How do you feel about the police? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Phaenx · 07-20-2003, 12:06 AM

I'm looking at the news tonight and see a lot of people upset with an officer who shot and killed a young black man who was waving a 6 inch knife refusing to put it down when they arrived. This happens often enough, but you only ever hear the stories about a white cop shooting a black suspect on the news.

I've heard other stories nevertheless, and I'm sure there are some bad dudes out there who aren't worthy of their authority, so what I want to know is if people in general on this board trust the police.

If you think that cops in general are abusive and/or unfair, please share any stories you have.

laxative · 07-20-2003, 12:18 AM

i generally trust them, and i guess they're as fair as they can be. but i still don't like them.

homerhop · 07-20-2003, 12:34 AM

My sister is a cop. They cannot carry firearms here only a batton.
If I had to put up with the shit she has to off the public, I would crack alot of skulls .

tikki · 07-20-2003, 04:24 AM

West Lafayette cops can kiss my ass. I have never had a run-in with them personally, but I will always remember seeing them throw a guy off his bike and onto the ground for no reason. They sat there and intimidated him for about twenty minutes, and then left. They also just follow you around just waiting for you to do something wrong. God forbid you not signal a turn...

sixate · 07-20-2003, 04:47 AM

I'm a citizen who follows the laws that are out there. Well, except for speeding so I have no problem with cops. They have a job to do and I respect that. In some towns they can be very picky about simple traffic laws, but they are laws so who am I to argue with them? If I break a law I'd expect to be punished and that wouldn't make me dislike them at all. So I guess what I'm saying is I have respect for police. Unfortunately, there are some asshole cops and people think all cops are like that and think they're all dickheads.

One last thing, I don't think they get paid enough for doing what they do.

Viking1064 · 07-20-2003, 04:47 AM

I will more than likely NEVER be in a position for an officer to feel he/she has to beat me or shoot me. Contrary to what people think, officers don't go around beating the innocent. Use your brain, would you be outside during a riot? Would you be around when people are looting, even just watching? No. I would know better and get the f... out of there. If oyu are at a party and people are smoking weed right out in the open, you are putting yourself in a position to be assumed part of the illegal activity. You then should realize that you may be assumed guilty by the authorities.
People like respect. If you argue with them, they are going to get annoyed. If you tell the truth and are cooperative, they'll be fine. I have been pulled over by the police for vehicle incidents 3 times in the last few years. ONe was rolling through a stop sign. When the officer asked me why I was being pulled over, I said yes. I told him I realized I never stopped the minute I went through the sign. He checked, saw I had no other infractions and let me go. Of course, if I had some points on my license, I bet he would have given me a ticket. The other 2 times I got plled ove, I treated the officer the same way and I was let off with a warning.

Viking1064 · 07-20-2003, 04:49 AM

Oh, yeah. Without the police, who is going to stop people from just blowing your head off when you cut in front of them in traffic?!!?!?!?!?

*Nikki* · 07-20-2003, 04:52 AM

I have no problem with them. I respect them a whole hell of a lot. Where would we be today without them??

I also went to school for Criminal Justice but never completed it. Who knows someday I might go back and it might be me out there kicking ass and taking names.

More power to our law enforcement.

juanvaldes · 07-20-2003, 05:02 AM

I've known to many cops.

lurkette · 07-20-2003, 05:31 AM

I have mixed feelings about the police. On the one hand, they have an incredibly difficult and stressful job, and they put themselves in danger to protect the citizenry. You have to admire and respect that.

On the other hand, the job seems to attract some (some, mind you) power-hungry assholes who are more interested in pushing people around than in upholding the laws of the society. A lot of professions attract assholes, but not all of them are professions that involve having a gun and the ability to incarcerate people.

So while I respect the profession, I'm always wary of the police and likely to be suspicious until they've proven they're not the power-hungry asshole type.

P.S. My brother was a skateboarder and so had many run-ins with the cops. He had a bumper sticker that said "bad cop - no donut." I always thought it was kind of funny.

Gortexfogg · 07-20-2003, 05:44 AM

I've always respected police. Law enforcement is important and we're lucky to have people willing to protect us from weirdos and such.

However, most of my experience with cops is 'Barney Miller' and Dirty Harry movies...

LittleOralAnnie · 07-20-2003, 06:14 AM

I've personally known many cops and I have the utmost respect for them as well as other departments such as firefighters and the like. They have always been there when I, family members and friends needed them.

