less respect now days for po po?

[wildchild]

Don't get me wrong I've had more then my share of run ins with whatever city i happen to live in at the times finest. I used to collect tax statements from them on roadtrips, and I can personally tell you the plastic seats in squad cars suck. BUT...............I would never wish real physical harm to someone who is just out doing their job.

that said, this year we have had four police officers shot in various towns. Just thinking out loud is this because people respect their authority less or just that people don't give a damn about trying to kill or maim another human being regardless of who or what they are.
who the fuck are these idiots that don't understand when to say enough and just accept their punishment.

[derf]

I blame rap.

Actually it totally is a lack of respect for them as professionals and as people. Especially with minorities Rodney King incident went a long ways toward police distrust, and police have responded with increased force and generally flexing their muscles, all that does is to give the criminals a chance wo gain the trust of the population. If you look at very poor predominantly black inner city neigbor hoods and you ask a young kid what he wants to be one of the first jobs will be gangster, thats who they see out there being sucessful at the top of the food chain, nice clothes and flashy cars. Rap music in general has done nothing except reinforce the negative stereotype.

Police on the other hand are the ones responsible for arressting and taking away your dad who was just trying to make a living selling some harmless weed down the street. When the cops took your dad away is when all the problems started for your family, mom had to get a job, leaving you home alone, so you move back in with your grandama and your aunts and your 5 cousins, and you all share a 2 bedroom apartment with no AC. Then one day watching TV with your cousins you see a story about the police who beat somebody, and a few weeks later walking home from school a cop tackles some dude right in front of you. Couldnt have been the dudes fault, could it? I bet he was taking a nice leisurly stroll when the cops wanted to harrass him. Then one hot summer day you are sitting outside with soem friends on the stoop because not havig AC makes inside too hot to bear, the cops roll up and start asking you questions about your goings-on, but you dont asnwer them because thats what you have been taught to do, so the start to get a little physical with you, grab your arm just a little ahrd just to make it hurt when they single you out away from your friends. And then you struglle. So the cops rough you up because they are genuinelly scared for their lives.

Fast forward a few years and you have kids who live at home with their grandma and you go to jail and all they see is the cops take you away for trying to make a living selling some weed on the street corner.

[pauldun170]

Its an overall lack of mutual respect thoghout society
Teachers
Police
Parents
Elders

Police aren't going to get any special treatment

[Trip]

The lack of respect for Police is really a combination of faults.

If they received better funding and didn't need to do stupid traffic citations and other retarded money making crimes to fund their operation all the time, they would be liked overall in the community a lot better. If they are out there stopping robbers/murders/molestors, instead of giving steve a speeding ticket for 55 in a 45

Also, they need to get rid of the little man syndrome people. The ones that let power go to their head.

[z06boy]

Its an overall lack of mutual respect thoughout society
Teachers
Police
Parents
Elders





True and it sucks

[marko138]

It's a lack of respect for everyone from everyone. Plain and simple.

[Rider]

This would be less of a problem if cops were able to hand out more beat downs.

[marko138]

This would be less of a problem if cops were able to hand out more beat downs.
This would be less of a problem if people weren't total Grade-A dick lickers.

[Rider]

This would be less of a problem if people weren't total Grade-A dick lickers.

Truth.

[Particle Man]

The lack of respect for Police is really a combination of faults.

If they received better funding and didn't need to do stupid traffic citations and other retarded money making crimes to fund their operation all the time, they would be liked overall in the community a lot better. If they are out there stopping robbers/murders/molestors, instead of giving steve a speeding ticket for 55 in a 45

Also, they need to get rid of the little man syndrome people. The ones that let power go to their head.

Agreed on all counts.

[Tmall]

Ever notice, the biggest pricks are the ones who think everybody else is the asshole?

I'm personally as guilty, just an observation..

[marko138]

Ever notice, the biggest pricks are the ones who think everybody else is the asshole?

I'm personally as guilty, just an observation..
Never noticed.

[CasterTroy]

When I was a kid....we had "Officer Friendly" who was usually a retired cop that drove a special decked out police cruiser and came to the elementary schools and educated the kids on what an officer DOES and how he used the equipment he had.

It seemed to do a great job of relating officers and respect for them as human beings to (most of) us.

I know that I personally got a lot out of it, and viewed them as just PEOPLE doing a job.

