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Wednesday, Jul 1, 2020

Do police unions support officers found to violate the law or codes of conduct?

Eric Smith, Gigafact Foundry
yes

Police unions provide legal counsel for officers involved in disciplinary processes both internally and in the courts. Most police unions automatically provide members with representation and are legally required to provide all members with the same rights and resources. Union-negotiated contracts typically provide officers with opportunities for arbitration and appeals of disciplinary action taken against them, drawing out the disciplinary process. Police union contracts and the legal help unions provide act as a significant barrier to disciplinary actions against their members.

When local unions do not protect officers, they can still receive representation from state or national union affiliates.

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