Above the Law: Theft and Fraud on Duty (2022)
In the bustling city of Louisville, Kentucky, it’s just another day for the narcotics unit – another raid, another suspect. But this time, the spotlight is on the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD), one of America’s most controversial police forces. The documentary goes into the dark underbelly of law enforcement, exposing teeming corruption, theft, and fraud committed by those sworn to protect and serve.
Demetrius Allison, a quiet man at home with his three young children, becomes an unwitting victim. The police storm his house, accusing him of drug dealing. In the chaos, they assault him, claiming he resisted arrest. But their actions go beyond mere aggression. They seize nearly $10,000 of his hard-earned cash, branding it as drug money. Demetrius, like many others, fits a specific profile: African American and a recovering drug addict. These factors make it harder for victims like him to be taken seriously when filing complaints.
The LMPD’s modus operandi is chillingly efficient. They raided houses and cars, often without proper search warrants, accusing individuals of drug-related crimes. If narcotics are found, they’re immediately confiscated, and any cash discovered is labeled as drug money. But here’s where the corruption lies: when preparing evidence reports, the officers declare less than the actual amount seized. The rest of the cash mysteriously disappears, presumably lining the pockets of corrupt cops.
Mike Jackson, a barber, had $24,000 – his life savings – when he was arrested for drug dealing at a gas station. Despite zero evidence and no witnesses against him, Detective Brett Hankerson reported recovering only $14,000. Charges against Jackson were eventually dropped, but he never got the remaining $10,000 back.
The documentary also sheds light on the tragic case of Breonna Taylor, shot by police officers during a raid on her home. The officers claimed she was resisting arrest, but her death sparked outrage during the Black Lives Matter protests of 2021. Breonna’s story underscores the discrimination, violence, and corruption within the LMPD.
Vice News spent two years investigating this police department, uncovering shocking allegations. An anonymous informant revealed that corruption is deeply ingrained in Louisville’s police culture. Officers have been known to seize and split among themselves amounts as high as $500,000. The film serves as a stark reminder that some who wear the badge are not above the law – they are, in fact, “Above the Law.”
The documentary confronts us with uncomfortable truths, urging us to question the very institutions meant to protect us. It’s a powerful exposé that demands accountability and justice for those who have suffered at the hands of those entrusted with maintaining order.
