Here are the structural reforms for police that I can think of

[Le Roi de Pot]

1) Get rid of municipal, transit, college, country police units ..Just have frigging STATE POLICE funded at state and federal level. They should be funded by income/sales tax. Not by Property taxes and traffic tickets.

2) No joining the police out of high school.. the lowest uniformed position should require a 4 year degree with some real world experience. This will automatically eliminate wannabe GI Joes - probably the biggest source of bad cops.

3) 2 year probationary period following police academy - prior to permanent hire.

4) Recruitment/Promotions/Contract should be through a state agency - free from nepotism and subject to legislature oversight.

5) Adequate representation of Minorities.

6) Central records of cop behavior. No Jumping precinct to precinct.

7) Special prosecutor for investigation of cop related crimes.

[aquamarina]

1. Excellent List. I've got five more...

1. No qualified immunity
2. Get rid of police unions
3. Make police obtain professional liability/malpractice insurance like lawyers and doctors
4. Mandatory bi-annual training and performance evaluations
5. Mandatory continuing education

[csziggy]

2. Police unions might be OK - but only for negotiating wages and benefits

NOT to cushion officers from the consequences of their actions. Maybe a union could also handle the malpractice insurance. First, group rates are cheaper, but second, and most important, the union would then have an incentive to help keep bad actors out of the police forces to keep their rates down.

[ProfessorGAC]

3. Great Point!

Get the unions focused on ALL their members, not just those needing cover.
I like your incentive idea!