Public Trust and Police Accountability

Intensive policing gets credit for reducing crime, but it's also getting the blame for excessive force on the streets of American cities. Deadly incidents involving black suspects have sparked massive protest in Missouri, Ohio, South Carolina and New York City. In Baltimore, when six officers were charged with crimes, including manslaughter, in the death of the young, black suspect, Freddy Gray, 65% of Americans approved. There, and elsewhere, there are moves for reform opposed by local police unions. Do they still have political clout, or is the climate finally right for civilian oversight?