An appeal from a cop...

If once, just once, a corrupt cop was actually punished for their actions... OR other honest cops would quit covering for the corrupt ones, then maybe the public would be more sympathetic.

I'll quit thinking 'us against them' the day I see a video of a line of well armed and armoured cops, ready to mow down a peaceful protest, stopped by one of their own who has come to the realization they are fighting for the wrong team - the corporations - and instead stand up to the rest of them in order to protect the public, the protesters.

reply to post by JWH44


I'd first like to say anyone who thinks all cops should be killed are out of their mind. Obviously there are good cops out their, and calling for the death of all of them is so ridiculous its hardly worth responding to.

Having said that, I have a few points I would like to make. I think for me it is not te fact that I think most cops are out their doing the stuff we see on all of these videos, its the fact other cops are willing to cover up for those ones.

There is definitely a code of brotherhood it seems amongst cops that say no matter how bad you are, cops look out for you. This is what drives a lot of contempt from me and I think many other people. As far as I am concerned, if you know that a fellow officer is corrupt and you are compacent about it, then you are just as bad.

The fact that incident after incident with cops being caught doing something horrible results in far less punishment shows that this code probably runs into the judicial system as well. Once the law becomes subjective and not equally applied to all, it is no longer "the law", and people rightfully lose respect for it and the officers that enforce it.

I'm sure they exist, but I can't think of one case I have ever heard of where police corruption has been caught because other cops turned in a crooked one (other than like internal affairs). It is by far more common that the cops stick together after allegations are made.

Well, thats not true, there is the case of Serpico (btw I am a huge Serpico fan and have looked into the facts of the case not just the movie). The fact that he still lives anonymously in Flordia and was recieving death threats up to 20 years later shows me a lot about how cops feel about their brothers who rat them out.

The second problem that arises is something that might be slightly out of cops control, but it still upsets people. That is just how many people get arrested in this country, and how many of them are for non violent offenses.

20."The United States has adopted a set of criminal justice policies that has produced a tidal wave of imprisonment in this country. Between 1970 and 2005, the number of men, women, and children locked up in this country has grown by an historically unprecedented 700%. As a result, the United States locks up almost a quarter of the prisoners in the entire world. In fact, if all our prisoners were confined in one city, that city would be the fourth largest in the country."

Source: Alexander, Elizabeth, "Michigan Breaks the Political Logjam: A New Model for Reducing Prison Populations," American Civil Liberties Union (November 2009), p. 3.
www.aclu.org...

drugwarfacts.org.../62
And:

America Imprisons Over A Million Nonviolent Offenders
Nonviolent Prisoners Increasing Faster than Violent Prisoners


Washington, DC: Coming just a week after the Justice Department
announced that 1.8 million Americans were behind bars, a new report by
the Justice Policy Institute has found that, for the first time, over
one million nonviolent offenders were incarcerated in America in 1998.

www.google.com...://www.cjcj.org/index.php&usg=AFQjCNH1sXKVq0CUQ1gjgpx6HitGIWGLuw

So people see that an insane amount of people are bieng arrested, and most of those are for non violent offenses that really aren't the crimes your discussing about needing to be there so bullets aren't flying over our heads.

To make matters worse you have this:

4."Because of their extraordinary rate of incarceration, one in every 20 black men over the age of 18 is in a state or federal prison, compared to one in every 180 whites." In five states, between one in 13 and one in 14 black men are in prison.

drugwarfacts.org...

If you further read that cite, you will see just how screwed minorities get in this system. I myself am white, but how can I respect a system that justifies this much prejudice?

This is further compounded by the fact that it is widely known that if you have money, not only are you far more likely to not to be convicted of a crime, you are far less likely to be arrested in the first place. And even if you are, you'll be treated much nicer by the police.

I respect the fact that many of you all put your lives on the line, but that alone doesn't guarentee respect. I know many truck drivers, and proportionally they are much more likely to die at work than a police officer. Does that mean we have to respect truck drivers? No.

The fact is that as long as clean cops protect dirty cops, and there is favoritism in the law, there will be a lot of outrage amongst the general populice over it.

All rational people agree that the kill all cops people are stupid, so they are not even worth discussing. But I think the majority of people on ATS that you are talking about are more likely to be closer to my beliefs. So instead of asking us to sympathize with your situation, why don't you attempt to sympathize with ours, and use your position to start making positive changes amongst the police.

reply to post by andy1033

My life is proof what the police are doing in this day and age, vendetta is not the word, just pure evil. Most police are just evil sadistic hard on wannabee morons. They get thee job so they can kill people for there friends,and run vendettas, explains 90% of police. My life is absolute proof of the abuse of power these people do, and thats the majority. Like i always said if you want to murder people and get away with it, join the police.

