comment: >
  
  Well, yes. That would be nice. Also, make money for damages come from the cops and not the taxpayer. Thanks.
context: Isn’t this a no brainer? >
  
  Left: Yes.
  Right: No.
  Center: Meh. >
  
  Am in center. Definite no-brainer. >
  
  
  A former Maryland park ranger was arrested and indicted in September for allegedly raping two of his female colleagues. But despite the grim crime he’s accused of, he’s still been allowed to collect nearly $95,000 of his pension as he awaits trial in jail.
  Now, two state lawmakers are hoping to pass legislation to prevent police officers from receiving retirement benefits after being convicted of a felony crime.
  
  ....
  
  Maryland is one of 24 states that have no pension forfeiture laws on the books, meaning that any law enforcement officer who has a pension—even if they’ve been convicted of a crime—is allowed to collect it once they are 55 years old and have served more than 15 years in the job. 
  
  ....
  
  Holding cops who have been found guilty of misconduct accountable is an issue several states have tried to address head-on. States like California, Virginia, and Massachusetts have passed laws allowing them to decertify an officer, essentially ensuring that their record of bad behavior follows them if they try to find a job in law enforcement elsewhere in the country. >
  
  Their pensions should go to the families of their victims! >
  
  Yes.  That is perfect. >
  
  I'm all pro-union, but the union representing the cops seems to be more concerned with protecting criminals than making sure cops have appropriate compensation and work conditions.
  If I'm wrong, I'm happy to listen to the opposing view. >
  
  Police shouldn't even have unions. >
  
  I don't agree, I think they should be unionised like a lotta industries should be. What police unions/departments shouldn't be doing is judging misconduct reports, approving policing methods/tactics, shielding legit murders/abusers in the forces from the consequences. That shit to be up to the people they SERVE. >
  
  
  Maryland is one of 24 states that have no pension forfeiture laws on the books, meaning that any law enforcement officer who has a pension—even if they’ve been convicted of a crime—is allowed to collect it once they are 55 years old and have served more than 15 years in the job. 
  
  I did not realize so many states still allowed convicted criminals to collect pension from the state. I hope this passes. >
  
  Accountability for police? What a concept! Somebody should like start a protest movement to raise awareness on the topic… >
  
  JFC just make all officers carry insurance.  It works for doctors. >
  
  Sure, their salaries will increase to $500k+/yr (in the poor parts of the country). >
  
  Good. I hope it happens >
  
  I do not know what happens to forfeiture of pension funds.  My hope  is it is donated, like in this case, to a organization related to the crime(s) like Rape Crisis Centers or to pro bono legal services. >
  
  It's amazing that this kind of thing took THIS long to be suggested.  Kind of how it took this long for people to pass laws making it illegal for cops to sleep with people they arrest. >
  
  But they're armed and dangerous! >
  
  You'd think no one would have to fight for basic shit like this. >
  
  It’s a start >
  
  Yes.. currently tax payers have to foot the bill for these criminals, just because they happen to be cops. They need to feel the pain and have real consequences for their actions or things will continue to get worse. In fact, when they break the law or abuse their power the penalty should be worse because they are entrusted with so much power.