Today's "The New Paper" email had this:
Extra: The cities of
Camden, NJ and Compton, CA disbanded their police forces in 2012 and 2000,
respectively, instead opting for county-wide police departments.
Interesting background, although not extensive.
IMO, local is probably better but perhaps a "regional" approach would dilute individual pockets of 'troublesome' police attitudes?
There certainly is room for improvement but ... we also have to accept that some cops are idiots (like some teachers, some elders, some parents, etc.) and always will be. Training, psychological evaluations, etc. won't eliminate them all.
It's a tough job under the best of circumstances. It is surprising that cops stay so professional 99% of the time.