Rapids

Does it make a difference if some pervert from Coon Rapids used to be a police officer?

"Check My Profile" has me blocked so he can't receive replies critical of his viewpoint, so I'll just post a new question. In this article, a former police officer from Coon Rapids, Minnesota faces allegations that he fondled a teenage boy: http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_18856265?nclick_check=1 While it's deplorable that someone would commit sexual assault against a child, why is it relevant that the pervert was a police officer? And why is the Pioneer Press making it a point to identify Chester the Molester as a former police officer? I don't see them identifying computer programmers, electricians, doctors, or politicians by occupation when they publish allegations of criminal sexual conduct. Does anyone want to guess whether the Pioneer Press is trying to make police officers look bad, and hence degrade the safety of the community? "Mister Cool", shut the hell up. You aren't a real police officer and you know it. Stop reposting someone else's career description just so you can get credit for your answers, because you don't have any clue what you're talking about.

Public Comments

1. I think the point is that, being a police officer, he should know better. They are held to higher standards because they are supposed to be protecting us from these law breakers.
2. Perhaps because it is ironic, a person whose profession (or former profession) is based around protecting those who are vulnerable, such as children, is accused of harming children. Whenever the profession seems at odds with the action it is mentioned. Police aren't the only ones; the fact priests have been found to be molesters has been a hot topic for over a decade now. I recently saw a 9/11 documentary and it told the story of a gentleman (a businessman) who helped people evacuate upper floors of one of the twin towers and it was not ironic but of interest that the man also had been a firefighter or voluntary firefighter as a previous profession and was able to use these skills to help others.
3. Sales of a paper. Ever been to Coon Rapids? largest city in the county of Anoka (61,000) Guess this is like Bonnie and Clyde just came to town or Jessie and the Youngers. It is relevant to show who this was a respected member of the community who is to have kept it safe. Same would be if a Priest did it. Sensationalism one perspective and a loss of words to write about.
4. No..
5. The media (newspapers and TV) are a business. They are there not only to report the news, but ultimately to make money. Controversy sells papers. There is a saying when it comes to the media... "the need to impress outweighs the need to inform".
6. I agree with the other officers in the fact the "sensationalism" is what sells news! The media has always been liberal in voicing controversial issues. Granted, law enforcement is held to a higher standard because of the responsibilities that go with the profession. Needless to say, law enforcement is not the only profession held to a higher standard. But, the police are in the main focus of the media because the professions frequent scrutiny by the public. We become alarmed when TSA or our local law enforcers do something that is in accordance with the laws made by legislation yet most vent their frustrations against the police only because they are more convenient. It's very easy for the media to report a "claim" and make a huge issue out of it KNOWING the government is compelled to remain silent until a full investigation is completed. When complaints are filed there is a complete investigation. If an officer is found guilty of committing a serious offense...most likely that officer will not only be terminated but s/he will never hold another position in law enforcement.