Reply #27: I am aware of that [View All]

[gratuitous]

That is, that cops carry their weapons at all times. The point I was trying to make, and apparently rather badly, is that the heading on the original post made it sound like this was some official, in the line of duty action, when in reality the guy was on his own time. So, as far as that goes, I'm not willing - in this particular instance - to say that the entire force should be strung up alongside Officer Beaty McWhippy. I'm even willing to go so far as to say that without any further information whatsoever that Officer McWhippy and his buddy might be returned to desk duty or something, salvaging at least part of the cost of their training, arming, and other expenses in certifying a cop for active duty. I'm not saying "overlook" his crime, but is there any chance for redemption and rehabilitation for this guy and his pal? I admit that it's an occupational hazard of being progressive to think that there aren't too many irretrievable situations or persons.

If this guy is a serial offender with a history of bad acting, then by all means get him out of uniform and strip him of his badge and gun. An impartial citizen review of the department's practices could very well be in order, too.