Public Dislike -- Can We Improve Relations?

[webster882]

<<My previous thread from last year...some may be curious. I turned myself in, and the case was dismissed. I was not guilty, and I am glad that is behind me>>


With many people feeling like cops are their enemies and not there to help them, but to hurt them or make matters worse, I want to ask a question...with all due respect for the good cops who are actually doing what they were intended to do. That is to protect life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, property, etc.

When I was a little boy, I had a somewhat unrealistic expectation of what a policeman was. I thought they were brave heroes who got rid of really bad guys, and friendly people who I could call upon for help. I watched Andy Griffith and admired Barney, and Andy, and thought WOW look what great public keepers of the peace these folks are. Even in my little neighborhood in Alabama we had a good ol' guy Sheriff who was friendly to everyone in the town, and you could shoot the shit with him, etc.

I remember when the show COPS came out though. I saw brutal and horrible things done to people for minor and petty crimes. The unnecessary beating of incapacitated drunks. I saw brute force animal like, dominant monkey behavior, and my view on what a policeman was turned to that of outrage.

Now please understand: I am expressing the sentiment of what many people express when not in the presence of law enforcement. There are just so many things wrong. The public is losing respect for law enforcement, because of this attitude of hate or apathy for freedom and human life. We are scared, and we shouldn't be. Innocent people are scared for their lives! Fear and respect are terribly different things.

Please say there is atleast one good cop on here who knows where I'm coming from? Can anyone see why a person could be inclined to think this way? This is more of a philosophical attempt to finding some kind of solution, than it is a rant. What can be done by the public, and what can police do to restore relations?

Thanks


This was not heavily edited, as I wanted it to be truly authentic an uncensored. A genuine view of the way a person may feel toward police.

[Samuel]

<<My previous thread from last year...some may be curious. I turned myself in, and the case was dismissed. I was not guilty, and I am glad that is behind me>>


With many people feeling like cops are their enemies and not there to help them, but to hurt them or make matters worse, I want to ask a question...with all due respect for the good cops who are actually doing what they were intended to do. That is to protect life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, property, etc.

When I was a little boy, I had a somewhat unrealistic expectation of what a policeman was. I thought they were brave heroes who got rid of really bad guys, and friendly people who I could call upon for help. I watched Andy Griffith and admired Barney, and Andy, and thought WOW look what great public keepers of the peace these folks are. Even in my little neighborhood in Alabama we had a good ol' guy Sheriff who was friendly to everyone in the town, and you could shoot the shit with him, etc.

I remember when the show COPS came out though. I saw brutal and horrible things done to people for minor and petty crimes. The unnecessary beating of incapacitated drunks. I saw brute force animal like, dominant monkey behavior, and my view on what a policeman was turned to that of outrage.

Now please understand: I am expressing the sentiment of what many people express when not in the presence of law enforcement. There are just so many things wrong. The public is losing respect for law enforcement, because of this attitude of hate or apathy for freedom and human life. We are scared, and we shouldn't be. Innocent people are scared for their lives! Fear and respect are terribly different things.

Please say there is atleast one good cop on here who knows where I'm coming from? Can anyone see why a person could be inclined to think this way? This is more of a philosophical attempt to finding some kind of solution, than it is a rant. What can be done by the public, and what can police do to restore relations?

Thanks


This was not heavily edited, as I wanted it to be truly authentic an uncensored. A genuine view of the way a person may feel toward police.

Please say there is at least one good citizen out there who understands the importance of law enforcement and knows better than to form opinions just from watching a freaking TV show or two...

In general, walk a mile in someone else's shoes before you judge. If you don't know about something, keep your pie hole shut about that something. If you fuc& up, take responsibility for your actions.

There's much more to it than that - that's just FOR STARTERS....

[webster882]

Please say there is at least one good citizen out there who understands the importance of law enforcement and knows better than to form opinions just from watching a freaking TV show or two...

In general, walk a mile in someone else's shoes before you judge. If you don't know about something, keep your pie hole shut about that something. If you fuc& up, take responsibility for your actions.

There's much more to it than that - that's just FOR STARTERS....

No, I don't understand all aspects of law enforcement, but generally some cops seem abusive. What do you mean if I fuc& up? Look, I'm just searching for answers. What is the deal about cops treating people like children? Keep my piehole shut? Is this how you treat someone if you pull them over?

