Im so Glad We have Officers like these protecting us!

[JohnWayne]

+1

 

[Buddhalux]

The point is that they showed a horrible lack of judgement on their part by getting a DUII. So how should the public feel that these two idiots are the ones with guns and the carte blanche to use them as the officers deem necessary?

 

[Wheeler44]

Does anyone hear know of even one person in their life that has not broken a single law in their entire life? Sped? Trespassed? Drank under age? Etc? Etc?

If anyone who wished to be a police officer had to be absolutely innocent of any transgression in their lives to do the job, no one would qualify. Officers are like the rest of us. Trying to be the best people they can. Sometimes they make mistakes (or whatever you people want to call it, bottom line, they screw up). These two officers screwed up. Hopefully, they'll face the same justice the rest of us are subject to. If they don't, its wrong. If they're guilty, they'll lose their licenses for a year. After that, who knows...

Apparently the officer that pulled me over for "suspected DUII" was a perfect soul...He felt that it was his duty to tell me all of the possible (if not very plausible) outcomes from my having one beer 3 hours and 150 miles away. He was so insistent that he kept me by the back of my vehicle for 15-20 minutes (without allowing me to retrieve a jacket) in a Gorge snow storm...His tactic worked well (kinda) as I was unable to perform a successful roadside sobriety check (uncontrollable shivering will do that to you). Fortunately after he transported me to the station for a "Breathalyzer" test the evidence supported the statements made by me....I also remember the courteous(Extreme sarcasm) manner in which he "released" me.. Only a perfect soul (Extreme sarcasm) would be so willing to judge another in that situation with such courtesy and concern for my well being. I thank him for his concern (not)..

W44

 

[Karma]

LOL. ****, one of our local county Judges has had multiple DUI's. It amazes me that he still is a judge.

As far as I am concerned, judges and police officers who hold powerful positions that can HUGELY impact others, must be held to a higher standard. That doesn't mean that a police officer who speeds a bit, or breaks the law in a trivial way needs to be fired. To me, if that person exercises bad judgement that endangers the public's wellbeing, such as driving while intoxicated, they show they are lacking in the judgement to hold those powerful positions. That is my thought on the subject.

 

[Trlsmn]

Yes ...there is something about glass houses and stones isn't there...I guess the officers in question will find out about that now won't they?

W44

Thanks, I was going to say the same thing but you beat me to it.

 

[Wheeler44]

Thanks, I was going to say the same thing but you beat me to it.

You are welcome......Now...Can haz cheezeburger? or whatever you are cooking tonight.

W44

 

[treemanx]

You display your lack of understanding or reading comprehension. There must be a "higher" standard for those that wish to feed at the public trough.

Or do you find it acceptable that an officer can stand before the bench as defendant one day and give testimony against a citizen the next?

If you want to police my actions, your actions must be above reproach. Period.

W44

Let me ask you, is your position so weak that you must begin your reply with a meaningless slam on someones intelligence?

With that said, I can understand where you are coming from here. I dont agree, but I do understand. Yes, police carry the responsibility of authority and therefore must be held to a higher moral standard. Police ethics is a very serious topic and believe me when I say that departments have their officers thinking about this topic everyday.

However, as MountainBear mentioned, they are only human beings. They are our brothers, sisters, uncles, etc., and they have the same shortcomings as anyone else could potentially have. You mentioned that "If you want to police my actions, your actions must be above reproach. Period." By this logic, NO ONE is worthy of policing your actions (Or anyones actions for that matter). The police officer you speak of does not exist, because they are all human and have made varying degrees of mistakes just like everyone else. So when you do something against the law, you should get away with it because the arresting officer may have once broken a law? Doesn't make much sense.

Do I believe that these guys in the OP deserve lenience for their DUII's because they are police officers? Heck no.

Should their actions effect their jobs since they should be held to a higher standard? Absolutely.

Can we make a blanket statement that any officer who has ever broken a law does not have the moral grounds to police your actions? No way! An officers personal history has nothing to do with you doing something against the law. Period.

 

[Wheeler44]

Let me ask you, is your position so weak that you must begin your reply with a meaningless slam on someones intelligence?

et tu Brutus? The poster I was replying to waded in with a "put up or shut up" statement. He clearly stated that he didn't think that the majority of posters could "pass the test". Hardly an answer to "Should public officials be held to a higher standard?"