Funding cutback axed that program in the 90’s

NOW….you have kids hearing PO-PO and 5-0 and pig from adults, who are very much more perceptive than many adults give them credit for. A kid picks up EVERYTHING…including bad attitudes from their surroundings.

Not saying that the funding cuts had anything to do with the change…just recalling how we (as kids) viewed police back in the day. With a smile and a wave….sort of like getting the truckers to blow their horns.

Now all the kids have their face buried in their PSP or mindlessly watching the DVD on the in-car movie system to care about a truck horn, and cops are seen as the enemy :idk:

[Kaneman]

The lack of respect for Police is really a combination of faults.

If they received better funding and didn't need to do stupid traffic citations and other retarded money making crimes to fund their operation all the time, they would be liked overall in the community a lot better. If they are out there stopping robbers/murders/molestors, instead of giving steve a speeding ticket for 55 in a 45

Also, they need to get rid of the little man syndrome people. The ones that let power go to their head.

Great post, agree with this all the way.

True and it sucks

You've got to earn respect, and you can't do that with a taser or treating people like dogs.

It's a lack of respect for everyone from everyone. Plain and simple.

I'm not so sure I agree with this. I am rarely blatantly disrespected when I'm out in public.

This would be less of a problem if cops were able to hand out more beat downs.

I think you would fit in great in China, their police have a lot of power.

[pauldun170]

When I was a kid....we had "Officer Friendly" who was usually a retired cop that drove a special decked out police cruiser and came to the elementary schools and educated the kids on what an officer DOES and how he used the equipment he had.



This just sounds wrong on so many levels

[CasterTroy]

This just sounds wrong on so many levels

Cause you're a pervie :nee:

[CrazyKell]

There is a lack of respect in society today.

But police have not done much to help their 'case' along.

Police corruption, cover ups, etc etc take a long time to forget. They're not to be trusted imo. :idk: :(

[Cutty72]

This would be less of a problem if parents were able to hand out more beat downs.

If kids don't respect their parents authority, why the hell would they respect some jackass in a goofy uniform trying to get them in more trouble?

They will keep that mentality as they grow up, and it will get passed on to their kids.

Everyone thinks the are too fucking privelaged these days.

[neebelung]

Its an overall lack of mutual respect thoghout society
Teachers
Police
Parents
Elders

Police aren't going to get any special treatment

So true. And so sad, on all counts.

If they received better funding and didn't need to do stupid traffic citations...

Eh, I can't agree with this part....

I don't enjoy a traffic ticket anymore than anyone else, BUT, I also don't fault the Cops in the least when I get them. Fact is, the law is the law - the speed limit is the speed limit, the red light is the red light, etc...

We all know full well when we're breaking traffic laws, but because we get away with it 99.99999999999999% of the time, we continue to do it, daily.

But then the one time we get pulled over for it, it's somehow the Cop's fault, for being stupid, or a jerk, or whatever? Nuh uh.... I take full responsibility for the tickets I've earned. :lol:

I agree there are bigger fish to fry, so to speak, but the fact remains, we make the CHOICE to do that 55 in a 45, etc.... and once in a while, we might get caught. :shrug:

[wildchild]

There is a lack of respect in society today.

But police have not done much to help their 'case' along.

Police corruption, cover ups, etc etc take a long time to forget. They're not to be trusted imo. :idk: :(

i'll agree they are not trustworthy but does that mean it's ok to shoot or kill them?

[CrazyKell]

So true. And so sad, on all counts.



Eh, I can't agree with this part....

I don't enjoy a traffic ticket anymore than anyone else, BUT, I also don't fault the Cops in the least when I get them. Fact is, the law is the law - the speed limit is the speed limit, the red light is the red light, etc...

We all know full well when we're breaking traffic laws, but because we get away with it 99.99999999999999% of the time, we continue to do it, daily.

But then the one time we get pulled over for it, it's somehow the Cop's fault, for being stupid, or a jerk, or whatever? Nuh uh.... I take full responsibility for the tickets I've earned. :lol:

I agree there are bigger fish to fry, so to speak, but the fact remains, we make the CHOICE to do that 55 in a 45, etc.... and once in a while, we might get caught. :shrug:

Sorry but I don't agree with this "the law is the law" outlook. I used to think that way. But through research I've discovered policies about speeding and traffic flows. Speeding tickets are nothing more than a cash cow for the police that they must use to fund their department. They have to. The part that I get upset with is that it's under the guise of public safety. If tickets were handed out for actual unsafe procedures (following too closely, improper lane changes, etc.) I'd be much more lenient with this attitude.