The only beef I have is when some cops go above the law by coasting through stop signs, failing to signal, or speeding way faster than the 10 over limit. Most times this happens there is no current emergency and they don't have their sirens on. What I'm pissed about is that these same cops that break the laws bust others for doing the same thing when indeed they should be forcing some tickets upon themselves for breaking the same rules.

Fallon · 07-20-2003, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by LittleOralAnnie
The only beef I have is when some cops go above the law by coasting through stop signs, failing to signal, or speeding way faster than the 10 over limit. Most times this happens there is no current emergency and they don't have their sirens on. What I'm pissed about is that these same cops that break the laws bust others for doing the same thing when indeed they should be forcing some tickets upon themselves for breaking the same rules.

Technically, some of the time when they are speeding, it can be legitimate. For 3 years, I was a Police Explorer and we learned about many of the things Police do. One of the things is the codes of response. But one of the codes was get your ass their ASAP without lights and sirens. Domestic abuse is a situation where you don't want to have them going because it will most likely piss the people off even more.

As for my opinion, I've got many friends that are police officers. I know some Police Officers are asses, but so are people who work in other jobs. If the bad cops do something wrong, I have faith in the system that they'll eventually get caught, hopefully sooner then later.

Milopost · 07-20-2003, 07:30 AM

Hey we need a 'neutral' choice. I mean, not everyone either likes or dislikes cops.

Sydney cops are pretty corrupt, but they're cool nonetheless

gov135 · 07-20-2003, 07:32 AM

A community with a competent detective squad is a safe community.

Rank and file police officers do nothing to make the streets safer. They do not prevent crime. They arrive after crimes have been commited, basically sit around and wait for a domestic disturbance call or sit around and wait to ticket drivers. They are not uniform in doling out "justice," and they seem to let the 'power' go to their heads.

Give me a couple of police cruisers to do menial activities and a larger, competent investigative staff.

YourNeverThere · 07-20-2003, 07:52 AM

i hate all athority and always will, i get alot of crap from cops all the time, i look like im up to no good all the time according to all cops ive met. I have never been anything but harrassed by them so i base my judgement on my experance
edit:im glad the spelling police arnt here though becuase im to lazy to look up words

Kaos · 07-20-2003, 08:29 AM

99% of them are doing their job to the best of their ability. And just like in every other profession, there is always going to be a small % of bad employees.

I just wish they would start focusing on the more important criminal offences and quit wasting taxpayers time and money on shit like Seat belt laws.

darksparkles · 07-20-2003, 08:35 AM

i think that you can't really generalize. some cops are assholes, yes. a whole bunch of them aren't. where would be be without them?

as kaos said, its just like any other profession. there's always going to be bad employees. just its a bit more... a lot more inconvenient in this particular profession.

and i hear about all of the white cop shooting a black man stuff on the news, but that might just be because i live in seattle. i don't know.

edit: although i have heard lots of bad-cop stories. there's some horrible ones that are around protests- at the lieu one they were particurally horrible- randomly beating old men and tearing a little girl off her dad's shoulders so they could beat him, too. and lots of teargas and rubber bullets because one kid burned an american flag on top of a building. that was a bit ridiculous. but see what i said above.

ninety09 · 07-20-2003, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kaos
I just wish they would start focusing on the more important criminal offences and quit wasting taxpayers time and money on shit like Seat belt laws.

*nods*

Where I live, they spend way too much time in their cars waiting to catch people who are going a few KMs over the speed limit. What a waste of time..

The_Dude · 07-20-2003, 08:46 AM

rather them than anarchy.

compared to the rest of the world, i think that we have one of the best forces around. i feel safe thanx to 'em.

spectre · 07-20-2003, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sixate
I'm a citizen who follows the laws that are out there. Well, except for speeding so I have no problem with cops. They have a job to do and I respect that. In some towns they can be very picky about simple traffic laws, but they are laws so who am I to argue with them? If I break a law I'd expect to be punished and that wouldn't make me dislike them at all. So I guess what I'm saying is I have respect for police. Unfortunately, there are some asshole cops and people think all cops are like that and think they're all dickheads.

One last thing, I don't think they get paid enough for doing what they do.

