Less costly than other forms of punishment

Structured to maximize security and maintain public safety

Is not scaled in severity to the seriousness of the crime thus ensuring fairness in application

Provides meaningful punishment outside of prison

13 years

10 years

Three years

Provides the emotional support needed for survival

Divides police officers from society

Helps recruits adjust to rigorous police work

Provides an environment of camaraderie 

Prosecutor's case

Deliberation and Verdict

Defense's case

Jury selection

Community threat levels

Exposure to violence

National crime rates

Extensive training and preparation

The police practice of "looking the other way" when fellow officers engage in illegal or corrupt activity

The police practice of draping a blue sheet over the coffins of slain officers

Secrecy and insulation from others in society that is a consequence of the cynicism and clannishness of the police subculture

Police reluctance to express personal emotions with one another

Increased racial profiling by police

The public tasering of a college student

The O.J. Simpson trial

The Rodney King trial

Assigned counsel

Public defender

Private attorney

Contract counsel

Rules should never be bent

Members of the public are basically unsupportive and unreasonably demanding

Police are the only real crime fighters

No one else truly understands the nature of police work