I don't know how much control law enforcement has over this. You could have viable cases 100% of the time, and still end with up with a large percent going free because the DA doesn't care, or just wants to offer up sweetheart deals to clear their caseload.
The only way I personally have stayed sane is to focus on doing my job well, and not expect much after the arrest. You can't hold on too tightly. On our mind, video evidence, great IDs, etc etc all mean an airtight case. Why is the DA offering no prison time programs to repeat violent offenders facing decades? Are they THAT afraid of a trial? I think I could win these cases. I don't think the jury pool is as bad as they claim - I deal with the same people practically everyday and have lived there too. You're not going to find lots of people sympathetic with repeat violent offenders anywhere.
That's why I couldn't do what leadership does. I'm not screaming at the brick wall of politicians/lawyers/judges. I can just do my best, make an arrest, and standby for court.
Excellent reminder. We know a few things. First, lawless places are always inevitably violent ones. And crime, particularly violence, is disproportionately distributed. There are already sufficient laws on the books to focus on repeat violent offenders. Additionally, with the reality of retaliation and risky lifestyles, failing to have the will to enforce the law clearly weakens public safety. It is a failed public policy approach.
I don't know how much control law enforcement has over this. You could have viable cases 100% of the time, and still end with up with a large percent going free because the DA doesn't care, or just wants to offer up sweetheart deals to clear their caseload.
The only way I personally have stayed sane is to focus on doing my job well, and not expect much after the arrest. You can't hold on too tightly. On our mind, video evidence, great IDs, etc etc all mean an airtight case. Why is the DA offering no prison time programs to repeat violent offenders facing decades? Are they THAT afraid of a trial? I think I could win these cases. I don't think the jury pool is as bad as they claim - I deal with the same people practically everyday and have lived there too. You're not going to find lots of people sympathetic with repeat violent offenders anywhere.
That's why I couldn't do what leadership does. I'm not screaming at the brick wall of politicians/lawyers/judges. I can just do my best, make an arrest, and standby for court.
Excellent reminder. We know a few things. First, lawless places are always inevitably violent ones. And crime, particularly violence, is disproportionately distributed. There are already sufficient laws on the books to focus on repeat violent offenders. Additionally, with the reality of retaliation and risky lifestyles, failing to have the will to enforce the law clearly weakens public safety. It is a failed public policy approach.