You always play the same old tune on ATS...it's like a broken record.

Most police are just evil sadistic hard on wannabee morons. They get thee job so they can kill people for there friends,and run vendettas, explains 90% of police.

This is pure opinion without any contact with reality. 90%? 'Most?' Provide a credible source for this statistic please. If not, it's just an ill-formed opinion. Your posts could be considered trolling, but they are too consistent. There's more to life than bitterness...

One judges the tree by its fruit. Alone, you represent yourself. Put on the assigned uniform, it's purpose is to represent you, by consensus. Nobody gets an automatic pass. Do bad, get punished, regardless your uniform.
Tell us,does the public pay you or do the politicians pay you? Who do you think you answer to?
Which of the two are you more afraid to disappoint?
Will that ever change?
Under what circumstances?

reply to post by Romans 10:9
And 99% of the cops I have dealt with have been perfect gentlemen. They were polite and extremely courteous, while telling me what law I had broken (usually speeding), and when I didn't become defensive and start trying to lie my way out of it, I usually got off with a warning ticket.
The other 1%? He stopped me, after saying he had been following me for 2 miles with his light on and wanted to know why I hadn't stopped. I told him I didn't notice him, and asked him why he didn't use his siren to get my attention. (When I told him I didn't notice him in my mirror, he called me a liar.)
He continued to berate me, threatening to call the county deputies, since I was now out of his jurisdiction and he had not used every means at his disposal to get my attention. (My assumption, since, if he had actually started following me within the city limits it could be considered "hot pursuit.)
I told him to go ahead and call the deputies if he wanted too, and he was free to follow me, if he chose, since after all we live in a free country, but I was going home. If any deputies showed up I would gladly discuss what transpired on the side of the road. At that point, I got in my jeep and went home. Guess what? No other LEO's showed up.
This a$$ knew he was wrong.
I spoke with the cheif of police a couple of years later, and just casually mentioned the incident. He didn't even have to ask the officer's name. He just said "I know exactly who you're talking about. I had to fire him because he kept pulling stunts just like the one he pulled with you."
Don't paint all LEO's with a broad brush. In fact, we shouldn't paint any profession with a broad brush, except career politicians and lawyers.

reply to post by JWH44


Welcome to the lion's den.


IT is good to see law enforcement officers of any level actively reaching out to the community at large (Large, being the key word here on the internet).

That being said, I shall address some of your concerns in the most Tin-Foil-Hatted manner possible.

I think it is high time I speak out about a trend that I see on these forums that is extremely disheartening to me; the unabashed blanket characterization of law enforcement officers as monsters, thugs, fascists, etc, etc…

Yes, these things do happen on the internet.... the self perception of anonymity tends to allow the sort of opinions that most would rather not voice in public.

Naturally.... not everyone here thinks in this way (Cops = bad), but some do... anyone here will admit that.

The reason that you see this, is because you are dealing with a (Nessecarily) fringe element of society...

Those that do not "Trust" the "Establishment"


IT is not so much that those who denigrate law enforcement officers *HATE* you...

IT is more that they see Officers as a sort of enforcement branch of the "Elite" who are trying to take over the world.

Weather through brainwashing (propaganda) of the police, or the police's justification of their actions makes no difference.

let me put it into a metaphor for you....

Our enemy... is the "Elite", the banking oligarchs whose plans and motives would lead to the enslavement and mass extermination of the populous of the world (I'm sure you have heard the conspiracies of the NWO)


They (The Elite) are the Brain.

You (Law Enforcement) are the Fist... or the hand that holds the sword, and is directed by the "Brain"


We do not like the fact that it appears that the law enforcement officers are being subverted from their original duty (To protect and Serve), and being "Herded" into the role of Enforcement Thugs for the Ultra Wealthy.


I could bring up the Unconstitutionality of the War on Drugs if you like... and I think you will see what I mean, and it's relationship to Freedom for the individual.


I could bring up the unconstitutional Patriot Act, that facilitates the abandonment of the 4th amendment... and I think you will see what I mean.


I could bring up the Enforcement of Tort laws, and "Acts" (Statutes) that violate not only the Federal Constitution, but State Constitutions as well, and I think you will see what I mean.