With that said, I can understand where you are coming from here. I dont agree, but I do understand. Yes, police carry the responsibility of authority and therefore must be held to a higher moral standard. Police ethics is a very serious topic and believe me when I say that departments have their officers thinking about this topic everyday.

So if we think about ethics and standards of conduct, it's ok. At least it was discussed in the squad room.

However, as MountainBear mentioned, they are only human beings. They are our brothers, sisters, uncles, etc., and they have the same shortcomings as anyone else could potentially have. You mentioned that "If you want to police my actions, your actions must be above reproach. Period." By this logic, NO ONE is worthy of policing your actions (Or anyones actions for that matter). The police officer you speak of does not exist, because they are all human and have made varying degrees of mistakes just like everyone else. So when you do something against the law, you should get away with it because the arresting officer may have once broken a law? Doesn't make much sense.

Neither does letting a wolf back in the sheep pen. Just imagine if the Chief (and since we're imagining, let's give him or her the backing of the union on this) fired the cops for conduct unbecoming...Would that send a message to the other officers on the force?

As for me, I try very hard to stay on the "right" side of the legal system, the outside.

Do I believe that these guys in the OP deserve lenience for their DUII's because they are police officers? Heck no.

I am glad we can agree

Should their actions effect their jobs since they should be held to a higher standard? Absolutely.

Since officers often testify based on their "training" in recognizing substance abuse; these officers fail...Do they get to practice on the populace some more? probably.

Can we make a blanket statement that any officer who has ever broken a law does not have the moral grounds to police your actions? No way! An officers personal history has nothing to do with you doing something against the law. Period.

And here we disagree...The courts give great weight to the officers "judgment", greater weight than a citizen by an order of magnitude. (Just see what happens when an officer says one thing and a citizen says another, in court). Yet by your (in my opinion low) standards their lapse of judgment is "human" and to be forgiven...But in court next week their judgment is sound?????

In my trade, if I mess up things get ruined.. If I mess up my safety, people die. I have to accept responsibility for my actions AND the actions of those with me..There are mechanisms in place (Gov't mandated) to remove my ability to work should I fail...

Cops and politicians....Most that apply shouldn't have the job....Most that should have it, wouldn't take it....

W44

(I have been asked to apply for that job a few times)

Edit to add: Imagine if you were a trucker. Dependent on your license for a living. Ticketed by a convicted DUII officer and sentenced by a convicted DUII judge...Oh the humanity......

 

[Redcap]

et tu Brutus? The poster I was replying to waded in with a "put up or shut up" statement. He clearly stated that he didn't think that the majority of posters could "pass the test". Hardly an answer to "Should public officials be held to a higher standard?"
So if we think about ethics and standards of conduct, it's ok. At least it was discussed in the squad room.

Neither does letting a wolf back in the sheep pen. Just imagine if the Chief (and since we're imagining, let's give him or her the backing of the union on this) fired the cops for conduct unbecoming...Would that send a message to the other officers on the force?

As for me, I try very hard to stay on the "right" side of the legal system, the outside.
I am glad we can agree
Since officers often testify based on their "training" in recognizing substance abuse; these officers fail...Do they get to practice on the populace some more? probably.

And here we disagree...The courts give great weight to the officers "judgment", greater weight than a citizen by an order of magnitude. (Just see what happens when an officer says one thing and a citizen says another, in court). Yet by your (in my opinion low) standards their lapse of judgment is "human" and to be forgiven...But in court next week their judgment is sound?????

In my trade, if I mess up things get ruined.. If I mess up my safety, people die. I have to accept responsibility for my actions AND the actions of those with me..There are mechanisms in place (Gov't mandated) to remove my ability to work should I fail...

Cops and politicians....Most that apply shouldn't have the job....Most that should have it, wouldn't take it....

W44

(I have been asked to apply for that job a few times)

Edit to add: Imagine if you were a trucker. Dependent on your license for a living. Ticketed by a convicted DUII officer and sentenced by a convicted DUII judge...Oh the humanity......

 

[treemanx]

et tu Brutus? The poster I was replying to waded in with a "put up or shut up" statement. He clearly stated that he didn't think that the majority of posters could "pass the test". Hardly an answer to "Should public officials be held to a higher standard?"

Forgive me, I had no idea that you were going to defend your rude statement with the classic: "Well, he did it first!" fifth grade argument!