This sums up exactly what I was thinking. I have two cousins that are both cops. One is a great guy, and is what most cops are like. The other is a dick and he's the kind of guy that gives cops a bad name.

ratbastid · 07-20-2003, 10:11 AM

The proprortion of crappy, abusive, lazy, corrupt or stupid cops is probably the same as the proportion of crappy, abusive, lazy, corrupt or stupid, say, waiters. Only thing is, it's a VERY visible and politically charged position, and poor behavior has very direct effects on the REAL lives of REAL people.

I think the police in general are under-appreciated and deserve every bit of respect, cooperation, and admiration we can muster. Except for the jerks.

Now rent-a-cops, it's a different story. Those are the psychos who want to wear uniforms and have authori-tay, but couldn't make it into or through Cop School. I've seen the movies! I know what Cop School is like! You mean you're WORSE than that no-account Steve Gutenberg??

gov135 · 07-20-2003, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ninety09
*nods*

Where I live, they spend way too much time in their cars waiting to catch people who are going a few KMs over the speed limit. What a waste of time..

And remember, their budget comes from the public. And that includes tickets paid at court. Don't think they don't know this. It's kinda funny. We pay their salaries through taxes, etc. Then they sit around on our tax dollars and bust us for going five miles over the speed limit. Then we pay more through the ticket... and I can still buy drugs downtown no problem.

It would be nice to see some of the police force actually working to reduce the crime rate, combat drugs, talk to children, etc. This, however, does not seem to be a major priority.

castex · 07-20-2003, 10:45 AM

I'd say the proportion of arsehole cops is higher than you'd find in other jobs such as waitering, purely because the nature of the job attracts people who enjoy the exercise of authority.

It's a difficult job, however; someone has to do it, and I've been fortunate enough to meet some charming bobbies.
British pigs are in desperate need of a government which provides more funding other than that they're encouraging the forces to generate for themselves through the installation of speed cameras in areas where people are likely to use their own judgement - safe, clear, straight roads without junctions. It's a stealth tax, and creates an awful lot of bad feeling.

chavos · 07-20-2003, 09:09 PM

As long as they aren't running traffic, most are just fine, and i respect what they do. My personal peeve is how they get to be part of the mental health system, and are used as coercion to get people locked away... I've been cuffed, and pulled out of my car, simply because someone called in that they thought i was suicidal. That said, i now know that it takes 11 minutes for the cops to find a parked car in dakota county with every cop looking. Valuable info for the next felony i plan...

sadistikdreams · 07-20-2003, 09:38 PM

Sting is the shiznit. They need to have a reunion.

MSD · 07-20-2003, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lurkette
P.S. My brother was a skateboarder and so had many run-ins with the cops. He had a bumper sticker that said "bad cop - no donut." I always thought it was kind of funny.

Funny, but good luck getting out of a ticket that you don't deserve if you have one of those.

All I can say in the matter is that I've never dealt with a cop who was unreasonable, rude, unfair, o unprofessional. While pulled over for something unrelated, for which I didn't even recieve a warning, on of the local oficers told me that I should re-register my car because if I ever was in an accident or something like that, they would have to give me a ticket.

State troopers don't seem to like when I only go 70, so I stay in the middle lane most of the time where they patrol frequently.

MSD · 07-20-2003, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sadistikdreams
Sting is the shiznit. They need to have a reunion.

Um, wrong thread?

spectre · 07-20-2003, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MrSelfDestruct
Um, wrong thread?

I think he's refering to the title, "How do you feel about the police?"

Zeld2.0 · 07-21-2003, 12:12 AM

Well living in LA we've had our own share of bad cops over the years that have created controversy after controversy (yeah remember the LA riots?)...

But I think too many people have the "its us vs. them" mentality.

The LAPD is a pretty damn small group for the amount of area they have to cover. And its sad they get their funds cut.

A few months ago a guy was killed execution style outside a house by 2 guys. They would've gotten away with it had a cruiser not driven by and the two cops in it arrested the two guys. Sadly the victim died later.

And its ironic that only a few days later the same news being broadcasted is the funds going to be cut again.

Its too bad these things happen because IMO most police are good ones down here. Sure we have scandal after scandal but generally most police are good and honorable. And besides, if they do get into trouble / act bad, the # of scandals and stuff coming out lately from LA alone makes them usually think twice.