I was kind of relieved that you don't seem to relate to that show. But, I didn't form my opinion simply from that. I've lurked this forum for over a year analyzing some of the posts...and from what I see, things are pretty scary.

I want you to know this too. Last year I had car trouble.. A police officer pulls up, steps out of his car...approaches me, and gives me a helping hand. He even gives me a jump, when he wasn't even supposed to, then he follows me to the store and suggests I get distilled water to put in the battery. This was in Oklahoma City btw, and I'm originally from Alabama. I've noticed the cops here are generally good people from what I've encountered. Some of it is geographic. The part that should really make you think is this: I was shocked that a cop actually helped me.

If our tax dollars pay to employ law enforcement, why should people ever stand to be victimized like they are. Police are public servants. As far as many are concerned, it's not that much different than if mobsters ran the place. If you look at the organization copwatch, negative media coverage surrounding criminal procedure, different fliers that are circulating...this is not what people want anymore. The United States imprisons more people than China, Russia or any other nation, but they greatly exceed our population. It's becoming more and more evident what's going on in America. It's failed policing. This is going to be bigger than the Civil Rights movement, if things keep going at this rate. We are not a dictatorship, I think that's why we fought for sovereignty from England and Europe? People are starting to realize they are being bullied. That SOME cops are making fools of us.

That is not meant to go toward the good cops out there that really want to help people, and care about their communities. I've seen a few here like that. I'm just curious...why so defensive, Sir? I really want to understand.

[webster882]

I would like to refrain from derailing this thread as was attempted above. My intent is a discussion on how we can all improve relations, and improve effective policing.

What would be a good way for people and police to improve relations? I'm not just asking what would be a good way for police to treat people better. I'm sick of the whole adversary aspect of people and police. Are we not on this earth to help one another?

[Samuel]

No, I don't understand all aspects of law enforcement, but generally some cops seem abusive.

Wrong - you don't understand ANY aspect of law enforcement. You can tell yourself otherwise but you're just kidding yourself. "some" does not equal "many" or "most" and "some" is not the tone/attitude/meaning you are putting into your posts.

What do you mean if I fuc& up?

In general means in general. Many people don't take responsibility for their wrongdoings, even when we catch them red-handed. Instead of realizing they screwed up, they'd like to blame the police for whatever they can come up with.

Look, I'm just searching for answers. What is the deal about cops treating people like children? Keep my piehole shut? Is this how you treat someone if you pull them over?

If you are as clueless as you are and tell me what you are posting here in this thread (instead of dealing with the fact that you screwed up enough for me to pull you over), sure I'll tell you to shut the hell up because you don't know what the F you're talking about.

I was kind of relieved that you don't seem to relate to that show. But, I didn't form my opinion simply from that. I've lurked this forum for over a year analyzing some of the posts...and from what I see, things are pretty scary.

I've watched those shows. I've watched a lot of shows. I've NEVER been foolhardy enough to believe that what I watch is absolutely accurate/real. What is scary to me is how ignorant you are yet how closeminded, righteous, and holier than thou you are.

I want you to know this too. Last year I had car trouble.. A police officer pulls up, steps out of his car...approaches me, and gives me a helping hand. He even gives me a jump, when he wasn't even supposed to, then he follows me to the store and suggests I get distilled water to put in the battery. This was in Oklahoma City btw, and I'm originally from Alabama. I've noticed the cops here are generally good people from what I've encountered. Some of it is geographic. The part that should really make you think is this: I was shocked that a cop actually helped me.

That's on you. How you arrived at how you believe law enforcement officers are (your own stereotype/generalization) is solely up to you and is NOT shared by MANY of the decent people I deal with on a daily basis.

If our tax dollars pay to employ law enforcement, why should people ever stand to be victimized like they are.

You're an idiot for generalizing that law enforcement "victimizes" people.

Police are public servants. As far as many are concerned, it's not that much different than if mobsters ran the place.

You're an idiot for relating law enforcement officers to mobsters.

If you look at the organization copwatch, negative media coverage surrounding criminal procedure, different fliers that are circulating...this is not what people want anymore.

Speak for your own idiot self, not others.

The United States imprisons more people than China, Russia or any other nation, but they greatly exceed our population. It's becoming more and more evident what's going on in America. It's failed policing.

