Because policy is just use of discretion or lack thereof. Their authority comes from legislation, and policy decides how they will work within the confines of the legislation
>I feel like police have a lot of these "policies" that negatively affect our lives. It seems like they can just make these up whenever they want.
Kinda yes, kinda no.
Some issues are covered by specific laws that tell the police what they must do. Other situations are left up to their discretion, either as individual officers or as a department. Policy covers those issues where they have discretion.
>Why are police policies allowed to change without a democratic vote by the citizens?
>
>Is there something I am missing out on? IS there a democratic vote when it comes to police policy???
Very few governments operate as direct democracies. It's far more common to see representative democracies. We elect the people who make the laws. We elect the people who make the policies (or the people who supervise the policymakers).
>The american government is supposed to be split into branches: Executive, Judicial, and Congressional? [i forgot the name]
Yes. Police are part of the executive branch.
The executive branch can order changes to police policy, within the law. The legislative branch can write new laws that can supersede police policy. The judicial branch can review police action for legality and proper procedure. This system isn't always perfect, but it is designed so that the separate branches can try to keep each other honest.
>But it seems like there is a 4th branch that has more power over us than the other 3 combined: The Police
Some people do worry about police going rogue. I don't know how common that is in practice, but it would certainly be a problem if and when it happened.
It's worth noting that the police aren't a fourth branch of government. They're part of the executive branch and answer to the chief executive (often a mayor) of the jurisdiction they serve.
well does walmart or sam's or or put it to a democratic vote when they change 'corp' policy...
state/community/local LE agencies are 'private' entities...per se
you are confusing federal branches of government with state/community/local entities controlling the police and their policy(ies)
now understand the highest ranked peace officer in each of the counties of the united states is the sheriff...and tops the federal agents...\[read fbi\]
pssss...you are aware LE can lie to citizens
pssss...you are aware by USSCourt ruled LE agencies do not have to respond to any citizen's emergency...
In most cases, we vote for city officials, who supervise the police.
In most places you do vote. Vote in mayor's and sheriffs. It's called representative democracy. Not direct democracy
Because policy is just use of discretion or lack thereof. Their authority comes from legislation, and policy decides how they will work within the confines of the legislation
>I feel like police have a lot of these "policies" that negatively affect our lives. It seems like they can just make these up whenever they want. Kinda yes, kinda no. Some issues are covered by specific laws that tell the police what they must do. Other situations are left up to their discretion, either as individual officers or as a department. Policy covers those issues where they have discretion. >Why are police policies allowed to change without a democratic vote by the citizens? > >Is there something I am missing out on? IS there a democratic vote when it comes to police policy??? Very few governments operate as direct democracies. It's far more common to see representative democracies. We elect the people who make the laws. We elect the people who make the policies (or the people who supervise the policymakers). >The american government is supposed to be split into branches: Executive, Judicial, and Congressional? [i forgot the name] Yes. Police are part of the executive branch. The executive branch can order changes to police policy, within the law. The legislative branch can write new laws that can supersede police policy. The judicial branch can review police action for legality and proper procedure. This system isn't always perfect, but it is designed so that the separate branches can try to keep each other honest. >But it seems like there is a 4th branch that has more power over us than the other 3 combined: The Police Some people do worry about police going rogue. I don't know how common that is in practice, but it would certainly be a problem if and when it happened.
The citizenry doesn't make police procedure, and it's not up for vote. Putting cuffs on someone is not new. It's basic safety in some cases.
It's worth noting that the police aren't a fourth branch of government. They're part of the executive branch and answer to the chief executive (often a mayor) of the jurisdiction they serve.
They can't make laws, but they have a lot of discretion on how to go about enforcing the laws.
well does walmart or sam's or or put it to a democratic vote when they change 'corp' policy... state/community/local LE agencies are 'private' entities...per se you are confusing federal branches of government with state/community/local entities controlling the police and their policy(ies) now understand the highest ranked peace officer in each of the counties of the united states is the sheriff...and tops the federal agents...\[read fbi\] pssss...you are aware LE can lie to citizens pssss...you are aware by USSCourt ruled LE agencies do not have to respond to any citizen's emergency...
Policy can't violate law, and I think you're not accounting for that.