The massive epidemic of domestic violence in police forces.

[Fuzzy Bear Loves Christian Missionaries]

At a certain point, this is probably unavoidable.  We require Police Officers to possess the necessary strength and aggression to subdue relentless, violent criminals.  They are, effectively, on duty 24/7.  Domestic Violence by Police Officers should not be tolerated, and it should not be covered up, but what we ask of Police Officers in the name of Public Safety is more than most folks are capable of giving.

[Fuzzy Bear Loves Christian Missionaries]

Police used to cover for each other in these matters, and were fairly shameless about it.  Yes, a few cops might give a partner a beat-down for being stupid, but that was keeping the matter "in house".

It's harder, however, for police to keep these matters in house, because battered police spouses have sued municipalities for not enforcing domestic violence laws and won major verdicts.  Police are also scrutinized far more than ever before, and far more effectively. 

Civil liability has been the catalyst for most of the progress made on the domestic violence problem over the years.