Leticia Neria PhD thesis - Research@StAndrews:FullText ...

fears of the police, since our super-ego reminds us that we are witnessing a fictitious
situation - a possible world rather than the real one. The police character from Los
Agachados is expressing the view that the Policía Judicial are worthy of fear. Assuming
we agree with the statement, we take ownership over the insult as if we were the ones
who stated it, as in the case previously discussed of the ‘acólitos del diablo’. We are
also pointing out that the police, rather than supporting and helping citizens, are
detrimental. This is a fault that should be corrected, and by expressing what we think
about them we gain the feeling of victory. We identify ourselves with those who are
referring to the police in such a way. It is a moral victory over the authoritarian and
violent police. We feel safe expressing such views about the Policía Judicial since we
are not the ones committing the offence – we know the consequences and adhere to
social norms which prevent us from insulting a [violent] authority.
So is it justified to refer to the police and the Policía Judicial in such a way?
According to these three comic books, there is plenty of reason the police deserve such
infamous nicknames. Also, by giving the Policía Judicial that nickname, the characters
are breaking the rule that requires them to respect the authorities. The violation brings
enjoyment although also reminds us that we should not make fun of them or criticise
their practices, even when they are violent, since we could also be victims. But as long
as someone else performs the transgression, we feel avenged and also innocent.
Not only are the police portrayed as violent, but they also speak openly and
without shame about their mistreatment of detainees. Likewise, the characters in the
comics speak of the techniques the police often use, to be examined in later examples.
Either way, in these three comics we can see that the general population knew of official
violence.
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