Roads here are supposed to be re-evaluated every 5 years for speed and flow of traffic. Speeding at 5 over isn't going to kill anyone so don't tell me it's for public safety. It's to fund things. And if it were only about public safety there would be cops sitting right at the speed change line nailing people going 2 over when they cross that line. :rolleyes:

Sorry....went off on a tangent there. :lol:

[neebelung]

i'll agree they are not trustworthy but does that mean it's ok to shoot or kill them?

Sheeeeeeyat, if I got to shoot everyone I didn't trust, ... well... there'd be a lotta bodies in my wake. :lol:

[CrazyKell]

i'll agree they are not trustworthy but does that mean it's ok to shoot or kill them?

Is that what I said? :scratch:

[neebelung]

Sorry but I don't agree with this "the law is the law" outlook. I used to think that way. But through research I've discovered policies about speeding and traffic flows. Speeding tickets are nothing more than a cash cow for the police that they must use to fund their department. They have to. The part that I get upset with is that it's under the guise of public safety. If tickets were handed out for actual unsafe procedures (following too closely, improper lane changes, etc.) I'd be much more lenient with this attitude.

Roads here are supposed to be re-evaluated every 5 years for speed and flow of traffic. Speeding at 5 over isn't going to kill anyone so don't tell me it's for public safety. It's to fund things. And if it were only about public safety there would be cops sitting right at the speed change line nailing people going 2 over when they cross that line. :rolleyes:

Sorry....went off on a tangent there. :lol:

You don't have to apologize for having an opinion. :lol: And I still hold my stance on this. :shrug:

I'm not arguing whether or not the laws SHOULD be what they are, it's that they ARE what they are, and we either choose to abide by them, or we don't. If we KNOW that the speed limit on a road is 45, and we choose to do 55 (God knows I do!), and then get a ticket? Well, we've gotta take our lumps.

To argue that we shouldn't get a ticket because we don't feel the law should be what it is is a totally different debate. And a moot one, since Traffic Cops don't WRITE the laws in the first place, they merely enforce them. So to hate COPS for the fact that there are stupid laws in place is kinda like shooting the messenger.

[Kaneman]

Sorry but I don't agree with this "the law is the law" outlook. I used to think that way. But through research I've discovered policies about speeding and traffic flows. Speeding tickets are nothing more than a cash cow for the police that they must use to fund their department. They have to. The part that I get upset with is that it's under the guise of public safety. If tickets were handed out for actual unsafe procedures (following too closely, improper lane changes, etc.) I'd be much more lenient with this attitude.

Roads here are supposed to be re-evaluated every 5 years for speed and flow of traffic. Speeding at 5 over isn't going to kill anyone so don't tell me it's for public safety. It's to fund things. And if it were only about public safety there would be cops sitting right at the speed change line nailing people going 2 over when they cross that line. :rolleyes:

Sorry....went off on a tangent there. :lol:

Well said and I agree 100%

[RACER X]

i'm w/ NEEBs

[CrazyKell]

You don't have to apologize for having an opinion. :lol: And I still hold my stance on this. :shrug:

I'm not arguing whether or not the laws SHOULD be what they are, it's that they ARE what they are, and we either choose to abide by them, or we don't. If we KNOW that the speed limit on a road is 45, and we choose to do 55 (God knows I do!), and then get a ticket? Well, we've gotta take our lumps.

To argue that we shouldn't get a ticket because we don't feel the law should be what it is is a totally different debate. And a moot one, since Traffic Cops don't WRITE the laws in the first place, they merely enforce them. So to hate COPS for the fact that there are stupid laws in place is kinda like shooting the messenger.

Oh ya totally agree with you on that one. I think I just went into a blind "speeding tickets for safety" rage and couldn't see the forest for the trees. :lmao:

I'm with you on that. If you did it just suck it up and take the ticket. I never argue, am never rude, and am always polite. It's not their fault. :idk:

[Kaneman]

I'm with you on that. If you did it just suck it up and take the ticket. I never argue, am never rude, and am always polite. It's not their fault. :idk:

So am I, but I still hate their guts and what the represent. Personal responsibility extends to those doing something wrong because "its their job."

[RACER X]

So am I, but I still hate their guts and what the represent. Personal responsibility extends to those doing something wrong because "its their job."

is the cop more wrong for writing a ticket on a "bad law", or are you more wrong for breaking a law or a process that the public (maybe not you) has deemed acceptable?