Jesus Pimp · 07-21-2003, 03:57 AM

They generally keep order and deter crime but don't do shit when you have a crime to report. Here's a story, my friend recently got robbed by his mother and step father. They broke into his apartment and stole over five thousand dollars and his computer from his apartment. He's living on his own btw. The cops refuse to do anything since he didn't actually see his mother and step father steal his stuff. How fucked up is that?

Troublebot · 07-21-2003, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sadistikdreams
Sting is the shiznit. They need to have a reunion.

I was thinking the same thing.

Stewart Copeland is the bomb, yo!

Seriously, I've got no problem with the cops in my area. There was a dust-up between two guys I help support (both with developmental disabilities) and the cops got called in. There was a point where one of the guys disregarded what the officer was saying to him and walked back into his house. At this point, the officer didn't know what he was doing (Getting a gun? Getting a sandwich?) and would have been within his rights to pull his weapon. However, this guy used his head and just talked both guys down.

The next day, when I was talking to the officer on the phone, I praised his handling of the situation. Told him if he ever left the force to come on over and apply for a job.

However, for every 10 good cops out there, there's one shitty cop. Too bad those are the ones we hear about on the news.

World's King · 07-21-2003, 11:28 AM

Having to chose between like and dislike isn't really okay in this situation.

Most people don't like cops but respect them because they carry big guns.

crow_daw · 07-21-2003, 12:19 PM

I have mixed feelings about the police as well. I think that alot of them are on a power trip, and like to throw their weight around. But at the same time, they're very important people, and all the naysayers in this thread right now, you bad mouth the police, but who do you call when your house gets robbed?

Side story: When I was sixteen, I wrecked my truck into a ditch. I was completely alone, the vehicle was not blocking the road at all, and I was completely utterly sober. I went to get help, and when I returned the cops were searching my vehicle and preparing to have it towed. Then they told me that I would most likely be charged with leaving the scene of an accident. Now tell me, is that not bullshit? I have no cell phone, and I was basically in the middle of nowhere, was I supposed to wait for some cop to just happen by? Because believe me, that would not have happened. And I could understand if anyone else had been injured, or even a fucking dog, but it was just ME, me by MY DAMN SELF!!! I was a sixteen year old kid who had just wrecked his first vehicle with no insurance except for liability, and they still thought it necessary to hassle me. I ended up not getting in any trouble because my grandfather is a pretty big member of the community and he spoke to the sheriff for me, but hell, I didn't even do anything wrong!

hotzot · 07-21-2003, 01:50 PM

big time gray area here. no middle ground in this poll.

Captain Canada · 07-21-2003, 01:57 PM

To quote the great NWA: "Fuck the PO-lice!"

Derwood · 07-21-2003, 02:03 PM

In Chicago, it's more shocking to see a cop stop at a stop sign or use a turn signal than not. They do a terrible job of "setting a good example" as far as traffic laws go.

My sister's boyfriend is a PA State Patrolman, and they regularly drive 90mph+ in non-emergency situations. On nights when he drives a cruiser home, he can make the 30 mile trip in under 20 minutes. It is not just a unwritten "free pass", it's encouraged! Plus, he'll never get a traffic ticket from another state cop (barring DUI)

Cynthetiq · 07-21-2003, 02:36 PM

It only takes ONE bad cop to ruin it for the thousands of them that patrol our streets and put their lives on the line every hour of every day.

Shame, because if people did the same for "race" jeez... we'd never get along.

Halx · 07-21-2003, 02:50 PM

I respect cops. They are some of the only peeps who I call "Sir" and "Ma'am" - I am a speeder, and I've gotten pulled over 3 times (85-130mph), each time let off with just a warning because I treat them with respect.

Though, the other day, a cop wouldn't let me merge into his lane because I needed to get over to change freeways, I almost missed the exit. Most of the time, they are ok.

mvassek · 07-21-2003, 02:57 PM

I was a police officer at Naval Training Center San Diego for 3 years. I found that as a Police Officer that I was more often than not dealing with assholes. I always gave 5mph over the speedlimit and maybe more depending on the situation, our main job is to be a deterrent if a person was speeding saw us and slowed to the speed limit we did our job we made them aware of their driving. But my big problem is when you stopped someone for speeding 35 in a 25 or what ever it may have been, and no one would take responsibility for their actions. I was always wrong or my equipment was faulty, etc.. Then there is the times we observed a fight at the base club and arrested the persons involved and we are wrong for doing our job. Then the base commander says we have to do a vehicle search for 2 hours at gate 1 checking every 5th vehicle. We go do our job and we are "profiling, picking on, or whatever other thing the people we stopped could come up with.