I am a supervisory agent with a federal law enforcement agency. I have been doing this job for seven years and I have worked with all manner of local, state and other federal agencies during my tenure. As I said, I am in a permanent supervisory position and, in the course of my supervisory duties, initiated, participated in and handed down decisions in disciplinary actions ranging from instances of simple negligence to allegations of civil rights violations. That being said, I think that I am qualified to make observations and statements about the field of law enforcement.

Law enforcement... yes.. I have no question to your areas of expertise in this matter.


But what of law enforcement officers following and enforcing *LAWS* that are by their very nature unconstitutional?

Such as the aforementioned Controlled Substances Act of 1971?


Our main problem, is that of the "Elite" passing laws that counter the very FREEDOM that the United States Stands for... and law enforcement officers FOLLOWING those laws, and ENFORCING those laws... merely because they are TOLD to.

I don’t think that anyone, be it a civilian or member of the law enforcement community, can say with a straight face that misconduct, sometimes egregious, does not occur within the ranks of law enforcement. It spans the entire spectrum, from the smallest police department to the largest federal agencies.

Yes, this is true... and in that same spirit of truthfullness...

I don't think anyone can say with a straight face that the opinions on law enforcement expressed on a conspiracy site is necessarily indicative of the feelings of the entire population...

It runs the entire spectrum.



Misconduct happens... this is a fact of life.


That (Misconduct) is not the problem...


The PROBLEM, is law enforcement officers enforcing statutes and laws that are *WRONG*, and *UNJUST*


That is where the hatred comes from.


-Edrick

For a time I was a civilian working with LEO's - and met many during that time.

I can tell you a few were among the finest men and women anyone could ever hope to meet.

I can tell most were just average folks trying to do a tough job the best they could. They were not perfect - but it was pretty darn rare for them to really screw up.

The last few were the "bad apples" - honestly, I'd rather have had most any criminal in the jail show up at my house than one of these guys.


I know I've been critical of LEO"s here before - but I've also supported them before. I do believe most LEO's really do try to do a good job and are professional. But, I'll admit I can be very critical of the bad ones - and I'll go so far as to give you my two reasons.

First, Yes - there are "bad apples" in every profession. But, there are very very few professions were a "bad apple" can ruin a person's life the way a "bad apple" cop can. Less face it, bad apple accountant may steal your money. But, he is unlikely to beat you up, toss you jail, plant evidence, molest you, or kill you in addition to that.

Part of the reason the bad apple cops get so much focus (I think) is because of the sheer amount of power a LEO has compared to other professions.

Second, is (rightly or wrongly) the public's perception of the "blue wall". I'll admit that it does seem that even good officers will protect bad ones. That often times an officer can get away with something or get a week off that a civilian would get a much harsher sentence for. Rightly or wrongly - it gives the perception that no matter what LEO's will protect each other and if a bad one ever does get caught - they will get a much lighter sentence than normal.

Stress - yes, I know it a a very high stress job. This can also come into play. As a short aside let me tell you about my last encounter with a LEO - a game warden.

Anchored in a cove with other boats fishing - he speeds in and pulls his boat up along mine for a check. He stands in his boat, I stand in mine. He asks if I have X, Y & Z. I show him X, Y & Z. All standard safety and regulation stuff no sweat. Though I notice that for everything I show him that I have it seems to make him agitated. Like, "Sure officer, here is my life jacket" "Light -show me your light NOW!"

Finally we run through everything on his list and he's standing in his boat, I'm standing in mine and he's just looking at me. The only thing I can think of he hasn't seen is my catch and I offer, "Do you want to see my fish?"

"No."

At this point I'm trying to lighten the mood a little and say, "Well, I've only caught 2 anyway. They don't seem to be biting. Has anyone caught anything much?"

At this point he screams, "SHUT THE F**** UP!! I'M ASKING THE QUESTIONS HERE!". He drops into a crouch and puts his hand on his pistol in what looks like a draw posistion (fingers around grip, index finger straight along its side..) His face is bright red and he's breathing heavy.

I don't move and hold my arms at my side. In as calm a voice as I can I say, "Officer, I'm not threat to you. I'm unarmed, in the middle of my boat, hands visible and not moving. Why is your hand on your weapon in a draw position? Are you going to shoot me? In front of all these witnesses? (By that time all the other fisherman around and people on the beach were watching) Because I asked you if the fish were biting?"

He kind of gave a head shake like "Wha?".. He looked down at his hand on his pistol and his eyebrows shot up. He took his hand away quickly like he had it on a snake..and he started shaking and his face went from red to pale.

