Has any on duty police officer ever been convicted of murder?

Question

Whether shooting a suspect or an innocent by-stander on purpose or even a child by accident. Do police have to worry they might be prosecuted for there crimes? I ask this because of the recent event invovling a teen inside his home accused of stealing a playstation.

Answer 1

I watch documentary shows alot. I have seen several of them about police officers who committed acts of cold blooded murder, rape, etc. I think they should be treated the same as any other criminal when they are prosecuted for their crimes. We are supposed to be able to trust policemen and women with our lives and safety. It's a shame that all of them are not worthy of the trust we tend to have in them. They are just humans like everyone else though.

Answer 2

As a police officer for over 30 years I've watched as law enforcement in general has come to a point where the officer just about needs to be shot before he can shoot.

There are numerous cases around the world where officers have been charged with murder while in the performance of their duty, however, in those cases the juries returned verdicts in favor of the officer.

Many times you find issues of "overkill" and other issues surrounding the actions of officers.

It's easy to take issue with situations based upon rumors or half baked stories that come from outside the realm of actual witnesses to the event. As such stories are sensationalized in the media which...of course...is in the business to report...but ultimately gain viewership of their stories.

The most recent event involving an officer CONVICTED of an "on-duty murder" was around October 1999 in Jamaica.

In this particular case Constable McDermoth had stated that the victim and another man had opened fire on the police patrol and he had returned fire to protect himself and his colleagues.

Scientific evidence presented by the prosecution, however, showed that no gunpowder residue was found on the deceased's hands.

Most law enforcement agencies conduct frequent firearms and deadly force training to avoid such sad occurrances.

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

According to the FBI, American police officers being convicted of murder for killing someone during the performance of their duties is very rare. The best statistics I found said that between 2005 and 2011 2706 people were "justifiably" killed by police with a firearm. During the same period, 71 police officers were arrested for murder using a firearm. of those 71, 31 were committed while the officer was on duty.

It's a very small number, about 1% of the murders committed by police were not considered justified.

The data doesn't line up with what you'd expect. It doesn't prove that police can get away with murder, but it does look pretty suspicious.
Imagine any group of people who have shot one of their fellow citizens to death, what percentage of those killings would you expect to result in the shooter being arrested? I'd bet it's a lot higher than 1%, even if every member of your imaginary group was actually justified in their action.

Notes-
Statistics cited refer only to murder using firearms
Sources:
FBI
Bowling Green University

Answer 4

Yes, many times Police Officers are being prosecuted but normally it is not murder but rash act.
To be charged for murder, you must have the intention to commit and motive. The prosecution must proof beyond reasonable doubt to secure a conviction.

Good Luck.

Answer 5

Here is the cherry on top! This is it! The most despicable thing a police officer's ever done! That in no way ever be topped! Ever! Look all of you and search for Cpl. Allan E. deVillena 2nd. This still needs major attention! Especially after you research this horrible act of murder this officer committed in palm springs 11-10-12. These cops Need to convicted of murder in the first. I ask all for the family of this war vet. To spread the word and ask congress , obama since he worked for him! To justify this cruel and stereotypical officers acts . And Give Them Murder in the first. Liar's! Palm Springs Police Department thinks they are invincible ! Are we as citizens and protectors of this Great Nation going to stand for this? Help the family and loved ones finally rest after almost three years this Nov. Yeah! Three Years! Please help us and all Marines who lost this solid American I Have ever known next to his Grandfather ( 24 Year Navy Man ) and My Father 2/16th Ranger Vietnam Vet. TO SEEK JUSTICE FOR CPL. ALLAN E. dEVILLENA the 2nd. GOD FORGIVE US! BUT WE NEED JUSTICE OR ALL HOPE WILL BE LOST FOREVER. THE CITIZENS AND MARINES WILL NOT STOP FIGHTING FOR THE TRUTH! 3 YEARS?

Answer 6

When a police officer shoots and wounds or kills someone. It is considered a homicide. Not only is it investigated by his department, but many times by the FBI. Then in most cases it is presented to Grand jury. Believe me there is no special treatment given to officer involved shootings I know first hand. The majority of officer involved shootings are found to be justified. Contray to what the vic's family say.

Answer 7

Yes, it has happened many times. The use of force laws in states vary but it the responsibility of the shooter to show due diligence to avoid injury to others. The only time you should shoot is to protect life (either others or your own). There are some states that allow the use of force to protect property you would have to check your state laws. If there is any doubt it is always better to not shoot to avoid injuring the innocent.

Answer 8

They did have a case on one of the forensic files or a show like that of a California Highway Patrol officer. He stopped a girl and ended up killing her.
He then tried to rebarrel his gun and ended up getting caught. He was pretty much of a jerk and I believe this happened in the 1980s.

Answer 9

Yes, there was a case in Colorado last year where an on-duty officer was convicted of murder (or some lesser account, I don't recall). I will see what I can dig up and post it for you.

***
Found it. And it was voluntary manslaughter in this case. And it seems that the community stands behind the officer.

Answer 10

Yes, police officers should worry about being convicted for their "crimes" by virtue of the fact they are commiting a crime and not doing their job...period!!