Lets take a look at what was actually said by this member:

I see way too much cop bashing on here.Threads don't turn into cop bashing,they start as such.
If you can do better,or even pass the tests,man up and do better.
Seems to me like a bunch of guys on here were bullied in high school and failed the cop tests.

What about "put up or shut up" offends you in this circumstance? This member has a valid point, saying that if you have issue with the quality of character found in our police, than sign up and give us some quality. If more people had this general attitude, our country might not be in the shape it's in today.

If you have a problem with the police, than sign up and make a difference. If you have a problem with local, state, or federal politics, than sign up and work for the change you desire. This would be considered as taking action upon your beliefs, rather than sitting on the sidelines and whining like most of the general public does so well these days.

So if we think about ethics and standards of conduct, it's ok. At least it was discussed in the squad room.

I am actually in college majoring in Criminal Justice, and we are focusing right now on police ethics. If you actually believe that this is only thought about and discussed in the squad room, you would be mistaken. Departments take the topic of ethics very seriously, as do most sworn police officers. Yes, there are instances where police step outside the boundaries of ethical behavior, but this is due to the fact that we are not employing robots to work as police officers, but human beings. However this is the exception, not the rule. Most officers take their jobs very seriously, and work hard to operate on a high moral standard.

Neither does letting a wolf back in the sheep pen. Just imagine if the Chief (and since we're imagining, let's give him or her the backing of the union on this) fired the cops for conduct unbecoming...Would that send a message to the other officers on the force?

As for me, I try very hard to stay on the "right" side of the legal system, the outside.

I see that you evaded the main point of this paragraph. You stated that:

If you want to police my actions, your actions must be above reproach. Period.

And I say that you are creating a circumstance in which no one has the moral authority to police your actions. To me, it sounds like an excuse. Police are hired not to judge your actions, but rather to bring you to a court to be judged. Roll that around for a minute.

And here we disagree...The courts give great weight to the officers "judgment", greater weight than a citizen by an order of magnitude. (Just see what happens when an officer says one thing and a citizen says another, in court). Yet by your (in my opinion low) standards their lapse of judgment is "human" and to be forgiven...But in court next week their judgment is sound?????

In my trade, if I mess up things get ruined.. If I mess up my safety, people die. I have to accept responsibility for my actions AND the actions of those with me..There are mechanisms in place (Gov't mandated) to remove my ability to work should I fail...

Cops and politicians....Most that apply shouldn't have the job....Most that should have it, wouldn't take it....

W44

(I have been asked to apply for that job a few times)

Edit to add: Imagine if you were a trucker. Dependent on your license for a living. Ticketed by a convicted DUII officer and sentenced by a convicted DUII judge...Oh the humanity......

I see what this is about now. You feel as though you have been wronged by the police in some way in some circumstance, therefore you are willing to label them all as bad. You also seem to have an overinflated sense of ego, as displayed in this comment:

Cops and politicians....Most that apply shouldn't have the job....Most that should have it, wouldn't take it....(I have been asked to apply for that job a few times)

So based upon your (in my opinion misguided) opinion, what is the solution to this issue? No one has good judgement, because they may have used bad judgement in some point in their past, so who has the virgin authority to police your actions? Do you want to be judged for the rest of your life for your mistakes or transgressions? If you make a mistake today, does that automatically mean you will make a mistake tomorrow? And what difference does it make if an officer may have used poor judgement in the past, to the crime that needs policing?

It's admittedly an imperfect system bud, it's an imperfect world we live in.

 

[MountainBear]

And here we disagree...The courts give great weight to the officers "judgment", greater weight than a citizen by an order of magnitude. (Just see what happens when an officer says one thing and a citizen says another, in court). Yet by your (in my opinion low) standards their lapse of judgment is "human" and to be forgiven...But in court next week their judgment is sound?????

In my trade, if I mess up things get ruined.. If I mess up my safety, people die. I have to accept responsibility for my actions AND the actions of those with me..There are mechanisms in place (Gov't mandated) to remove my ability to work should I fail...

So if an officer has ever broken any statute, law, or rule, then his judgment is no longer to be trusted. Assuming an officer breaks a speed limit and is given a ticket. Does that somehow make them him less capable of determining that a citizen is speeding? Or is it that you just no longer trust him because he has done the same thing? I hate to keep beating a dead horse, but people in glass houses. Everyone in the world has broken some sort of rule, law, or code. If we went by what your suggesting, who would qualify to be an LEO? Really, not a hypothetical. Who?

