In some countries it’s possible for civilian lawyers to press criminal charges specifically for situations like this. There’s some gatekeeping by the courts and whatnot to approve the case but it’s pretty reasonable. Also allows victims to “press charges” when the police mysteriously refuse to.

Burden of proof remains the same as for a state-appointed prosecutor. And judges still get similar leeway in sentencing.

Oh totally, theres lots of ways it could be improved. Unfortunately, our courts are also in their pocket for various reasons, and invented whole cloth the concept of qualified immunity. So getting the case to the courts is no guarantee either. Still would be better of course.

I find it so sad, how much of the country was united on this for months, and how little has actually happened in response.

So why not make a special prosecutor who only deals with police cases?

The solution seems too simple.

That makes me think that the underlying thing causing this issue to plague American society isn't what you suggest.

ok, maybe one of the biggest wasn't hedged enough. but it is still an important reason imo.

There are many more of course:

- Police can sabotage the re-elections of politicians that oppose them, by doing their job worse and increasing the rate of crime.

- Courts tend to favor the police, inventing such concepts as qualified immunity

- An unfortunately large percent of the country is happy for the police to trample people as long as it's the people they don't like

- And more, which the article gets into some of. I'm not a huge 538 fan but its pretty decent