I've always claimed that good cops are in the minority. I've had cops and ex cops agree. One of the kindest men I've ever known was an ex-cop, sais there was no way a good man could keep that job and still look at himself in the mirror every day.
A buddy of mine I used to work with in Boston left our company to become a Boston cop. We were having beers about a year later and he told me somewhat out of the blue that there's no such thing as a cop that isn't corrupt. I asked if that applied to him as well, to which he just looked right at me, cocked his eyebrow, picked up his beer and finished it.I've always claimed that good cops are in the minority. I've had cops and ex cops agree.
Right, but everyone thinks of themselves as good people. The chiefs who resigned for being overtly racist would have lumped themselves in with the good cops the day prior. And very few people will label others as "definitely bad people." It's easier to stay on the line and be half-friends with everyone. Asking people "Who's good?" won't reveal much. Asking "Who's racist?" or "Who's had the most accidents?" or "Who wouldn't you want with you when you're pulling up on someone?" are much more telling. Not just for police- for any group of people.