When a police officer violates public trust and does something illegal, he/she needs to be punished severely for it.

Not just lose their job or 2 months paid leave while the police department investigates. In the first place, the investigation needs to be done by the state, not the local police. Here in Georgia, the GBI have started investigating all shootings involving cops. The state of Georgia recognizes that people are losing faith in the police and if people are to trust police, the state has to ensure they're not violating people's rights.

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indyjoe · 56-60, M

I agree that if a police officer violates a person's rights or even breaks the law themselves then a stronger punishment is in order. However I do not agree with your statement that they shouldn't be put on paid leave until an investigation is complete. What happened to "innocent until proven guilty"? Why take away their job, their livelihood, completely over an accusation? That is not right, what if it is discovered they acted appropriately and did nothing wrong (which is the case most of the time). As for who investigates...Most of the time it is the state along with local law enforcement, and they ALL have to follow certain criteria to determine innocence or guilt. Now to be honest (and a little blunt), it is things like this (your post) that perpetuates the failing trust and lack of respect for law enforcement.