If LEO's mess up on the job, they are dealt with as well. Just because people on a forum can find a few examples of LEO's acting poorly does not mean that everything is covered up. It does not mean that the majority of people doing the job shouldn't be. With all due respect, and without resorting to personal attacks, you assertion that MOST police officers shouldn't be doing the job seems to show an unfamiliarity with the industry. There are certainly those who shouldn't be. Having a bad encounter with a LEO or reading a news article does not qualify one to make broad generalizations.

I hope the officers in the OP are held accountable for their actions. I hope all officers who violate the law and risk the lives of those around them (both on and off the job) should be held accountable.

 

[treemanx]

So if an officer has ever broken any statute, law, or rule, then his judgment is no longer to be trusted. Assuming an officer breaks a speed limit and is given a ticket. Does that somehow make them him less capable of determining that a citizen is speeding? Or is it that you just no longer trust him because he has done the same thing? I hate to keep beating a dead horse, but people in glass houses. Everyone in the world has broken some sort of rule, law, or code. If we went by what your suggesting, who would qualify to be an LEO? Really, not a hypothetical. Who?

If LEO's mess up on the job, they are dealt with as well. Just because people on a forum can find a few examples of LEO's acting poorly does not mean that everything is covered up. It does not mean that the majority of people doing the job shouldn't be. With all due respect, and without resorting to personal attacks, you assertion that MOST police officers shouldn't be doing the job seems to show an unfamiliarity with the industry. There are certainly those who shouldn't be. Having a bad encounter with a LEO or reading a news article does not qualify one to make broad generalizations.

I hope the officers in the OP are held accountable for their actions. I hope all officers who violate the law and risk the lives of those around them (both on and off the job) should be held accountable.

+1. 100% agree. Thanks for this post, sums my opinion up nicely.

 

[treemanx]

Yet by your (in my opinion low) standards their lapse of judgment is "human" and to be forgiven...But in court next week their judgment is sound?????

Additionally, how does one learn and grow as a human being? We learn from our mistakes my friend. The bigger the mistake, the greater the lesson. If an officer violates the law or makes a bad ethical judgement, they are disciplined or relieved from duty for those mistakes in most circumstances. Then, if that officer has the wherewithal to climb back in the saddle and prove that he or she can hold his/herself to that higher moral standard based upon a lesson learned, than their opinion would then hold even more weight in my opinion (Obviously based upon the degree of severity in that mistake).

 

[Wheeler44]

Forgive me, I had no idea that you were going to defend your rude statement with the classic: "Well, he did it first!" fifth grade argument!

et tu? Brutus. To answer the first question "No, I do not want to be a cop...that doesn't preclude me from an opinion on the subject...However come in swingin' and take your licks. To answer it the second time...The poster that I was answering attempted to justify the actions of these officers by insinuating that I (and the others on this side of the discussion) are unqualified for the job, thus, unqualified for an opinion...He was wrong on both counts..

Lets take a look at what was actually said by this member:

I see way too much cop bashing on here.Threads don't turn into cop bashing,they start as such.
If you can do better,or even pass the tests,man up and do better.
Seems to me like a bunch of guys on here were bullied in high school and failed the cop tests.

What about "put up or shut up" offends you in this circumstance? This member has a valid point, saying that if you have issue with the quality of character found in our police, than sign up and give us some quality. If more people had this general attitude, our country might not be in the shape it's in today.

What offends me? Again, the insinuation that I am unworthy of an opinion because I don't wear the blue. (If all cops are judged by the likes of the poster, it's no wonder that people are distrustful of them) Also the denigrating statement about being bullied in High School..Were all cops bullies in High School?( Hmmm, I'll have to ponder that one)..

If you have a problem with the police, than sign up and make a difference. If you have a problem with local, state, or federal politics, than sign up and work for the change you desire. This would be considered as taking action upon your beliefs, rather than sitting on the sidelines and whining like most of the general public does so well these days.

Oh...So now you have moral superiority because "most of the general population are sidelined whiners" Well said! (and you have the balls to insinuate that I am overly egotistic) Oh please, Noble sir, What is best for me Noble sir?

I am actually in college majoring in Criminal Justice, and we are focusing right now on police ethics. If you actually believe that this is only thought about and discussed in the squad room, you would be mistaken. Departments take the topic of ethics very seriously, as do most sworn police officers. Yes, there are instances where police step outside the boundaries of ethical behavior, but this is due to the fact that we are not employing robots to work as police officers, but human beings. However this is the exception, not the rule. Most officers take their jobs very seriously, and work hard to operate on a high moral standard.

