Do police belong in a democratic society?

Answer 1

Not police as an administrative agency where no police officer, nor the chief of police have been duly elected by the people. This type of comfortable buffer from any constitutional restraints is exactly why there is so much corruption in police departments. Police, as an administrative agency, are not accountable to the people, there boss directly is the chief of police and indirectly the mayor. The Sheriff, who is duly elected by the people will stand up to the Mayor if there is a dispute in executive enforcement of law. The chief of police will do what the Mayor tells him to do. This is very problematic for the people. Corruption can, and will be found with in a Sheriffs department, but not on the same level, nor with the same frequency found in administrative agencies. Gosh JJ, that is So American ! I cannt say that give a fair wind people would vote to be 'unpoliced'. As much as when I get a ticket, or watever, my feelings towards the 'boys in blue' might be less than complimentary, I still feel elated when 'Rover' the local German Shepard round here sinks his fangs into the fleshy parts of some miscreant in the course of his misdeeds! No, I want to be protected by anyone who will keep the Queens peace, and if that means I get arrested for being a naughty boy then the Police are there to do the necessary. Who Guards the Guards, who watches the watchers is a different question. (Juvenal if my memory serves)