ABSTRACT
One of the worst things to happen to law enforcement is the ubiquity of so-called reality television shows like Cops, which often bring out and highlight the worst in police attitude and behavior. In law enforcement, we used to call it the John Wayne syndrome (which is unfair to “The Duke,” as he was by all accounts a patriot in the truest sense of the word and a fair, just man). But the term refers to that point in young officers’ careers whereby they begin to treat everyone with an “I’m in charge” bullying mentality. It is when they start wearing and using “sap” gloves or begin to look like Delta Force operators rather than peace officers. But more than appearances, it is an insidious, bullying attitude that is best exemplified by the following infamous case out of Fullerton, California: the brutal beating death of Kelly Thomas in July 2011.