He didn't say another word, just walked to the seat, started his boat and roared away. Across a no-wake lake, nearly swamping mine little boat with his rooster tail and wake when he took off.

He clearly had issues. Drugs? Stress? I dunno. I think I came close to getting shot that day because I asked if the fish were biting. That's the power an officer that isn't right has over the public. I'm not angry at him - I do hope he's gotten help for whatever his issue was. Because if not the next guy that asks him if the fish are biting might not get off as lucky as I was.

reply to post by JWH44


It seems to me, that for every member on ATS, there is a troll for that
member.

Surely you know as a rational person, that rational people just do not
think this way.

While I can only agree, the hate for law enforcement officers is very present on any board.

Be careful not to paint ATS with the same brush?

There are those that hate, then there are those who really don't hate,
but love to instigate.

Every board was trouble makers.


romanns

95% of all cops i've dealt with were super A-HOLES........and i've never even been arrested.

Well I can tell all about the opposite side of that coin pal.
I've been arrested 31 times by several different agencies I think if someone was going to come across the claim you make it would have been me. I never have had a violent arrest. Not one bad experience
can I tell you about. Not one.

Being arrested 31 times should tell you that I wasn't an azz kisser either.
The only way I can explain it. If they decide to arrest me it's my fault not
theirs. Sense tells me that the guns , batons, mace and cuffs not to
mention the muscle, makes them the boss.
People just let them do their job things won't get ugly.
I have experience in the field big time.
They're gonna win everytime it's that simple.
I don't get arrested anymore those were younger years.

[edit on 4-3-2010 by randyvs]

Why did all those chiefs resign last month?
2nd line

Originally posted by Everwatcher33
Hmm would you mind listing one of these situations as an example. I am always interested in hearing what makes people have their perceptions.

a handful of times i've ended up meeting cops socially, friend of a friend etc., and they were all dicks. they had this "i'm the man" attitude and they all seemed to have a complete disregard for the people in their company. that's the most damning thing as far as i'm concerned.

if they were just like that when they were out doing their job, if it was some sort of professional personna, that would be one thing, but it's not. cops need to have a certain mentality to want to become a cop and this gets reinforced because they have a weird incestuous culture where they only associate with other cops most of the time.

reply to post by ProtoplasmicTraveler


Ah, my old nemesis... Good to see you again. I was hoping you would stop by.

Despite your repeated suggestions, I refuse to give up and walk away. Call me an idealist, but do you really want me to leave this life? I take pride in the fact that I try to bring sense and sensibility to the arena of my career. I have climbed this ladder relatively quickly by doing my job thoroughly and with professionalism. Why would I give up all that hard work to let the system win? As I have said many times, my agency is, by and large, free from many of the abusive allegations that plague so many other law enforcement agencies. This is probably due in large part to the nature of our line of investigation and enforcement. Our biggest problems is corruption. But even that is one that we have battled vigorously and with great success.

Our agency holds those that have knowledge of wrong-doing and do not report it as accountable as those that perform the misconduct. This relentless practice has made it very unattractive to cover for those that don't have the common sense to obey the law. I usually, when we take someone down for misconduct, several of his peers take the fall along side him. Not because they participated directly in the act, but because they displayed a lack of candor by not disclosing information about the misconduct.

These are small steps and we are years behind where we need to be in weeding out corruption. But I think that anyone with a pair of eyes and a fair grasp of history can see that misconduct and abuse of power is more harshly dealt with now than in our nations history. We are not there yet; but we are making progress.

reply to post by JWH44

i think the problem is not if an policeforce having a rutten egg.
this is about the powers tha keep those criminal from beeing convicted.
This people never get to pay for what they did -and we taling about murderer, rasist beatings, and many other terrible thins. All of those crimes would sen you and me directly to jayl..but these guys dognt pay at all.
THAT is the hate, we are ot equal under the law and we dont like it at all. Gets us maad
Its about people comiting horrible things and found innocent in worst case.
Here in Swedeb n we have many many cases.

Dear JWH44,

I thank you for opening this dialog. It will surely improve our mutual understanding.

However, one need only experience a single act of police corruption or brutality to be permanently disgusted!

Two incidents in my immediate family, a good, hard working, educated, upper-middle class family, were almost impossible to believe had I not had to bail my own brother from jail on the most preposterous of traffic related charges -- eventually dropped! -- that ruined his young man's life. Later, it was revealed the State Police arrested that same cop because he had been molesting a pubescent girl in his little town, and for several years at that.