Yes... It becomes clear now....

You speak as though you have sat in every squad room and personally know every officer...That's laughable..Of course they teach ya that in school son...Now open your bubblegummin' eyes. Power corrupts...If it didn't there wouldn't be IA...Just a bunch of starry eyed criminal justice majors doin' good at every turn.

I see that you evaded the main point of this paragraph. You stated that:

If you want to police my actions, your actions must be above reproach. Period.

I said it and I mean it..Please comment on the trucker denied a livelihood after being arrested by a DUII cop and sentenced by a DUII judge.

And I say that you are creating a circumstance in which no one has the moral authority to police your actions. To me, it sounds like an excuse. Police are hired not to judge your actions, but rather to bring you to a court to be judged. Roll that around for a minute.

I have spent more time in criminal court than most...I know how the system works...And no I'm not a criminal.

I see what this is about now. You feel as though you have been wronged by the police in some way in some circumstance, therefore you are willing to label them all as bad. You also seem to have an overinflated sense of ego, as displayed in this comment:

1. I have been.. 2. No, I know a few good cops 3. No brag, just fact.

So based upon your (in my opinion misguided) opinion, what is the solution to this issue? No one has good judgement, because they may have used bad judgement in some point in their past, so who has the virgin authority to police your actions? Do you want to be judged for the rest of your life for your mistakes or transgressions? If you make a mistake today, does that automatically mean you will make a mistake tomorrow? And what difference does it make if an officer may have used poor judgement in the past, to the crime that needs policing?

Sooooo...Let's give Charlie Manson a uniform? Orrrrr...Lets turn it around...How can you uphold the law when ye can't follow it yourself?

It's admittedly an imperfect system bud, it's an imperfect world we live in.

Ya got that right...

I don't hate cops....I don't even hate the bad ones. I do have some dislike for out of control power trippers though..And folks that would make excuses for inadequate performance.

I don't have a chip on my shoulder...I work out with a cop. I coach wrestling with another. Another sponsored me in my church..My Great Grampa was a cop as was my Grampa. One of my shootin' buddies is a retired cop ( he even arrested me when I was a teen).. When my shootin' buddy (He retired as chief) was Mayor I asked him about a situation much like OP posted. He fired the cop in question. I asked why. He stated " Any attorney worth his salt could beat any case the guy worked because of his situation. I cannot expose the City to that threat."

That guy can police my actions...OK?

You don't know me...or the trail that I've walked...But you do know yourself (I hope)...Look in the mirror and see if you don't have a little hero worship goin' on...My point is cops swear to uphold the law of the land....They should be disqualified from the position if they cannot also abide by it....

W44


I'll answer Mt Bear after chores....

 

[Wheeler44]

Additionally, how does one learn and grow as a human being? We learn from our mistakes my friend. The bigger the mistake, the greater the lesson. If an officer violates the law or makes a bad ethical judgement, they are disciplined or relieved from duty for those mistakes in most circumstances. Then, if that officer has the wherewithal to climb back in the saddle and prove that he or she can hold his/herself to that higher moral standard based upon a lesson learned, than their opinion would then hold even more weight in my opinion (Obviously based upon the degree of severity in that mistake).

Oh bubblegummin' please.....
If the ridiculous statement above is true why would a cop need to pull a rap sheet? After all the perp could be turnin' his life around....His history should have no bearing on the current investigation...Right?

 

[JohnWayne]

LOL. ****, one of our local county Judges has had multiple DUI's. It amazes me that he still is a judge.

As far as I am concerned, judges and police officers who hold powerful positions that can HUGELY impact others, must be held to a higher standard. That doesn't mean that a police officer who speeds a bit, or breaks the law in a trivial way needs to be fired. To me, if that person exercises bad judgement that endangers the public's wellbeing, such as driving while intoxicated, they show they are lacking in the judgement to hold those powerful positions. That is my thought on the subject.

So, you can't have it both ways. Either the LEO has to be a saint, or he is allowed the same mistakes you are. "breaking the law" in a "trivial way" is still breaking the law. Speeding endagers the public's well being and shows a lack of judgment as well.

