Anti Federalist
11-25-2008, 06:47 AM
The Romanticism of Law Enforcement
By Pete Eyre | 22 November 2008
Some children, when asked what they want to be when they grow up, reply, “I want to be a police officer”, which invariably receives much praise. Those who eventually do go into law enforcement are seen by family and friends as selfless. They are portrayed by the media and elected officials as heroes. But should that be the case?
Don’t get me wrong, I value living my life free from being assaulted or worse, but I question whether the unquestioning admiration given to those in the law enforcement profession is warranted.
We’ve all heard the question “Who watches the watchmen?” asked rhetorically, but think about that for a second. Who does watch the watchmen? Can you or I choose to opt-out of police department oversight that we feel is inefficient, corrupt, or heavy-handed? Or one that enforces laws that we don’t agree with? Would you choose to give your money to lock people up for smoking weed? Or do you think that your local police department really needs that armored vehicle?
The fact that the provision of law enforcement — one of the most important goods and services — is sheltered from competition means that it is not subject to all the good things that accompany free markets. Despite scandals and corruption on a massive scale, even the worst law enforcement agencies will not be forced to close its doors. Instead, a few token officers may receive letters of reprimand or a new head may be appointed. But what impact does that have? The same institution with the same incentives is still in place. Wouldn’t law enforcement agencies be more accountable to those they serve if they had to compete for their business?
Think about it this way: Competition means that your local grocer, whether a corner vendor or a bulk food store, knows that if they don’t offer something you and others voluntarily buy, they’ll go out of business. Thus, this competition forces them to offer higher quality goods and lower prices. And to be receptive to consumer complaints. This profit and loss mechanism is completely absent from law enforcement.
Fortunately, lots of people have grasped this idea. The number of private security guards already dwarfs those working for the government and continues to grow. And more and more people taking the personal responsibility to protect themselves and their family by becoming responsible, competent gun owners.
http://bureaucrash.com/?p=177
By Pete Eyre | 22 November 2008
Some children, when asked what they want to be when they grow up, reply, “I want to be a police officer”, which invariably receives much praise. Those who eventually do go into law enforcement are seen by family and friends as selfless. They are portrayed by the media and elected officials as heroes. But should that be the case?
Don’t get me wrong, I value living my life free from being assaulted or worse, but I question whether the unquestioning admiration given to those in the law enforcement profession is warranted.
We’ve all heard the question “Who watches the watchmen?” asked rhetorically, but think about that for a second. Who does watch the watchmen? Can you or I choose to opt-out of police department oversight that we feel is inefficient, corrupt, or heavy-handed? Or one that enforces laws that we don’t agree with? Would you choose to give your money to lock people up for smoking weed? Or do you think that your local police department really needs that armored vehicle?
The fact that the provision of law enforcement — one of the most important goods and services — is sheltered from competition means that it is not subject to all the good things that accompany free markets. Despite scandals and corruption on a massive scale, even the worst law enforcement agencies will not be forced to close its doors. Instead, a few token officers may receive letters of reprimand or a new head may be appointed. But what impact does that have? The same institution with the same incentives is still in place. Wouldn’t law enforcement agencies be more accountable to those they serve if they had to compete for their business?
Think about it this way: Competition means that your local grocer, whether a corner vendor or a bulk food store, knows that if they don’t offer something you and others voluntarily buy, they’ll go out of business. Thus, this competition forces them to offer higher quality goods and lower prices. And to be receptive to consumer complaints. This profit and loss mechanism is completely absent from law enforcement.
Fortunately, lots of people have grasped this idea. The number of private security guards already dwarfs those working for the government and continues to grow. And more and more people taking the personal responsibility to protect themselves and their family by becoming responsible, competent gun owners.
http://bureaucrash.com/?p=177