Sipowicz, don't be so defensive. No body's attacking the cop, per se, in this thread.

The complaint is with the system, specifically the prosecutors, investigators, and police brass who treat civilians differently (more severely) than cops in similar circumstances. The legal rules are the same, the results should be as well.

For me that is absolutely the crux of the whole issue A policeman is a sworn citizen, but always just a citizen like any of the rest of us And not entitled to any special treatment or special consideration.

Prosecutors, and sometimes judges, who work with police everyday, tend to lose objectivity, and it affects their decisions.

One prosecutor used to hold forth that he would never make a decision without clearing it with the officer, he regarded the officer as his client. (instead of the People.)

In one jurisdiction, the local police and deputies always UNANAMOUSLY endorse a County Attorney candidate in every election. The list everybody by name in an advertisement. This is effective and can change results. The endorsement tends to operate as an implied THREAT that it might not happen next election if they are displeased.

Of course everyone likes to be in favor with the local establishment.

This kind of pressure is the reason for the inconsistancies in enforcement. Prosecutors should have the professional judgement to stand up to this, and some do.

I meant the citizen who fired his round in the one incident was held responsible and the cop in a the other incident was not. Sorry if I was not clear. It was clear in my head at the time.