Decoded Season 8 Episode 1 Why It's Not about Good Cops and Bad Cops

In the season 8 premiere of Decoded, entitled "Why It's Not about Good Cops and Bad Cops," host Brad Meltzer delves into the complexities of how law enforcement operates in society. Meltzer begins by acknowledging the recent tensions between police and citizens, particularly in regards to the Black Lives Matter movement. He argues that this is not simply a matter of "good cops versus bad cops," but rather a systemic issue that is deeply ingrained in American culture.

Meltzer begins by examining the history of policing in America, tracing it back to the creation of the first police force in New York City in the mid-19th century. He notes that the origins of policing in America are rooted in racism and the desire to control marginalized communities, particularly African Americans. From the very beginning, police departments were not neutral entities but rather were explicitly designed to uphold a system of white supremacy.

Meltzer then moves on to discuss the various ways in which this systemic bias plays out in modern policing. He notes that police officers are often trained to view citizens as potential threats rather than people to protect, and that this mentality can lead to unnecessary use of force and other abuses of power. He also addresses the issue of police unions, which can make it difficult to hold officers accountable for their actions. Meltzer argues that these issues are not simply the result of a few "bad apples," but rather are deep-seated problems that require systemic change.

To explore possible solutions, Meltzer looks to various communities that have implemented new approaches to policing. He discusses the Camden, New Jersey police department, which was disbanded and then reconstituted with a new focus on community policing. He also examines the efforts of groups like Campaign Zero, which advocate for changes to police policies and procedures at both the local and national level. Through these examples, Meltzer suggests that change is possible, but only if there is a concerted effort to address and reform the systemic biases that underpin modern policing.

Throughout the episode, Meltzer interviews police officers, community leaders, and activists who offer their perspectives on the complexities of policing in America. He also highlights a number of real-world examples of police violence and misconduct, including the death of Eric Garner in New York City and the shooting of Philando Castile in Minnesota. By drawing attention to these tragedies, Meltzer underscores the importance of examining the role of police in society and challenging the status quo.

Overall, the season 8 premiere of Decoded offers a thoughtful and nuanced analysis of policing in America. While acknowledging the many challenges that face any effort to reform law enforcement, Meltzer also offers hope and concrete examples of potential solutions. Through its engaging storytelling and insightful interviews, this episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of policing in America today.