- Because even the good guys can be bad.
Do you know about these heinous crimes committed by police? Maybe you know some that aren’t on the list?
Derek Chauvin — Murder of George Floyd (2020)
Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted after video showed him kneeling on George Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes during an arrest in Minneapolis. Floyd’s death led to worldwide protests over police brutality and accountability.
Jason Van Dyke — Shooting of Laquan McDonald
(2014)
Former Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke shot 17-year-old Laquan McDonald 16 times during a street encounter. Prosecutors argued that video evidence contradicted Van Dyke’s initial claims about the threat McDonald posed. Van Dyke was convicted of second-degree murder.
Wayne Couzens — Murder of Sarah Everard (2021)
Former London Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens used his police authority to falsely arrest Sarah Everard before kidnapping, raping, and murdering her in the United Kingdom. The case caused widespread concern about police vetting and misconduct. What do you think of this as crimes committed by the police?
David Carrick — Serial Sexual Assaults (2003–2020)
Former Metropolitan Police officer David Carrick admitted to dozens of sexual offenses, including rape and sexual assault, against multiple women while serving as an officer. The case raised questions about failures to identify and stop repeat misconduct.
Joseph James DeAngelo — Crimes While a Police Officer (1970s)
Joseph James DeAngelo, later identified as the Golden State Killer, worked as a police officer while committing a series of burglaries, sexual assaults, and murders. He was eventually arrested decades later and sentenced to life imprisonment.
The Rampart Scandal — Los Angeles Police
Corruption (1990s)
The Rampart scandal involved officers from the Los Angeles Police Department accused of planting evidence, stealing narcotics, beating suspects, and filing false reports. The scandal resulted in hundreds of criminal cases being reviewed. What do you think of this as crimes committed by the police?
Christopher Dorner — Police Corruption Allegations and 2013 Manhunt
Former Los Angeles police officer Christopher Dorner carried out a revenge killing spree after claiming he was wrongly fired and exposing alleged misconduct within the department. He killed four people before dying during a manhunt.
Jon Burge — Chicago Police Torture Cases (1970s–1990s)
Former Chicago police commander Jon Burge and officers under his command were accused of torturing more than 100 suspects through beatings, electric shocks, suffocation techniques, and other abuses during interrogations. Burge was later convicted of obstruction of justice.
Frank Serpico Case — Exposing Police Corruption (1960s–1970s)
Frank Serpico exposed widespread bribery and corruption within the New York City Police Department. His case revealed how some officers accepted money from criminals and how whistleblowers could face retaliation.
The Killing of Breonna Taylor (2020)
During a nighttime police raid in Louisville, officers entered the apartment of Breonna Taylor, who was killed by police gunfire. The case led to national debate over search warrants, police tactics, and accountability. What do you think of this as crimes committed by the police?
The Kelly Thomas Beating (2011)
In Fullerton, several officers confronted Kelly Thomas, a homeless man with schizophrenia. A bystander video showed a violent struggle, leading to charges against officers, though convictions were not obtained.
Adrian Schoolcraft — Police Misconduct and Retaliation Case (2009)
Former New York police officer Adrian Schoolcraft secretly recorded alleged pressure by supervisors to manipulate crime statistics. He claimed he was later taken to a psychiatric hospital against his will after reporting misconduct.
What do you think of these heinous crimes committed by police? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!