I am almost always a very upbeat person and very outgoing, but it got to the point after only 6-8 months on the job that I hated dealing with the public, the people who called us when something went wrong then treated us like shit when we got there. I got tired of people not shutting the hell up and just accepting that they got caught speeding etc. and just let me do my job.

I was so glad when my tour was up and I went back to my regular job in the Navy. It definetly gave me a new respect for what a Police officer has to deal with on a day-to-day basis and I will never go back to that profession.

View Poll Results: How do you feel about the police in general?
I like the police.	107	69.48%
I don't like the police.	47	30.52%
Voters: 154. You may not vote on this poll

07-20-2003, 12:06 AM	#1 (permalink)
Phaenx The Northern Ward Location: Columbus, Ohio	How do you feel about the police? I'm looking at the news tonight and see a lot of people upset with an officer who shot and killed a young black man who was waving a 6 inch knife refusing to put it down when they arrived. This happens often enough, but you only ever hear the stories about a white cop shooting a black suspect on the news. I've heard other stories nevertheless, and I'm sure there are some bad dudes out there who aren't worthy of their authority, so what I want to know is if people in general on this board trust the police. If you think that cops in general are abusive and/or unfair, please share any stories you have. __________________ "I went shopping last night at like 1am. The place was empty and this old woman just making polite conversation said to me, 'where is everyone??' I replied, 'In bed, same place you and I should be!' Took me ten minutes to figure out why she gave me a dirty look." --Some guy

07-20-2003, 12:34 AM	#3 (permalink)
homerhop Insane Location: ÉIRE	My sister is a cop. They cannot carry firearms here only a batton. If I had to put up with the shit she has to off the public, I would crack alot of skulls . __________________ its evolution baby

07-20-2003, 04:24 AM	#4 (permalink)
tikki Justified Location: West Lafayette, IN	West Lafayette cops can kiss my ass. I have never had a run-in with them personally, but I will always remember seeing them throw a guy off his bike and onto the ground for no reason. They sat there and intimidated him for about twenty minutes, and then left. They also just follow you around just waiting for you to do something wrong. God forbid you not signal a turn... __________________ Take notice. Take interest. Take me with you.

07-20-2003, 05:31 AM	#10 (permalink)
lurkette My future is coming on Moderator Emeritus Location: east of the sun and west of the moon	I have mixed feelings about the police. On the one hand, they have an incredibly difficult and stressful job, and they put themselves in danger to protect the citizenry. You have to admire and respect that. On the other hand, the job seems to attract some (some, mind you) power-hungry assholes who are more interested in pushing people around than in upholding the laws of the society. A lot of professions attract assholes, but not all of them are professions that involve having a gun and the ability to incarcerate people. So while I respect the profession, I'm always wary of the police and likely to be suspicious until they've proven they're not the power-hungry asshole type. P.S. My brother was a skateboarder and so had many run-ins with the cops. He had a bumper sticker that said "bad cop - no donut." I always thought it was kind of funny. __________________ "If ten million people believe a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing." - Anatole France

07-20-2003, 12:18 AM	#2 (permalink)
laxative Loser Location: the bathroom	i generally trust them, and i guess they're as fair as they can be. but i still don't like them.

07-20-2003, 04:47 AM	#5 (permalink)
sixate Registered User Location: Somewhere in Ohio	I'm a citizen who follows the laws that are out there. Well, except for speeding so I have no problem with cops. They have a job to do and I respect that. In some towns they can be very picky about simple traffic laws, but they are laws so who am I to argue with them? If I break a law I'd expect to be punished and that wouldn't make me dislike them at all. So I guess what I'm saying is I have respect for police. Unfortunately, there are some asshole cops and people think all cops are like that and think they're all dickheads. One last thing, I don't think they get paid enough for doing what they do.

