Police unions shift stance on protecting bad officers: ‘You’ve got to deal with those who take advantage of the situation.’

CNN — In response to the police killing George Floyd, 15 unions that represent law enforcement officers across the US have endorsed a blueprint for policing that includes an unprecedented shift in the way unions protect bad police officers, according to a copy of the plan obtained by CNN ahead of its release this week. Floyd’s death last May brought renewed attention to the idea of “active bystanders,” a relatively new concept in law enforcement which calls for officers to intervene when they see wrongdoing. ‘Another tool in keeping communities safe’ Within law enforcement, departments across the country have adopted a model of intervention developed by a psychology professor working with the New Orleans Police Department. Our group has made the choice that we want to make efforts to change the culture.” The model of intervention trained by Georgetown Law originated in New Orleans, where after Floyd’s death deputy chiefs went to roll calls to ensure police officers knew how to intervene not just on each other but on supervising officers. It’s another tool in keeping communities safe and officers safe.” ‘Not trying to be the tattletale squad’ The union framework wouldn’t seek to alter or change any department rules regarding what members have a responsibility to report, and it wouldn’t involve police department supervisors.