And people wonder why I can't wait to leave this city...

[SomeKid]

PGTN, Yes. The local cops in the city of Chattanooga have been nothing short of terrible in their treatment of people these past few years.

A prime example happened a few years ago when an unarmed man was reaching into his glove box and was shot by the cop. (There was no weapon in the glove box, or the car, the man died at the scene. Cop was fired AFTER HUGE pressure from the community, but AFAIK, never seriously tried for anything, and never convicted.) Had it not been for the racial element (black man, white cop) I expect he would still be 'protecting and serving'.

Then there were the two cops (I think this was last year, at most the year before) who were literally stealing cash from people. (Largely against the Mexican community, who for whatever reason don't use banks.) The two black cops would use any excuse (or simply bully the people, they weren't found out until they bullied someone somewhat important in that community) to search the person, car, home and take whatever cash they had. Prior to the incident, one of the cops was considered a 'model officer', and was a Lt, as I recall up for promotion to Cpt. The other, a Sgt up for Lt promotion.

One of the smaller municipalities had a cop have sex with a teenage girl. And I could keep on going.

Regarding our current Chief, he is rather new, but has been with the city a while. He is probably dirty, and I have no faith or trust in him, but I can't honestly say he should be punished for this. Maybe next time he would deserve it though. Hopefully I am wrong and there won't be a next time.

 

[PennsyPlinker]

The reason I hope she gets every dime is because the only thing that will change anything politically is to cut into the budget. The city's insurance carrier will pay any judgement, but the rise in premiums will get them in the wallet.

That would be nice if that was the way it would actually work out, but what usually ends up happening is taxes are raised to pay the penalty. A number of years ago I lived in Easton PA. Employees at the sewage treatment plant were falsifying records and dumping untreated waste into the Delaware River. The EPA came along and fined the entire city to the tune of $11 million! That money went straight to the feds, who also insisted that we spend a bunch of money to upgrade the treatment plant. Guess who paid for all that? It wasn't the people who did the deed, it was we the people.

Lawsuits like these only serve to enrich the lawyers and a few people who win in court. The costs are passed on as a tax increase and no one bothers to itemize it for the hoi polloi. They are just told the government (at whatever level) needs more money. What a surprise.