Another incident, similar to so many these days, involved a peaceable "night on the town" outing with US Marines about to deploy overseas to the Afghanistan War. In the college town where they lived, the protesters did their usual thing throwing rocks and bottles. My family member was permanently crippled by the riot police goons who ripped his arm from its socket because he had the nerve to compain that he was not one of hte protesters. When he threatened to sue, their response was "we'll charge you with resisting arrest!". He didn't sue. The 7-hour surgery to put back the pieces of his arm was real though. Again, no charge was made and why would there be? His only crime was to be in the company of Marines in a college town on the eve of the Afghan War.

In both cases, no punishment was made to the criminals in uniform and carrying a gun in the name of the law. Yes, one got karmic payback but that was only dumb luck.

The take away lesson for me is quite simple: a cop has your life in his hands and may maim or even murder with near impunity. There is no way to know beforehand if the "officer" you've sadly encountered is ethical or himself a criminal. So the only effective strategy is one of abject submission, unbecoming a man let alone an American citizen, and "comply" with each thuggish command on pain of (potential) summary execution.

The corollary to this is somewhat frightening, but it explains the gang mentality in our cities: never travel alone, always be in the company of friends. Treat each encounter with "The Man" as a potential death trap and be prepared to defend each other to the extent possible.

When our so-called Law EnFORCEment officers clean up their own acts first (and yes, this is what you seem to try to do, albeit like spitting in the sea), then the rest of us might treat them less as armed thugs and brutes and more like fellow citizens trying to do a worthy job.

In the meantime, forewarned is forearmed. I'll do what I can to avoid direct contact with the Fuzz but flat out, I'm not prepared to spend the rest of my life in fear and suspicion. Something big has got to change.

I have always had respect for the police. The way I see it, I want the least amount of exposure to them as possible, not because I thought they were all corrupt or abusive but rather just for the fact that I thought it was good policy. You know speak when spoken to, be polite and non argumentative, take your fine, and be on your way.

One day I was walking through my small town. I sat down on a park bench off a scenic street. I noticed an elderly man (70's) sitting at the end of the bench. We started chatting about this and that, small congenial talk. I noticed a foot patrol coming down the side walk, thought nothing of it. The police officer came upon us and I said good day officer, he tipped his hat and said good day gentlemen. I thought nice guy wearing a badge. The elderly gentleman however saw it differently. Just as the cop was leaving ear shot, the guy says to me in a loud voice f@#kin' a$$ hole sort of directed his way. The cop kept going which I was thankful for. I found it so out of character as the gentleman seemed polite enough earlier. He looked at me and said "I went to school with his father and brothers, they used to beat me and many other kids up on the playground everyday. He said the whole dirty works of them went into law enforcement." His father was either police chief of some other high ranking officer. His son had followed suit.

I have never had a bad experience with the police. I even have a good friend who is an officer who instructs police ethics at the local academy, he is a great guy who hates power abuses, however I'm left with the impression that the field of law enforcement attracts some, not all, aggressive personality types.

I do however, respect the OP and the patient respectful tone he is taking here in this battlefield of sorts.

Crappy jobs come with lots of baggage. I know I could never enforce, that's why I got into education instead.

chirp chirp

OP i feel for you but honestly i'm offended by this. i don't have a problem with cops only the laws they enforce. when you know your putting someone in jail over a non-crime then you should take a stand and say NO.

about 60% of the laws people are getting tossed in jail over are bogus and you know it yet you still do the job. for that the only answer is to lump all the cops in the same boat.

like i said i'm sad its that way but it is.

when the SHTF and we come face to face if your on my side show me your backside because all those showing me the front side get shot.

take care.

Originally posted by Everwatcher33

Originally posted by SmokeandShadow
Law enforcement is the most visible apparatus that inhibits change. I CANNOT go to a federal building with a group of people and drag out the politicians who are wrecking this country for fear of a violent confrontation with law enforcement. Every person who wants real change knows this but doesn't speak above their breath about it.

A person is not truly free in this world and law enforcement IS the physical arm of tyrants and oppressors that are placed over us.

You are basically describing a lawless environment where those who feel like dishing out their own justice do so? If that is the case then what is stopping anyone who feels you are an obstruction to their goals from just getting you and doing what they want with you?

Though I do understand what you are saying, I would like to get rid of a few politicians as well...

Lawless? No, just effective due process is all. Its cool you see what I mean though ( as far as the perception many have). I wasn't describing an extreme, where there is unorganized anarchy or anything.

