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Like a majority of Americans, I breathed a small sigh of relief with the conviction of  Darek Chauvin.  It was an extraordinary verdict, for a variety of reasons.  But, may in fact create more questions than answers.

The rarity of an officer being charged with the death of someone victimized by the use of extreme measures, is so rare, with the strength of laws “protecting officers” and by lobbying and pressure by police unions, that this could be called a “one in a million” event.  And when looking at the statistics over the past decade, that number may be closer to reality than one would imagine.

Justice was served. But, the real question may come down to how far police tactics have devolved, changing the ways officers respond, and perhaps changing the very nature of what police are called to do.

There is no question that Chauvin murdered George Floyd, brutally, and with malicious intent.  But, looking at the statistics over the past few years, how many other officers have done so, with absolutely no ramifications or fear of being charged for their actions?

Being a police officer is one of the most difficult jobs in America.  But, does that give them the right to use deadly force with impunity?
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