More idiocy. To borrow and modify something Chris Rock says - when he goes to the ATM at night, he's not looking out for the police, he's looking out for SCUMBAGS. Get a clue.

This is going to be bigger than the Civil Rights movement, if things keep going at this rate. We are not a dictatorship, I think that's why we fought for sovereignty from England and Europe? People are starting to realize they are being bullied. That SOME cops are making fools of us.

Idiot.

That is not meant to go toward the good cops out there that really want to help people, and care about their communities. I've seen a few here like that. I'm just curious...why so defensive, Sir? I really want to understand.

Bullsh1t. You already have your so-called mind made up. Your BS agenda is clearly showing. And BS that you believe that there are good cops out there. After I respond to your next idiotic post, you are going CLICKETY CLICK.

[Samuel]

I would like to refrain from derailing this thread as was attempted above. My intent is a discussion on how we can all improve relations, and improve effective policing.

First you need to pull your head out of your A$$. Then you need to empty it of all the stupidity that's in there now. Then you have to go out and get a clue. If you can do all that, THEN, you will be more ready for a realistic and worthwhile exchange of ideas. As of now, you're just a box of rocks.

What would be a good way for people and police to improve relations? I'm not just asking what would be a good way for police to treat people better. I'm sick of the whole adversary aspect of people and police. Are we not on this earth to help one another?

Like I said before, your cup of tea is already full. Go back under your bridge and drink your tea.

Oh and let me introduce you to all the other posters I've victimized with the IGNORE button...

[Creeker]

...The United States imprisons more people than China, Russia or any other nation, but they greatly exceed our population. It's becoming more and more evident what's going on in America. It's failed policing. This is going to be bigger than the Civil Rights movement, if things keep going at this rate. We are not a dictatorship, I think that's why we fought for sovereignty from England and Europe? People are starting to realize they are being bullied. That SOME cops are making fools of us.

....

Here's one difference: While corruption is pretty much the rule in those countries you've mentioned, the citizens there really don't want to go to jail. Why? Because they have no Human Rights over there. They don't get 3 hots & a cot with cable. They don't have a revolving door to their prisons (which, BTW, I just saw one... literally... on an A&E Documentary in Cleveland, Ohio). They have laws with bite to them, unless a criminal can bribe his way out of trouble. Here, a person earns a sentence for a year, he gets out in less than 3 months, if he actually gets jail time.

The problem isn't failed Policing, the problem is with the sentencing leniency among many other issues delving into the CRJ System. The "brutality" that you perceive (but is likely not) from LEO's would easily be frustration.

Some people don't think that Cops should force the people they are arresting or interviewing to comply with commands... but those people are simply ignorant. They have little grasp of reality. Law Enforcement is a Full Contact job that can't be done wearing powder puffs and skirts.

BTW, this dictatorship that you think we've overcome when we left England is quickly on the rebound at the hands of our present Political Administration... and with his "Chicago Style" political influence, things are going to get pretty strange.

[GoDirectly2Jail]

With many people feeling like cops are their enemies and not there to help them, but to hurt them or make matters worse, I want to ask a question...with all due respect for the good cops who are actually doing what they were intended to do. That is to protect life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, property, etc.

When I was a little boy, I had a somewhat unrealistic expectation of what a policeman was. I thought they were brave heroes who got rid of really bad guys, and friendly people who I could call upon for help. I watched Andy Griffith and admired Barney, and Andy, and thought WOW look what great public keepers of the peace these folks are. Even in my little neighborhood in Alabama we had a good ol' guy Sheriff who was friendly to everyone in the town, and you could shoot the shit with him, etc.

I remember when the show COPS came out though. I saw brutal and horrible things done to people for minor and petty crimes. The unnecessary beating of incapacitated drunks. I saw brute force animal like, dominant monkey behavior, and my view on what a policeman was turned to that of outrage.

Now please understand: I am expressing the sentiment of what many people express when not in the presence of law enforcement. There are just so many things wrong. The public is losing respect for law enforcement, because of this attitude of hate or apathy for freedom and human life. We are scared, and we shouldn't be. Innocent people are scared for their lives! Fear and respect are terribly different things.