 

[treemanx]

Oh bubblegummin' please.....
If the ridiculous statement above is true why would a cop need to pull a rap sheet? After all the perp could be turnin' his life around....His history should have no bearing on the current investigation...Right?

Uhhh, because the "perp" had committed another crime? If the perp was succeeding in "turnin' his life around," then the "perp" wouldn't be in a situation to have his rap sheet pulled. :huh:

 

[JohnWayne]

et tu? Brutus. To answer the first question "No, I do not want to be a cop...that doesn't preclude me from an opinion on the subject...However come in swingin' and take your licks. To answer it the second time...The poster that I was answering attempted to justify the actions of these officers by insinuating that I (and the others on this side of the discussion) are unqualified for the job, thus, unqualified for an opinion...He was wrong on both counts..

What offends me? Again, the insinuation that I am unworthy of an opinion because I don't wear the blue. (If all cops are judged by the likes of the poster, it's no wonder that people are distrustful of them) Also the denigrating statement about being bullied in High School..Were all cops bullies in High School?( Hmmm, I'll have to ponder that one)..

Oh...So now you have moral superiority because "most of the general population are sidelined whiners" Well said! (and you have the balls to insinuate that I am overly egotistic) Oh please, Noble sir, What is best for me Noble sir?



Yes... It becomes clear now....

You speak as though you have sat in every squad room and personally know every officer...That's laughable..Of course they teach ya that in school son...Now open your bubblegummin' eyes. Power corrupts...If it didn't there wouldn't be IA...Just a bunch of starry eyed criminal justice majors doin' good at every turn.

I said it and I mean it..Please comment on the trucker denied a livelihood after being arrested by a DUII cop and sentenced by a DUII judge.

I have spent more time in criminal court than most...I know how the system works...And no I'm not a criminal.


1. I have been.. 2. No, I know a few good cops 3. No brag, just fact.



Sooooo...Let's give Charlie Manson a uniform? Orrrrr...Lets turn it around...How can you uphold the law when ye can't follow it yourself?

Ya got that right...

I don't hate cops....I don't even hate the bad ones. I do have some dislike for out of control power trippers though..And folks that would make excuses for inadequate performance.

I don't have a chip on my shoulder...I work out with a cop. I coach wrestling with another. Another sponsored me in my church..My Great Grampa was a cop as was my Grampa. One of my shootin' buddies is a retired cop ( he even arrested me when I was a teen).. When my shootin' buddy (He retired as chief) was Mayor I asked him about a situation much like OP posted. He fired the cop in question. I asked why. He stated " Any attorney worth his salt could beat any case the guy worked because of his situation. I cannot expose the City to that threat."

That guy can police my actions...OK?

You don't know me...or the trail that I've walked...But you do know yourself (I hope)...Look in the mirror and see if you don't have a little hero worship goin' on...My point is cops swear to uphold the law of the land....They should be disqualified from the position if they cannot also abide by it....

W44


I'll answer Mt Bear after chores....

Hey, here is a tip- if you have been CONVICTED of a crime, your a criminal. Oh, wait, you were railroaded by cops and judges- big conspiracy. Come on...

 

[treemanx]

et tu? Brutus. To answer the first question "No, I do not want to be a cop...that doesn't preclude me from an opinion on the subject...However come in swingin' and take your licks. To answer it the second time...The poster that I was answering attempted to justify the actions of these officers by insinuating that I (and the others on this side of the discussion) are unqualified for the job, thus, unqualified for an opinion...He was wrong on both counts..

Errr....OK..... I never asked you if you wanted to be a cop. I also never said that you couldn't have an opinion because you aren't one. The guy you responded to said nothing like that either. His point may have been made a little roughly, but the general idea was that if you have issue with the quality of character found in our police, than sign up if you are able and give us some quality. Pretty simple.

What offends me? Again, the insinuation that I am unworthy of an opinion because I don't wear the blue. (If all cops are judged by the likes of the poster, it's no wonder that people are distrustful of them) Also the denigrating statement about being bullied in High School..Were all cops bullies in High School?( Hmmm, I'll have to ponder that one)..

Again, no one ever said that you are unworthy of an opinion as far as I saw. But hey, opinions are like @ss-holes, everybody has 'em and they all stink.

Oh...So now you have moral superiority because "most of the general population are sidelined whiners" Well said! (and you have the balls to insinuate that I am overly egotistic) Oh please, Noble sir, What is best for me Noble sir?