[CrazyKell]

So am I, but I still hate their guts and what the represent. Personal responsibility extends to those doing something wrong because "its their job."

True true.

Has hell frozen over or are we actually on the same page with something here?:tremble::skep:

[neebelung]

Oh ya totally agree with you on that one. I think I just went into a blind "speeding tickets for safety" rage and couldn't see the forest for the trees. :lmao:

I'm with you on that. If you did it just suck it up and take the ticket. I never argue, am never rude, and am always polite. It's not their fault. :idk:

:lol: I totally agree there's areas where it's like "Why the fuck is this a 40 mph zone??? 4 lanes, median, turn lanes.... NO turns, hills, or schools? Make that bitch a 60 zone, dammit!" But I guess here, there's some law that if there's sidewalks, the speed limit can be no higher than 45 :shrug:

is the cop more wrong for writing a ticket on a "bad law", or are you more wrong for breaking a law or a process that the public (maybe not you) has deemed acceptable?

We are more wrong for breaking the law. We can't just choose to not obey things because we disagree - I mean, I could say, I disagree that robbing a bank is illegal... but ya know what? If I do it, chances are, I'm gonna get shot! :lol:

[Kaneman]

is the cop more wrong for writing a ticket on a "bad law", or are you more wrong for breaking a law or a process that the public (maybe not you) has deemed acceptable?

More wrong for the cop. He sees it from the inside, knows traffic enforcement in its current state as what it truly is, and then proceeds to enforce anyway.

Unless the person receiving the ticket was actually endangering the public in some way (excessive speeding/swerving, tailgating, wheeling on surface streets, DWI, mounted machine gun, etc. etc.)

[z06boy]

You've got to earn respect, and you can't do that with a taser or treating people like dogs.


...and they all don't do that. As a matter of fact most don't.

People need to show respect until they have a reason not to...to the individual...not just because they are a police officer or not and yes it goes both ways.

If you were a cop and had to deal with wiseazz azzhats on a daily basis it would be difficult for you to be Mr. Nice Guy with every individual you dealt with as well.

[Kaneman]

...and they all don't do that. As a matter of fact most don't.

People need to show respect until they have a reason not to...to the individual...not just because they are a police officer or not and yes it goes both ways.

If you were a cop and had to deal with wiseazz azzhats on a daily basis it would be difficult for you to be Mr. Nice Guy with every individual you dealt with as well.

In that case I would resign as a police officer and pursue a different career. The ability to be polite and act in the interest of public service/relation in the face of wiseazz azzhats is a core quality for any peace officer to have.

[z06boy]

In that case I would resign as a police officer and pursue a different career. The ability to be polite and act in the interest of public service/relation in the face of wiseazz azzhats is a core quality for any peace officer to have.

Well just to be clear...when you quoted me this is what I was agreeing with...

"Its an overall lack of mutual respect thoughout society
Teachers
Police
Parents
Elders

Police aren't going to get any special treatment"

Oh and I agree with what you say above too and most around here do seem to. :idk: However when an officer is just trying to do their job and they pull you and ask for ID etc....it makes no sense to me for the person pulled over to automatically cop an attitude with the mindset "you've got to earn my respect"...just stfu and show them your ID. :idk:


...so I wasn't just talking about police officers deserving respect.

[Kaneman]

Oh and I agree with what you say above too and most around here do seem to. :idk: However when an officer is just trying to do their job and they pull you and ask for ID etc....it makes no sense to me for the person pulled over to automatically cop an attitude with the mindset "you've got to earn my respect"...just stfu and show them your ID. :idk:


...so I wasn't just talking about police officers deserving respect.

Yea, me too. I'm very friendly, keep my hands exposed, make sure to pull over in a safe area (yes I will drive miles and miles down the highway until the next exit before I pull over) etc. etc.

BUT, if I want to cop an attitude with a cop, call him a fucking pig and so forth I should be able to without threat of being tased.

[neebelung]

More wrong for the cop. He sees it from the inside, knows traffic enforcement in its current state as what it truly is, and then proceeds to enforce anyway.


Um, okay, so it's his fault for doing his JOB? :skep: Let's see, if he DOESN'T do his job, then.. um... he could LOSE his job.

[z06boy]

Yea, me too. I'm very friendly, keep my hands exposed, make sure to pull over in a safe area (yes I will drive miles and miles down the highway until the next exit before I pull over) etc. etc.