Please say there is atleast one good cop on here who knows where I'm coming from? Can anyone see why a person could be inclined to think this way? This is more of a philosophical attempt to finding some kind of solution, than it is a rant. What can be done by the public, and what can police do to restore relations?

Thanks

Your premise is flawed, and your post is akin to walking into a room full of attorneys and stating, " I grew up watching Perry Mason and Matlock, and thought that lawyers were great.

But now I know that society thinks lawyers are lying, scumbag, scheisters. Lets talk about it."

[Cat_Doc]

[SIZE="1"]The public is losing respect for law enforcement, because of this attitude of hate or apathy for freedom and human life. We are scared, and we shouldn't be. Innocent people are scared for their lives!

I've been on the job for over 30 years and I'm calling bullshit on your assertion that United States Law Enforcement generally practices hate or apathy for freedom and human life.

The truth of the matter is that the overwhelming majority of law enforcement officers despises and fights against the very thing you so boldly accuse them of.

Go out on a citizen observer ride-along. Keep your mouth shut, your eyes and ears open and watch what these law enforcement officers do in their attempt to Keep Peace and Freedom.

See it firsthand and then make a judgment instead of being the friggen sheep who is afraid of the sheepdog… until the wolf is on your ass.

Now I must exit out of here and head to Active Shooter training so we can be proficient in our efforts to protect children from the evil scum who wish to do them harm, both domestic and foreign.

[Curt581]

Yes. The police can certainly improve relations.

We can stop arresting people for committing crimes, if they really don't want to go to jail.

We could explain to the woman who got raped that her rapist has to work tomorrow, so we won't be taking him to jail.

We can tell the guy whose car was stolen that we'll try to find it, but we won't put the thug that stole it in jail if he doesn't want to go.

We can tell the parents of the teen who died of an overdose that heroin should be legalized... after all, using it was HIS choice and it wasn't hurting anyone else.

We can turn a blind eye to drunk drivers, since they only had "two beers"... honest.

We can let the abusive husband go, since he never intended to really hurt her and hey, those broken bones will heal, right?

We can let the gangbangers do their drive-by shootings as long as they promise to only scare people, not shoot directly at anyone.

We can let coke-head moms ignore their babies and not buy any baby food, so they'll have money to go score a few crack rocks.

We can let tweekers burn their family's garage/barn/house down mixing toxic chemicals to make meth.... hey, it's insured, right?

We can stop pulling over reckless speeders, because they're really the only ones who really know how to drive.

Yep... there's alot we can do to get the people we have to deal with to LIKE us... but does the public really want us to?

(and I don't mean YOU personally, I mean society in general)

[retdetsgt]

If it weren't for cops, people like the OP would never be able to venture out of their Mom and Dad's basement.

[Sgt. Slaughter]

Please say there is atleast one good cop on here who knows where I'm coming from?
I know where you're coming from. You're more than welcome to go back there any time, too.

Can anyone see why a person could be inclined to think this way?
Too much sensationalized media and TV - plain and simple. The public isn't interested in learning 'why' things happen, they are just used to sitting on their butts watching TV, movies, YouTube, 'viral videos', cell phone pictures and movies which show minute clips of life, but rarely tell the whole story. Untrained, ignorant big mouths then think they are somehow qualified in their "Couch Commander" status to tell cops how to be cops. Next time you want to do something similar, spend an hour on the internet self-diagnosing, then walk into a doctors office like you own the place and start treating yourself.

This is more of a philosophical attempt to finding some kind of solution, than it is a rant.
It's a lame attempt, then. You're letting the above situation dictate what your "philosophy" is.

What can be done by the public, and what can police do to restore relations?
The public can quit being asshats and coddling convicts. If our laws were actually enforced and people did the time for the crimes they committed, that would be a much larger deterrent to their asshattery. In reality, cops change on a damn near weekly basis with new case law that's always coming out. Ours is a dynamic, rapidly evolving environment that you clearly have NO grasp of.

Thanks
You're welcome.

[RoadKingTrooper]

After reading some of this, it would appear a local village is missing it's IDIOT

[Sgt. Slaughter]

After reading some of this, it would appear a local village is missing it's IDIOT

Sir, I'll have you know I'm not missing. I have to report in once a day! :crazya:

[RoadKingTrooper]

Sir, I'll have you know I'm not missing. I have to report in once a day! :crazya:

refering to the OP Sgt.,