07-20-2003, 04:47 AM	#6 (permalink)
Viking1064 Insane Location: New Jersey	I will more than likely NEVER be in a position for an officer to feel he/she has to beat me or shoot me. Contrary to what people think, officers don't go around beating the innocent. Use your brain, would you be outside during a riot? Would you be around when people are looting, even just watching? No. I would know better and get the f... out of there. If oyu are at a party and people are smoking weed right out in the open, you are putting yourself in a position to be assumed part of the illegal activity. You then should realize that you may be assumed guilty by the authorities. People like respect. If you argue with them, they are going to get annoyed. If you tell the truth and are cooperative, they'll be fine. I have been pulled over by the police for vehicle incidents 3 times in the last few years. ONe was rolling through a stop sign. When the officer asked me why I was being pulled over, I said yes. I told him I realized I never stopped the minute I went through the sign. He checked, saw I had no other infractions and let me go. Of course, if I had some points on my license, I bet he would have given me a ticket. The other 2 times I got plled ove, I treated the officer the same way and I was let off with a warning.

07-20-2003, 04:49 AM	#7 (permalink)
Viking1064 Insane Location: New Jersey	Oh, yeah. Without the police, who is going to stop people from just blowing your head off when you cut in front of them in traffic?!!?!?!?!?

07-20-2003, 04:52 AM	#8 (permalink)
Nikki ~~~~~~~ Location: Charleston, SC	I have no problem with them. I respect them a whole hell of a lot. Where would we be today without them?? I also went to school for Criminal Justice but never completed it. Who knows someday I might go back and it might be me out there kicking ass and taking names. More power to our law enforcement.

07-20-2003, 05:02 AM	#9 (permalink)
juanvaldes Banned Location: shittown, CA	I've known to many cops.

07-20-2003, 05:44 AM	#11 (permalink)
Gortexfogg I and I Location: Stillwater, OK	I've always respected police. Law enforcement is important and we're lucky to have people willing to protect us from weirdos and such. However, most of my experience with cops is 'Barney Miller' and Dirty Harry movies...

07-20-2003, 06:14 AM	#12 (permalink)
LittleOralAnnie Banned	I've personally known many cops and I have the utmost respect for them as well as other departments such as firefighters and the like. They have always been there when I, family members and friends needed them. The only beef I have is when some cops go above the law by coasting through stop signs, failing to signal, or speeding way faster than the 10 over limit. Most times this happens there is no current emergency and they don't have their sirens on. What I'm pissed about is that these same cops that break the laws bust others for doing the same thing when indeed they should be forcing some tickets upon themselves for breaking the same rules.

07-20-2003, 07:30 AM	#14 (permalink)
Milopost Upright	Hey we need a 'neutral' choice. I mean, not everyone either likes or dislikes cops. Sydney cops are pretty corrupt, but they're cool nonetheless

07-20-2003, 07:32 AM	#15 (permalink)
gov135 Junkie Location: Midwest	A community with a competent detective squad is a safe community. Rank and file police officers do nothing to make the streets safer. They do not prevent crime. They arrive after crimes have been commited, basically sit around and wait for a domestic disturbance call or sit around and wait to ticket drivers. They are not uniform in doling out "justice," and they seem to let the 'power' go to their heads. Give me a couple of police cruisers to do menial activities and a larger, competent investigative staff.

07-20-2003, 09:38 PM	#26 (permalink)
sadistikdreams lonely rolling star Location: Seattle.	Sting is the shiznit. They need to have a reunion. __________________ "Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of non-essentials." -Lin Yutang hearts, by d.a.

07-20-2003, 07:52 AM	#16 (permalink)
YourNeverThere Practical Anarchist Location: Yesterday i woke up stuck in hollywood	i hate all athority and always will, i get alot of crap from cops all the time, i look like im up to no good all the time according to all cops ive met. I have never been anything but harrassed by them so i base my judgement on my experance edit:im glad the spelling police arnt here though becuase im to lazy to look up words __________________ The Above post is a direct quote from Shakespeare Last edited by YourNeverThere; 07-20-2003 at 07:55 AM..

07-20-2003, 08:29 AM	#17 (permalink)
Kaos Ssssssssss Location: Ontario	99% of them are doing their job to the best of their ability. And just like in every other profession, there is always going to be a small % of bad employees. I just wish they would start focusing on the more important criminal offences and quit wasting taxpayers time and money on shit like Seat belt laws.

