Willl Grigg?s Liberty Minute

March 30, 2012

In New Mexico and at least a few other states, police officers placed on administrative leave after a shooting are given small but substantial checks from their unions. Twenty Albuquerque police officers involved in recent shootings received checks ranging from $300 to $500 ? a system criticized by many observers as akin to payment of ?bounties.?

To his considerable credit, Fred Rice, a corporal in the Idaho State Police and chairman of its union, thinks that this is a horrible idea.

?[I]f I gave ? an officer involved in a shooting a $500 check, someone might think, `Oh, that?s a quick way to make money,? Rice told  the AP.

Albuquerque resident Mike Gomez, whose unarmed son was fatally shot in the back by the police last year, characterizes the payment arrangement as a ?reward system, a bounty.?

That description may be considered an exaggeration. It?s not likely that most officers involved in a shootout consciously think of the prospect of a financial bonus. However, following most officer-involved shootings, the policeman is put on paid leave and doesn?t need additional financial help.

A better approach would be to minimize the potential for officer-involved shootings by re-acquainting police with the practice of de-escalating confrontations.

Let us take back the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free.