Brickbat: What Is Crime?

The headline 'What Is Crime?' uses rhetorical framing to suggest definitional slippage or institutional hypocrisy—a characteristic libertarian critique of state power. The article centers an internal investigation finding potential misconduct by police leadership, emphasizing accountability gaps. Language choices ('may have helped'—passive construction) and the sarcastic headline tone signal skepticism toward institutional legitimacy rather than neutral reporting. Reason's editorial perspective consistently questions state enforcement authority.

Primary voices: state or recognized government

• This article does not address the specific nature of alleged misconduct by the 15 officials
• This article does not provide context on whether disciplinary action was taken
• This article does not include response or defense from the accused officials