindly school teacher kind? I don't. Criminals do not respond to kindness.

In the process of protecting us, sometimes innocents are involved. That's just the way it is. Criminals do not wear scarlet letters for identification by the authorities.

Police beating up on people because they think they're (not "their", by the way) above the law?
Where do thieves, rapists and murderers think they are? Or the people who hide a known killer? Within the law?

Police speeding is actually a reason that someone would hinder the police from doing their job? Wow, that is "simple", simple minded anyway.

If you really enjoy spending your time listening to a police scanner, what would you prefer, complete silence? If there's something to listen to, I believe, that means the police are doing their job.

I don't want my tax dollars spent to provide everyone with role models. I want the laws to be enforced. Protecting a known killer is against the law.

Bravo Allyson!!!

Average Joe gets antsy when he see's a cop because there's the possibility the cop will pull him over for not using his turn signal. Criminal Joe doesn't like cops because cops make his job of victimizing the rest of us a little harder. How terrible of the police!!!

Nobody likes the police. We all forget that, if it weren't for law enforcement, our streets would look like the movie "Escape From New York."

Alot of people are not going to like me saying this and I'll probably get called the ""R" word but I assure you that I am not, you don't know what race I am nor should it matter..then I'd be talking too white.

I think it starts with the parents. In the black community the police are bad, evil. Back when they were fighting for human rights the police were awful to blacks and if times were like back then I would understand while they felt that way. Times have changed but through the generations the way they talk about police has not. From the time they are born to when they are teenagers when they hear stuff about the police it's negative. That all cops are out to get them, they're corrupt or racist. So by the time they hit adult hood they believe all that.
I know there are bad cops just like there are bad people in any profession. But the sooner this type of negativity ends the better we will all be for it. If I see anything going on in my community I call 911. Us neighbors watch eachothers houses...etc. That's the only way we all can be safe, we have to stay involved and aware. Giving over our power to these idiots who want everything for free and break the law is the reason why were in this mess. That and people not taking responsibility for their lives who want to blame everyone but themselves.

Wow, not to mention any names, cause one of your posters is upset because i made a joke about giving history lessons. Man don`t take it to heart. I won`t go as far as name calling cause thats just a never ending battle. You are right though that our streets would be like a movie without the police. I guess i get alittle quick in judgement. I hope i spelled everything right this time (just kidding).