I am not trying to end up on the top of a moral superiority pigpile here bub. But are you really denying the fact that the vast majority of folks in the US dont do anything to change the circumstances they whine about? I never said I wasn't just as guilty as anyone else in this regard, so no, I am not climbing to moral high ground. I have worked as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff, Sheriff's Posse Member, Corrections Deputy, ambulance driver, volunteer firefighter, ans am currently seeking a degree in Criminal Justice. While I have wanted to work in law enforcement and try to give folks a better opinion of police through my actions, I have also sat back and complained about politics and I didn't vote in the last elections. So I dont deny my own hypocrisy, do you?

Yes... It becomes clear now....

You speak as though you have sat in every squad room and personally know every officer...That's laughable..Of course they teach ya that in school son...Now open your bubblegummin' eyes. Power corrupts...If it didn't there wouldn't be IA...Just a bunch of starry eyed criminal justice majors doin' good at every turn.

No, I have not sat in every squad room or claimed I knew every officer personally. But I have been involved in aspects of law enforcement for the better part of 10 years, know many officers personally, and am in college for Criminal Justice. Beyond that, we are both taxpayers and I believe that we can each have our own opinion on the subject.

Also, what is laughable is your pessimistic view that "Power corrupts." Internal Affairs exists because everyone who holds a position of power needs oversight, not because everyone who holds authority is corrupt.

I said it and I mean it..Please comment on the trucker denied a livelihood after being arrested by a DUII cop and sentenced by a DUII judge.

Are you serious? Did the trucker drive while intoxicated? He committed the crime? If he is guilty, what difference does it make if the judge with a DUII conviction convicts the trucker? Mickey Mouse could convict the trucker and the guy is still guilty of the crime. The judge didn't make the law. He is just ruling that it was in violation of the law and issues sentencing.

I have spent more time in criminal court than most...I know how the system works...And no I'm not a criminal.

Okey dokey.

1. I have been.. 2. No, I know a few good cops 3. No brag, just fact.

Okey dokey.

Sooooo...Let's give Charlie Manson a uniform? Orrrrr...Lets turn it around...How can you uphold the law when ye can't follow it yourself?

Ya. Lets give Charlie Manson a uniform. Thats what I said.

Ya got that right...

I don't hate cops....I don't even hate the bad ones.I don't have a chip on my shoulder.

Sorry, I find that a little hard to believe, but okey dokey.

When my shootin' buddy (He retired as chief) was Mayor I asked him about a situation much like OP posted. He fired the cop in question. I asked why. He stated " Any attorney worth his salt could beat any case the guy worked because of his situation. I cannot expose the City to that threat."

That guy can police my actions...OK?

OK, so we have found a perfect soul that has never made a mistake or broken a law, that your willing to allow the privilege of policing your actions. This retired chief didn't care so much that the cop in question had done something wrong, but rather that "any attorney worth his salt could beat any case the guy worked because of his situation." Okey dokey. Double-standard, anyone?

You don't know me...or the trail that I've walked...But you do know yourself (I hope)...Look in the mirror and see if you don't have a little hero worship goin' on...My point is cops swear to uphold the law of the land....They should be disqualified from the position if they cannot also abide by it....

This is true. I don't know you, or the trail you have walked. Nor do you know me or mine. Why not take a look in the mirror yourself, and see that you may have a little grudge against police because you had one run-in with an officer that you thought was bad, and have allowed that to cloud your judgement.

 

[Wheeler44]

Errr....OK..... I never asked you if you wanted to be a cop. I also never said that you couldn't have an opinion because you aren't one. The guy you responded to said nothing like that either. His point may have been made a little roughly, but the general idea was that if you have issue with the quality of character found in our police, than sign up if you are able and give us some quality. Pretty simple.

I'll dissect it for ya....

I see way too much cop bashing on here.Threads don't turn into cop bashing,they start as such.

Everybody here picks on cops.

If you can do better,or even pass the tests,man up and do better.

You are not a man because you have not passed the test...This calling is so great that everybody should want to be a cop..If you could you would...

Seems to me like a bunch of guys on here were bullied in high school and failed the cop tests.

Not too subtly sayin' "anybody that asks the police to follow the law is weenie that was beat up in school (and therefore not worthy of consideration.)

Again, no one ever said that you are unworthy of an opinion as far as I saw. But hey, opinions are like @ss-holes, everybody has 'em and they all stink.