BUT, if I want to cop an attitude with a cop, call him a fucking pig and so forth I should be able to without threat of being tased.

Well I agree with the first part and I'll agree with the second part if you turn around and put your hands behind you if they ask you to as well if you're gonna run your pie hole like that...if you don't...and you resist...oh well. :idk:

It's just funny to me that everyone wants respect but if something doesn't go their way...they don't want to give it.

[Kaneman]

Um, okay, so it's his fault for doing his JOB? :skep: Let's see, if he DOESN'T do his job, then.. um... he could LOSE his job.

Yes it is his fault.

Extreme example: If a unit commander orders a private to throw a grenade into a room with women and children is it his fault if he kills them? Yes, yes it is. We are all responsible for our actions, job or not.

Well I agree with the first part and I'll agree with the second part if you turn around and put your hands behind you if they ask you to as well if you're gonna run your pie hole like that...if you don't...and you resist...oh well. :idk:

It's just funny to me that everyone wants respect but if something doesn't go their way...they don't want to give it.

Talking shit is one thing, becoming a physical threat is another.

[z06boy]

Talking shit is one thing, becoming a physical threat is another.

HOWEVER if you're gonna be that azzhat...they are within their rights to cuff you to further check you out if they consider you a threat to become physical. If you start talking the chit you descibed above they can detain you and take their sweet little time and make you sit there...again...it goes both ways. You are showing no respect so you are not getting as much as you would if you would just stfu and cooperate. You would have already been on your way but not now wiseazz. :lol:

No I'm not a cop.

[Kaneman]

HOWEVER if you're gonna be that azzhat...they are within their rights to cuff you to further check you out if they consider you a threat to become physical. If you start talking the chit you descibed above they can detain you and take their sweet little time and make you sit there...again...it goes both ways. You are showing no respect so you not getting as much as you would if you would just stfu and cooperate. You would have already been on your way but not now wiseazz. :lol:

No I'm not a cop.

Completely disagree, unless they have true probable case. Talking shit is not probable cause alone and any police officer who restrains a citizen for talking shit alone should be tried in front of a jury of his peers.

To Serve the public means they have to take your shit, but you don't have to take theirs. Its not a job people should be getting into to display their dominance over other humans, its a job to serve the local public.

[RACER X]

To Serve the public means they have to take your shit, but you don't have to take theirs. Its not a job people should be getting into to display their dominance over other humans, its a job to serve the local public.

is that in their handbook?

[wildchild]

Completely disagree, unless they have true probable case. Talking shit is not probable cause alone and any police officer who restrains a citizen for talking shit alone should be tried in front of a jury of his peers.

To Serve the public means they have to take your shit, but you don't have to take theirs. Its not a job people should be getting into to display their dominance over other humans, its a job to serve the local public.

talking shit is generally a way to escalate a situation. the reason for doing it would be to get a ressponse. them cuffing you would be that response.

[Kaneman]

is that in their handbook?

Don't know.

talking shit is generally a way to escalate a situation. the reason for doing it would be to get a ressponse. them cuffing you would be that response.

Their response should be to finish what they're doing and go on about their business after they de-escalate the situation, or ignore the behavior.

[z06boy]

Completely disagree, unless they have true probable case. Talking shit is not probable cause alone and any police officer who restrains a citizen for talking shit alone should be tried in front of a jury of his peers.

To Serve the public means they have to take your shit, but you don't have to take theirs. Its not a job people should be getting into to display their dominance over other humans, its a job to serve the local public.

Well we can completely agree to disagree then. :idk: It works both ways...show respect to get respect...it's human nature. Cops aren't robots and as hard as they try (the good ones)...some get under their skin.

I'm basing this on you being pulled due to the officer having a valid reason...not just for the he11 of it. When they approach you and ask for ID and you go into a tirade or start calling them a pig...etc...that's just BS on your part so you may be delayed a little and if you decide to escalate so be it. :idk:

[RACER X]

Their response should be to TAZE THEM

fixed

[neebelung]

Yes it is his fault.

Extreme example: If a unit commander orders a private to throw a grenade into a room with women and children is it his fault if he kills them? Yes, yes it is. We are all responsible for our actions, job or not.



Murdering women & children isn't even a remotely valid example. But thanks for playing, fucktard. :td: :lol:

[neebelung]

Well we can completely agree to disagree then. :idk: It works both ways...show respect to get respect...it's human nature. Cops aren't robots and as hard as they try (the good ones)...some get under their skin.