07-20-2003, 08:35 AM	#18 (permalink)
darksparkles Insane Location: Seattle	i think that you can't really generalize. some cops are assholes, yes. a whole bunch of them aren't. where would be be without them? as kaos said, its just like any other profession. there's always going to be bad employees. just its a bit more... a lot more inconvenient in this particular profession. and i hear about all of the white cop shooting a black man stuff on the news, but that might just be because i live in seattle. i don't know. edit: although i have heard lots of bad-cop stories. there's some horrible ones that are around protests- at the lieu one they were particurally horrible- randomly beating old men and tearing a little girl off her dad's shoulders so they could beat him, too. and lots of teargas and rubber bullets because one kid burned an american flag on top of a building. that was a bit ridiculous. but see what i said above. __________________ "I could be the walrus ... I'd still have to bum rides off people." -Ferris Bueller. Last edited by darksparkles; 07-20-2003 at 08:45 AM..

07-20-2003, 08:46 AM	#20 (permalink)
The_Dude The GrandDaddy of them all! Location: Austin, TX	rather them than anarchy. compared to the rest of the world, i think that we have one of the best forces around. i feel safe thanx to 'em. __________________ "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." - Darrel K Royal

07-20-2003, 10:11 AM	#22 (permalink)
ratbastid Darth Papa Location: Yonder	The proprortion of crappy, abusive, lazy, corrupt or stupid cops is probably the same as the proportion of crappy, abusive, lazy, corrupt or stupid, say, waiters. Only thing is, it's a VERY visible and politically charged position, and poor behavior has very direct effects on the REAL lives of REAL people. I think the police in general are under-appreciated and deserve every bit of respect, cooperation, and admiration we can muster. Except for the jerks. Now rent-a-cops, it's a different story. Those are the psychos who want to wear uniforms and have authori-tay, but couldn't make it into or through Cop School. I've seen the movies! I know what Cop School is like! You mean you're WORSE than that no-account Steve Gutenberg??

07-20-2003, 10:45 AM	#24 (permalink)
castex Psycho Location: france	I'd say the proportion of arsehole cops is higher than you'd find in other jobs such as waitering, purely because the nature of the job attracts people who enjoy the exercise of authority. It's a difficult job, however; someone has to do it, and I've been fortunate enough to meet some charming bobbies. British pigs are in desperate need of a government which provides more funding other than that they're encouraging the forces to generate for themselves through the installation of speed cameras in areas where people are likely to use their own judgement - safe, clear, straight roads without junctions. It's a stealth tax, and creates an awful lot of bad feeling.

07-20-2003, 09:09 PM	#25 (permalink)
chavos Banned Location: St. Paul, MN	As long as they aren't running traffic, most are just fine, and i respect what they do. My personal peeve is how they get to be part of the mental health system, and are used as coercion to get people locked away... I've been cuffed, and pulled out of my car, simply because someone called in that they thought i was suicidal. That said, i now know that it takes 11 minutes for the cops to find a parked car in dakota county with every cop looking. Valuable info for the next felony i plan...

07-21-2003, 12:12 AM	#30 (permalink)
Zeld2.0 Cherry-pickin' devil's advocate Location: Los Angeles	Well living in LA we've had our own share of bad cops over the years that have created controversy after controversy (yeah remember the LA riots?)... But I think too many people have the "its us vs. them" mentality. The LAPD is a pretty damn small group for the amount of area they have to cover. And its sad they get their funds cut. A few months ago a guy was killed execution style outside a house by 2 guys. They would've gotten away with it had a cruiser not driven by and the two cops in it arrested the two guys. Sadly the victim died later. And its ironic that only a few days later the same news being broadcasted is the funds going to be cut again. Its too bad these things happen because IMO most police are good ones down here. Sure we have scandal after scandal but generally most police are good and honorable. And besides, if they do get into trouble / act bad, the # of scandals and stuff coming out lately from LA alone makes them usually think twice.

07-21-2003, 03:57 AM	#31 (permalink)
Jesus Pimp The Original JizzSmacka	They generally keep order and deter crime but don't do shit when you have a crime to report. Here's a story, my friend recently got robbed by his mother and step father. They broke into his apartment and stole over five thousand dollars and his computer from his apartment. He's living on his own btw. The cops refuse to do anything since he didn't actually see his mother and step father steal his stuff. How fucked up is that? __________________ Never date anyone who doesn't make your dick hard.