So what is your opinion of the posters last sentence in the above quote...

I am not trying to end up on the top of a moral superiority pigpile here bub. But are you really denying the fact that the vast majority of folks in the US dont do anything to change the circumstances they whine about? I never said I wasn't just as guilty as anyone else in this regard, so no, I am not climbing to moral high ground. I have worked as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff, Sheriff's Posse Member, Corrections Deputy, ambulance driver, volunteer firefighter, ans am currently seeking a degree in Criminal Justice. While I have wanted to work in law enforcement and try to give folks a better opinion of police through my actions, I have also sat back and complained about politics and I didn't vote in the last elections. So I dont deny my own hypocrisy, do you?

What exactly do you mean? I do extensive volunteer work to better this nation. Many folks do...

If you have a problem with the police, than sign up and make a difference. If you have a problem with local, state, or federal politics, than sign up and work for the change you desire. This would be considered as taking action upon your beliefs, rather than sitting on the sidelines and whining like most of the general public does so well these days.

Again....I don't wanna be a cop...Do I have to be a cop to want good cops? Do I have to move to DC if want good representation? Again, I am away from home most weekends volunteerin' to make this Nation better. You make it better 'cause that's where you want to work...

No, I have not sat in every squad room or claimed I knew every officer personally. But I have been involved in aspects of law enforcement for the better part of 10 years, know many officers personally, and am in college for Criminal Justice. Beyond that, we are both taxpayers and I believe that we can each have our own opinion on the subject.

Departments take the topic of ethics very seriously, as do most sworn police officers. Yes, there are instances where police step outside the boundaries of ethical behavior, but this is due to the fact that we are not employing robots to work as police officers, but human beings.

And here is where we will differ..

Also, what is laughable is your pessimistic view that "Power corrupts." Internal Affairs exists because everyone who holds a position of power needs oversight, not because everyone who holds authority is corrupt.

Also here......My life experiences combine with the wisdom of ages when I say "power corrupts".

Are you serious? Did the trucker drive while intoxicated? He committed the crime? If he is guilty, what difference does it make if the judge with a DUII conviction convicts the trucker? Mickey Mouse could convict the trucker and the guy is still guilty of the crime. The judge didn't make the law. He is just ruling that it was in violation of the law and issues sentencing.

Are you serious? If the cops lose their licenses (My predictions are "not gonna happen") Will they lose their jobs? Or will they shuffle papers until they get diversion and then back at it?

I have spent more time in criminal court than most...I know how the system works...And no I'm not a criminal.

Okey dokey.

Condescending much?

Okey dokey.

ditto

Ya. Lets give Charlie Manson a uniform. Thats what I said.

Additionally, how does one learn and grow as a human being? We learn from our mistakes my friend. The bigger the mistake, the greater the lesson.

I don't hate cops....I don't even hate the bad ones.I don't have a chip on my shoulder.

Sorry, I find that a little hard to believe, but okey dokey.

So why should I believe that you are anything but a cop apologist?

OK, so we have found a perfect soul that has never made a mistake or broken a law, that your willing to allow the privilege of policing your actions. This retired chief didn't care so much that the cop in question had done something wrong, but rather that "any attorney worth his salt could beat any case the guy worked because of his situation." Okey dokey. Double-standard, anyone?

Okey bubblegummin' dokey to you bud....No double standard there bud..The Mayor fired the cop because in his experience (a lifetime on one small town force) any evidence brought by the fired cop would be tainted...and might release otherwise prosecutable criminals into our community....And there are more good men like him.....Some have left the force because of "Changes" in the policing community. Some stay.

This is true. I don't know you, or the trail you have walked. Nor do you know me or mine. Why not take a look in the mirror yourself, and see that you may have a little grudge against police because you had one run-in with an officer that you thought was bad, and have allowed that to cloud your judgement.

Look ...bub......I don't make my mind up that fast...I really don't care what you think with your "okey-dokeys"

To read your words there are few if any transgressions committed by officers...My personal experience (and a little investigation) have proven otherwise...

You said it yourself....Cops are human...They will make mistakes....

How big of a mistake are you willing to forgive?

Cops are already given more rights than the rest of us (Officer safety don't ya know), When did they or do they become a "special class" of citizen...


I will state it again...........Those that wish to feed from the public trough MUST be held to a higher standard...Period.

"don't do the crime if ya can't do the time" Isn't that a cop saying?


W44