Agreed.

[Kaneman]

Well we can completely agree to disagree then. :idk: It works both ways...show respect to get respect...it's human nature. Cops aren't robots and as hard as they try (the good ones)...some get under their skin.

I'm basing this on you being pulled due to the officer having a valid reason...not just for the he11 of it. When they approach you and ask for ID and you go into a tirade or start calling them a pig...etc...that's just BS on your part so you may be delayed a little and if you decide to escalate so be it. :idk:

Refusing to display a driver's license is illegal, and should be, therefore the officer has probable cause to escalate the situation. He's not reacting to the smack talk, he's reacting to an illegal situation and his duty to enforce an important law.

They can continue to talk shit while they hand over their license and insurance however.

Murdering women & children isn't even a remotely valid example. But thanks for playing, fucktard. :td: :lol:

That's why it says "extreme" example, but the premise is the same and deals with the notion that its ok to do things that are wrong as long as it is in your job description. Go bake a pie, cunt.

[Quick281]

I don't see anything wrong with cops writing tickets. They need the funding and to be quite honest I haven't ever received a ticket that I didn't earn. If they stopped writing tickets and their funding was increased via taxing then everyone would complain that they aren't getting enough out of their tax dollars.

It should also be noted that traffic stops frequently lead to arrests for many other things beyond speeding. Things like drug busts, DUIs and previous warrants for someones arrest wouldn't ever occur if cops didn't get out in the world and issue citations.

I befriended a couple of cops in college through a Mustang club and I couldn't believe the shit they have to deal with at times. If a cop asks you to stop and talk to him but you decide to run for it. I don't mind watching you get your ass kicked at the end of the chase.

[Trip]

I don't see anything wrong with cops writing tickets. They need the funding and to be quite honest I haven't ever received a ticket that I didn't earn. If they stopped writing tickets and their funding was increased via taxing then everyone would complain that they aren't getting enough out of their tax dollars.

It should also be noted that traffic stops frequently lead to arrests for many other things beyond speeding. Things like drug busts, DUIs and previous warrants for someones arrest wouldn't ever occur if cops didn't get out in the world and issue citations.

I befriended a couple of cops in college through a Mustang club and I couldn't believe the shit they have to deal with at times. If a cop asks you to stop and talk to him but you decide to run for it. I don't mind watching you get your ass kicked at the end of the chase.

Ticketing needs to be done with some compassion and logic. If you see someone going 15-25 mph over the limit in a place where that is easily achievable and they aren't driving like a maniac, let em be or give em a warning/tell them to slow it up. Sure some fool who is doing insane speeds for the road and weaving in and out of traffic and is most likely to cause an accident needs a ticket. Using it as a way to make money is stupid. I don't mind paying more taxes for cops and teachers, but I know if they raise taxes, it's still not going to go to these people. It goes to pork programs for whatever party is in charge...

Yes, they should be out in the world issuing citations, but they should be on the lookout for dangerous people and not trying to make a quota so they get paid that month. Better funded and run police operate in this manner, the bad ones usually don't. I know some local guys and they get paid pretty well and don't have quotas. They barely write tickets for speeding unless it is well deserved, this small community respects and thanks these officers for the way they do business and the town is better for it.

Every ticket I have gotten in my car has been 15 or under and I wasn't really doing much of anything to deserve it other than speeding. I got snagged by a speed trap. Did I deserve it for speeding, yes, I broke the law. This still pisses people off and makes them lose respect with the general public.

[Ineffable]

Yes, they should be out in the world issuing citations, but they should be on the lookout for dangerous people and not trying to make a quota so they get paid that month.

I am witch Quick281 on the citation issue. I don't know the exact statistic but a VERY large percentage of arrests for outstanding warrants, drug busts etc come from simple traffic violations like speeding a few miles over the speed limit, or a broken tail light. As far as being 'on the lookout for dangerous people' this quickly becomes profiling. In a perfect world the dangerous people would be walking down the road with an ax and a big sign saying "I'm a bad guy" but this isn't the case.

It is curious that no one has mentioned the danger factor for officers so far. I know a very good amount of officers due to my mother working at the courthouse since before I was born, several uniformed family members, and through shady connections from when I was younger. They have to put up with a tremendous amount of BS on a day to day basis granted but from speaking with them the reason why they aren't all holly jolly is because in today's society they have to approach everyone as if they are about to pull a gun just to protect themselves.

