But a lack of coordination among law enforcement agencies, opposition from police executives and unions, and an absence of federal guidance have meant that in many cases police departments do not know the background of prospective officers if they fail to disclose a troubled work history.
Unlike Mr. Gulotta, who posed only meek opposition to police contract demands in order to preserve the police union's endorsement, Mr. Suozzi has not been shy about criticizing the county's unduly generous police contracts.
The NRA has relentlessly pushed some form of "Stand Your Ground' into law in 25 states -- despite widespread opposition from police and prosecutors, who believe Stand Your Ground laws promote gun violence and vigilantism, not law and order.
They examine the organisation's opposition to police searches, curfews and metal detectors.
Mr. Wai, 53, who moved to New York from Sierra Leone nearly 30 years ago, has been involved in a number of local organizing activities, including opposition to police abuse.
In a telling illustration of how psychological power had shifted from the regime to the opposition, the police moved out of the way.
The parliament building and the national television station were attacked by Ping supporters and there were several days of clashes on the streets between the opposition and police.
But the group has faced heavy opposition from police and the council, which has not given permission for the rally to occur.
Last week, when Besigye tried to speak to backers at the Kiseka market, in a downtown area of strong opposition support, police broke up the gathering and shuttled him into house arrest.
It was alleged that the rooftop shootings that saw scores of civilians, opposition protesters, police and medics shot were planned by the Kremlin, intent on sowing mayhem as a pretext for military incursion.
