Imo you're both making valid points. I would be so much less outraged and infuriated when cops are placed on paid leave during an investigation into these scandals and (occasionally even deadly) fuck ups if every employee in America was able to unionize and get the same worker's rights and protections that these officers and other government employees get. It's almost criminal that we as a society aren't striving to ensure that every employer treats their employees as well as the government does. We are the richest country in the world, there's no reason we couldn't accomplish this eventually.

However, as soon as there is sufficient evidence to make an arrest these officers should absolutely be arrested and charged with whatever crimes they have committed like any other citizen. It seems ridiculous to me that "internal investigations" are even a thing, your co-workers and friends shouldn't be the ones deciding whether you've committed a crime or not. Plus these officers are often friends or friendly with the prosecutors that are now responsible for making a case against them, and know the judges presiding over their cases. They end up being treated so much better than any other person who has committed a crime and gotten caught, from the second the crime is committed to well after their court case is over and the jury has decided whether they're guilty or not. We as a society need to change the way we handle police officers committing crimes in a major way.

Sorry, I'm pretty buzzed atm so I hope this makes sense. Just my two cents.