No such thing as a Good Cop

In my own experience, understanding the complex relationship between policing and systemic oppression can be eye-opening. The idea that some police might genuinely serve and protect is challenged by many who have witnessed or experienced abuses of power firsthand, especially within marginalized communities. The list of reforms suggested, such as demoting violent cops, creating national blacklists, and ending victimless crime arrests, highlights the need for accountability and structural change. One thing that resonated with me was the call to prioritize non-lethal methods and insist on better training — this underlines how policing could shift from a militarized force to a community-based service. Many people don’t realize that the prison-industrial complex functions as a modern form of slavery, especially for Black people. The concept of indentured servitude in everyday working life also reveals how economic struggles are tied to systemic inequalities, where the poor work hard yet see little improvement in their living conditions. I have seen how these systemic issues affect families and communities, creating cycles of poverty and fear. Police often serve as enforcers of this system rather than protectors, and the deep mistrust toward law enforcement is understandable given the violence and discrimination faced. Discussing these issues openly, sharing personal stories, and supporting movements aimed at reforming policing can contribute to real change. While it might feel overwhelming, advocating for non-violent accountability and resource reallocation toward education and social services could gradually dismantle the current system of oppression.