Buddy Boys: When Good Cops Turn Bad

In his new book, Buddy Boys, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ron Suskind takes an in-depth look at the corrupting influence of police unions on American law enforcement. Based on years of research and interviews with current and former police officers, Suskind argues that the "buddy system" that protects bad cops from accountability is a major factor in the erosion of public trust in law enforcement.

Buddy Boys: When Good Cops Turn Bad

by Mike McAlary

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5073 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	242 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Hardcover	:	294 pages
Item Weight	:	12.52 pounds
Dimensions	:	6.14 x 0.69 x 9.21 inches

FREE

The Buddy System

The buddy system is a long-standing tradition in American policing. It is based on the idea that police officers should look out for each other, both on and off the job. This can be a positive force, providing officers with support and camaraderie in a dangerous and stressful job. However, the buddy system can also be used to protect bad cops from accountability. When officers close ranks to protect a fellow officer who has committed misconduct, it can be difficult to hold that officer accountable.

Suskind argues that the buddy system is a major factor in the culture of silence that exists within many police departments. Officers are often reluctant to report misconduct by their fellow officers for fear of being ostracized or retaliated against. This culture of silence makes it difficult to root out bad cops and can lead to a decline in public trust in law enforcement.

The Case of Frank Serpico

Suskind illustrates the dangers of the buddy system with the case of Frank Serpico. Serpico was a New York City police officer who blew the whistle on corruption within the NYPD in the 1970s. Serpico was ostracized by his fellow officers and faced numerous threats on his life. He was eventually forced to retire from the NYPD and went into hiding.

Serpico's case is a reminder of the risks that police officers face when they speak out against corruption. The buddy system can make it difficult for good cops to do the right thing, and it can lead to a culture of silence that protects bad cops from accountability.

Reforming the Buddy System

Suskind argues that the buddy system needs to be reformed in Free Download to restore public trust in law enforcement. He proposes a number of reforms, including:

• Independent investigations: All allegations of police misconduct should be investigated by an independent agency, not by the police department itself.
• Whistleblower protections: Police officers who report misconduct should be protected from retaliation.
• Community oversight: Police departments should be subject to oversight by civilian review boards.

These reforms would help to break down the buddy system and make it more difficult for bad cops to escape accountability. They would also help to restore public trust in law enforcement.

Buddy Boys is a timely and important book that sheds light on the corrupting influence of police unions on American law enforcement. Suskind's research and interviews provide a damning indictment of the buddy system and its role in protecting bad cops from accountability. He also proposes a number of reforms that could help to restore public trust in law enforcement.

Buddy Boys is a must-read for anyone concerned about the state of policing in our country. It is a powerful indictment of the buddy system and a call for reform.

Buddy Boys: When Good Cops Turn Bad

by Mike McAlary

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5073 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	242 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Hardcover	:	294 pages
Item Weight	:	12.52 pounds
Dimensions	:	6.14 x 0.69 x 9.21 inches

FREE