I have only had a problem with 2 officers in my entire life, the rest have always been as cordial as I can expect them to be and then some. 99/100 times when a situation is 'escalated' it is usually due primarily to something the civ did. Think of it this way, as a cop when an altercation arises your job just became 100% worse due to the increased chance of violence, more paperwork, and general uncooperative attitudes so they do their best most of the time to keep the situation professional and quick.

P.S. I find the corruption excuse lame at best. Yes, there are officers in the world who are dirty, assholes, power trippers etc. but judging the character of all based on the actions of a few is a very narrow minded thing to do.

[Quick281]

The point of a speed trap is to trap speeders and remind people to slow down. Traffic always slows down when they see a cop and then speeds right up after he is gone. In any of the tickets you have ever been written did you start slowing down in that area after that experience? If yes, then the speed trap did its job of enforcing a law and keeping people "safer". If no, then you help create a reason for another speed trap in the future.

I am pretty sure that all of us as motorcyclists agree that 9 out of 10 people are crazy drivers. We also tend to agree 99 out of 100 people are complete idiots. With those two things on the table, we can see that their job isn't exactly a desirable one and it certainly isn't easy.

When some crazy bitch on her cell phone almost runs you over via a blind lane change you want a cop to be there and do something about it but almost killing you isn't breaking the law. But when you are going over the speed limit you want the cop to be out stopping bad guys. When your house is being broken into, you want the cops to come running in right away. When a cop is on his way to a call but he can't pull over the person he witnessed tail gating another driver, someone else gets mad that he isn't doing his job.

A cop cannot ever please the general public.

Cops can't just go out and find crime, this would lead to 230498723198 trillion discrimination cases. They have to respond to calls from concerned citizens unless they are out and about seeing things happen first hand. Beyond responding to calls they have to get out there and be involved with the community. In most big places that means writing tickets and investigating suspicious things.

Maybe your small town has nice and friendly officers that don't write tickets and are always nice to people but does that mean they are doing anything better? As citizens everyone is happy they aren't getting tickets but that doesn't mean they are doing anything more then the forces that are writing hundreds of citations a day in a much bigger city with all sorts of violence. Whether people believe in a quota or not doesn't matter, don't be the one who deserves the ticket.

The main point is that a large percentage of arrests and busts are through things such as traffic stops. If you are going 15 to 25 miles an hour over the speed limit whether it is out in open country or in a school zone, you are breaking the law. The discretion of letting you go or writing you a citation is up to officer. In such a case then people should be allowed to drink and drive out in open country areas where there is more space to swerve and fewer people to hit. Laws can't have flexibility like that, it is the officer's job as a logical human to use their discretion. Obviously the flaw in that system is often the human.

I have had amazingly good luck and a couple times with officers and also a couple times where I have been written up for ridiculous things. I don't hate them and there is no way in hell I could do their jobs. When I get pulled over I turned my dome light on, turn my car and stereo off, hands on the steering wheel and I don't reach for a thing unless I am asked to. I give into them like some of them expect me to and sure enough I have gotten away with a lot more than I should have.

You can't ask cops to put their lives on the line and pay them mediocre wages all while asking them to be polite and compassionate when they write you a ticket while 9 out of the 10 tickets they wrote were to people who swore up and down they didn't break a law and that the cop is an asshole.

I am not saying that people don't have terrible experiences or become victims of injustice, but rather that things are done in a somewhat logical way whether we agree with it or not.

[CrazyKell]

You can't ask cops to put their lives on the line and pay them mediocre wages ...

This is an entirely different debate as our society does not place value on professions that are admirable and for the mutual benefit of members of society. Think social workers, police officers, fire fighters, teachers, etc. etc. etc.

[Rider]

If kids don't respect their parents authority, why the hell would they respect some jackass in a goofy uniform trying to get them in more trouble?

They will keep that mentality as they grow up, and it will get passed on to their kids.

Everyone thinks the are too fucking privelaged these days.

Ok fine, I don't give a shit WHO gives the beat down, as long as someone does.

[Trip]

A cop cannot ever please the general public.

Cops can't just go out and find crime, this would lead to 230498723198 trillion discrimination cases. They have to respond to calls from concerned citizens unless they are out and about seeing things happen first hand. Beyond responding to calls they have to get out there and be involved with the community. In most big places that means writing tickets and investigating suspicious things.

