Lord Acton, a British historian of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries shared his thoughts about power. He had deep feelings about power and its ability to corrupt. The proverb, “Absolute power corrupts absolutely” means that whenever a person has power over other people or things, it makes him/her corrupt. This testament, for obvious reasons pertains to some police officers. A badge—symbolizing power—is pinned to their chest and they waddle into society for better or worse.
Officer Francesco Vincent Serpico exposed corruption back in the day. Now, retired Officer Curt Rude, does the same when he focuses on sexual misdeeds of those who serve and protect.
The police profession has its share of individuals who had neither the inclination or ability to fulfill their desires before becoming police officers. Some were perhaps meek and mild; the last to be chosen for a team on the playground. After years of perceived humiliation and frustration they realize formal power can deliver them into an intitled life. They eagerly settle into a job that involves having others answer to them. It can be an exhilarating experience that leads to excess and trouble.
Though some have readily stated this work is an interesting read, but not plausible, one only needs to consider the deeds of Minnesota State Trooper Robert Leroy Nelson. While on duty, he offered eighteen-year-old Michelle Busha a ride after witnessing her being dropped off by a vehicle along Interstate 90. Busha was raped, beaten, tortured and strangled with a ligature. Her fingernails were removed while she was still alive and her head had been shaved, except for an area on the back of the head, which was left about an inch long.
It is hoped that an increase in knowledge, regarding issues some may find disturbing, results in a safer world for all.