Time for a mini-thread on police unions, because it is both tricky and very high stakes.
Conversation
Collective bargaining is a powerful way to prevent against profiteering and to protect workers. Its a long-standing cornerstone of progressive politics.
In '09 membership of public sector unions surpassed membership of private sector unions, as manufacturing and farming shrunk.
4
18
182
But police unions have some unique characteristics. I've been learning from the very good folks at Campaign Zero (joincampaignzero.org) and want to amplify some findings here.
Jurisdictions where there are police unions result in 40% more violent misconduct. static1.squarespace.com/static/55ad38b
7
171
526
Cities with police union contracts are 50% less likely to sustain excessive force complaints. bjs.gov/content/pub/pd
2
74
294
Departments with union contracts are more likely to kill unarmed civilians. static1.squarespace.com/static/55ad38b
1
96
295
This is data on cops who were *re-hired after being fired*, by region, typically after arbitration and appeal, supported by the union.
1
74
278
There is some cognitive dissonance for me, because I believe in collective bargaining.
But when it comes to public safety, and when the employer is *the people*, direct, transparent accountability must take precedence. And it currently isn't. By design.
9
89
565
Collective bargaining in police unions has become very sophisticated. And it isn't just about wages, but about insulating officers from accountability -- across the board.
These data confirm that at very granular detail. I encourage you to read all of these papers.
11
121
482
Finally, there is a bill on the House floor that I want to call attention to: well-intended, but will serve to strengthen the influences above, and is counterproductive to its intended end. Call your congressperson, ask them to reconsider:
21
73
310
Unique? Do other unions not also protect incompetent and problematic employees?