07-21-2003, 11:28 AM	#33 (permalink)
World's King Here Location: Denver City Denver	Having to chose between like and dislike isn't really okay in this situation. Most people don't like cops but respect them because they carry big guns. __________________ heavy is the head that wears the crown

07-21-2003, 12:19 PM	#34 (permalink)
crow_daw Idolator Location: Vol Country	I have mixed feelings about the police as well. I think that alot of them are on a power trip, and like to throw their weight around. But at the same time, they're very important people, and all the naysayers in this thread right now, you bad mouth the police, but who do you call when your house gets robbed? Side story: When I was sixteen, I wrecked my truck into a ditch. I was completely alone, the vehicle was not blocking the road at all, and I was completely utterly sober. I went to get help, and when I returned the cops were searching my vehicle and preparing to have it towed. Then they told me that I would most likely be charged with leaving the scene of an accident. Now tell me, is that not bullshit? I have no cell phone, and I was basically in the middle of nowhere, was I supposed to wait for some cop to just happen by? Because believe me, that would not have happened. And I could understand if anyone else had been injured, or even a fucking dog, but it was just ME, me by MY DAMN SELF!!! I was a sixteen year old kid who had just wrecked his first vehicle with no insurance except for liability, and they still thought it necessary to hassle me. I ended up not getting in any trouble because my grandfather is a pretty big member of the community and he spoke to the sheriff for me, but hell, I didn't even do anything wrong! __________________ "We each have a star, all we have to do is find it. Once you do, everyone who sees it will be blinded." - Earl Simmons

07-21-2003, 01:50 PM	#35 (permalink)
hotzot We're having potato pancakes! Location: stalag 13	big time gray area here. no middle ground in this poll. __________________ The Bully Boys are here!

07-21-2003, 01:57 PM	#36 (permalink)
Captain Canada Addict Location: University of North Carolina at Greensboro	To quote the great NWA: "Fuck the PO-lice!"

07-21-2003, 02:03 PM	#37 (permalink)
Derwood Who You Crappin? Location: Everywhere and Nowhere	In Chicago, it's more shocking to see a cop stop at a stop sign or use a turn signal than not. They do a terrible job of "setting a good example" as far as traffic laws go. My sister's boyfriend is a PA State Patrolman, and they regularly drive 90mph+ in non-emergency situations. On nights when he drives a cruiser home, he can make the 30 mile trip in under 20 minutes. It is not just a unwritten "free pass", it's encouraged! Plus, he'll never get a traffic ticket from another state cop (barring DUI) __________________ "You can't shoot a country until it becomes a democracy." - Willravel

07-21-2003, 02:36 PM	#38 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	It only takes ONE bad cop to ruin it for the thousands of them that patrol our streets and put their lives on the line every hour of every day. Shame, because if people did the same for "race" jeez... we'd never get along. __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!

07-21-2003, 02:50 PM	#39 (permalink)
Halx Please touch this. Owner/Admin Location: Manhattan	I respect cops. They are some of the only peeps who I call "Sir" and "Ma'am" - I am a speeder, and I've gotten pulled over 3 times (85-130mph), each time let off with just a warning because I treat them with respect. Though, the other day, a cop wouldn't let me merge into his lane because I needed to get over to change freeways, I almost missed the exit. Most of the time, they are ok. __________________ You have found this post informative. -The Administrator [Don't Feed The Animals]

07-21-2003, 02:57 PM	#40 (permalink)
mvassek Crazy Location: East Tennessee	I was a police officer at Naval Training Center San Diego for 3 years. I found that as a Police Officer that I was more often than not dealing with assholes. I always gave 5mph over the speedlimit and maybe more depending on the situation, our main job is to be a deterrent if a person was speeding saw us and slowed to the speed limit we did our job we made them aware of their driving. But my big problem is when you stopped someone for speeding 35 in a 25 or what ever it may have been, and no one would take responsibility for their actions. I was always wrong or my equipment was faulty, etc.. Then there is the times we observed a fight at the base club and arrested the persons involved and we are wrong for doing our job. Then the base commander says we have to do a vehicle search for 2 hours at gate 1 checking every 5th vehicle. We go do our job and we are "profiling, picking on, or whatever other thing the people we stopped could come up with. I am almost always a very upbeat person and very outgoing, but it got to the point after only 6-8 months on the job that I hated dealing with the public, the people who called us when something went wrong then treated us like shit when we got there. I got tired of people not shutting the hell up and just accepting that they got caught speeding etc. and just let me do my job. I was so glad when my tour was up and I went back to my regular job in the Navy. It definetly gave me a new respect for what a Police officer has to deal with on a day-to-day basis and I will never go back to that profession.