The main point is that a large percentage of arrests and busts are through things such as traffic stops. If you are going 15 to 25 miles an hour over the speed limit whether it is out in open country or in a school zone, you are breaking the law. The discretion of letting you go or writing you a citation is up to officer. In such a case then people should be allowed to drink and drive out in open country areas where there is more space to swerve and fewer people to hit. Laws can't have flexibility like that, it is the officer's job as a logical human to use their discretion. Obviously the flaw in that system is often the human.

This thread is about why there is less respect, this is why the public doesn't respect the cops. No matter how you feel what is the way to go about things, these things make us public lose respect for our law enforcement and don't really want to pay them more or treat them any better.

Actually the law is flexible and can be easily changed. As a matter of fact they lower speed limits and don't take into account engineering evaluations of what the speed limit should be in certain areas. Most "speed limits" are a fictional number given to a road based on what that government (depending on city/county/state roads) feels like giving the road. Hell they lowered speeds on some of our roads for "environmental" reasons and increased the fuckload out of their ticket writing because the road should be nowhere near that limit. Sorry you can try to make excuses why it's fine, but it still will piss off the public and make the cops job that much harder because we just see them as money making schemes.

[Ineffable]

Most "speed limits" are a fictional number given to a road based on what that government (depending on city/county/state roads) feels like giving the road.

If I remember correctly most of our speed limits are actually remnants of efforts by the government to save gas back during the gas embargo in 73-74. But you are correct in saying that speed limits today don't truly reflect the 'potential' for a road. But I digress...

[Rider]

We have a lot of 55mph streets here. I'm not talking major routes, I'm talking 2 lane streets with house on both sides. So doing 60-65 on surface streets here is the norm.

[Trip]

If I remember correctly most of our speed limits are actually remnants of efforts by the government to save gas back during the gas embargo in 73-74. But you are correct in saying that speed limits today don't truly reflect the 'potential' for a road. But I digress...

Yeah, roads are suppose to be given speed limits based on an engineers evaluation of the road. Just like yellow lights are suppose to be a certain time period long, but they break that law and shorten it to collect red light camera tickets.

I have seen the speed limit on the interstate that runs past my house change 3-4 times in the past few years. It has ranged from 75-65. Cars haven't changed all that much in the 15 years I have been driving to warrant this... Right now it's 65 because the 18 wheelers cause too much damage to the Smoky Mountains. This is a rural county and does not border the park. It literally goes from 70 to 65 when you leave the county to the south of mine to mine and then goes back up to 70 when you go to the much more populated Knox County, where Knoxville is located. It's retarded...

[101lifts2]

Respect is earned, not given.

[Ineffable]

Respect is earned, not given.

In the case of an officer I would say respect is given until lost.

[Kaneman]

In the case of an officer I would say respect is given until lost.

And I would say as an officer of the law employed to deal with the worst displays of human behavior on a regular basis, and not knowing what one individual may have just gone through, respect is duty bound to all citizens through the point that force is warranted in defense or compliance of just laws, no matter the offense. An officer of the law must be up above it and egotistically disconnected from the situations he deals with. Testosterone and a need for dominance must not influence his decisions and behaviors.

This is for his own safety, but largely because it is the right thing to do in a nation that flaunts its "freedom" on the world stage.

[Smittie61984]

Shouldn't Avatard be in here spouting some anti-cop propoganda about how they have meetings every morning and choose an old person to tase for no reason?

[Trip]

Shouldn't Avatard be in here spouting some anti-cop propoganda about how they have meetings every morning and choose an old person to tase for no reason?

Then who is he going to get to enforce his juice labeling regulations?

[Kaneman]

Shouldn't Avatard be in here spouting some anti-cop propoganda about how they have meetings every morning and choose an old person to tase for no reason?

Sounds like you have an Avaboner, I've never read him say anything to that effect, or even close to it.

[Quick281]

Sorry you can try to make excuses why it's fine, but it still will piss off the public and make the cops job that much harder because we just see them as money making schemes.

I'm not trying to make excuses as to why it is ok to hate them or not give them respect. People do that shit on their own for lesser reasons. I was just trying to highlight a different side of the argument.

I'm not upset with law enforcement in the first place.

And our view of law being flexible was in different circumstances. In general yes the law is flexible, it is something the government controls and changes as it sees fit. I was saying that a specific law such as a speed limit can't be flexible on conditions. The only flexibility on whether you get a ticket or not is the officer's discretion not because the speed limit sign has an asterisk next to it.