If that large consensus that wanted to stop the Iraq war back in 06' and 07' (heat died down after that, now almost forgotten) could have walked into the white house as organized citizens and dragged out the administration, then it wouldn't be conducive to a free-for-all tyranny, but instead a group of citizen's decision based on a strong consensus.

Let me put it this way...the president is still sitting in the white house with abysmal approval ratings, but the public isn't able to remove him(ask him to get up and go home) without having law enforcement tackle, taze or shoot those people....but that is what would happen. That is what I meant by the physical arm of tyranny. Law enforcement is tasked to "keep you from"..it enables those with power, by default (or by legislation, whichever way you want to take it).

In the day of internet polls, we could vote in and out government officials and legislation very easily. No mobs even necessary!

[edit on 4-3-2010 by SmokeandShadow]

reply to post by JWH44


Nice attack comment there. You are slipping there and showing the mentality that power creates.

reply to post by Everwatcher33


That is the mentality of let us say 80% of the country now. The government is run for the elite, by the elite and now being enforced by the elite(cops).

People just cannot see the forest through the trees. Cops and government are becoming the jackboots, just like in the good old USSR.

WHERE ARE YOUR PAPERS?!

Originally posted by pieman

Originally posted by Everwatcher33
Hmm would you mind listing one of these situations as an example. I am always interested in hearing what makes people have their perceptions.

a handful of times i've ended up meeting cops socially, friend of a friend etc., and they were all dicks. they had this "i'm the man" attitude and they all seemed to have a complete disregard for the people in their company. that's the most damning thing as far as i'm concerned.

if they were just like that when they were out doing their job, if it was some sort of professional personna, that would be one thing, but it's not. cops need to have a certain mentality to want to become a cop and this gets reinforced because they have a weird incestuous culture where they only associate with other cops most of the time.

If you want to know the truth that is the general rule that follows most professions. Why? Because those people understand them better and they usually spend a lot of time with those people. That being said some of them can't stand each other.

I have to agree partially on the mentality thing though. You have to be able to put up with the BS that you deal with on the job. But the ones I have seen (with a few exceptions) don't have the I'm better than everyone else attitude.

Of course it could all be because as you can see here most people don't like cops...I would tend to stay away and not associate with those people either...after all why try to change the minds of people who have already made theirs up?

reply to post by randyvs


Oh, I completely understand, and I think I even pointed it out in my OP, that these voices do not represent the online, or even the general community as a whole. I don't take any of it personally. I enjoy coming to this site and I will continue to do so. There are many bright minds and, sometimes, I can watch and maybe even participate in some genuine, thought-provoking discussions. I respect every opinion, even though I see danger and provocation in some. Strong voices and graphic stories about the vile police state can have an impact on someone that hasn't had the life experience to form an opinion yet. Therefore, I think it is necessary to provide a counterpoint in response to some of the more outlandish statements that are made by the few.

Originally posted by pieman

Originally posted by Everwatcher33
Hmm would you mind listing one of these situations as an example. I am always interested in hearing what makes people have their perceptions.

a handful of times i've ended up meeting cops socially, friend of a friend etc., and they were all dicks. they had this "i'm the man" attitude and they all seemed to have a complete disregard for the people in their company. that's the most damning thing as far as i'm concerned.

if they were just like that when they were out doing their job, if it was some sort of professional personna, that would be one thing, but it's not. cops need to have a certain mentality to want to become a cop and this gets reinforced because they have a weird incestuous culture where they only associate with other cops most of the time.

If one has no integrated principles, one cant fairly be management and labor, jailer and prisoner, independant and gov't issue. Being an leo changes the social dynamic. The lion may indeed lie down with the lamb in the bible, but on this planet it's just a matter of status and privilege and an upgrade to predator status, and the lambs tend to regret and resent it, especially when the predators are there to enforce revenue enhancement rather than functional justice much of the time. Pretty much, leo are looking for a controlling legal authority to give them license to act in their behalf upon the public, and because politicians ultimately view the public as profit centers, the natural tendency of the majority of leos is to mimic their perceived employers' general disdain for the public. To whit, the system tends not to select what's best in public servants, on any level. Corruption breeds further corruption. Few leo have the stones or resources to buck the system, so they submit, obedient little boys and girls.
Most leo know that if they piss off their superiors at best they'll become prey again, and be on the same level as some of their prior professional associations that wouldnt go the same way without the uniform, etc.


[edit on 4-3-2010 by thatredpill]

[edit on 4-3-2010 by thatredpill]