Originally Posted By Mr X I mean talked to cops in the line of their duty, NOT off duty or at some other function unrelated to patrol or whatnot.
Originally Posted By barboy ///As for the sterotyping(of southerners and rural cops), you bet your sweet ass I was./// Take caution in your tone counselor as you might incur the DVCdad wrath
Originally Posted By barboy ///question : does anyone believe the % of bad cops to the population of police is larger than the % of bad people in the general population ?/// Yes, I do and the % is lopsided too. I fear cops more than gangs, separtists terrorists or even dangerous animals. I hate cops---pretty much all of them except for the ones who have taken a stand against brutality. My cousin is a cop and I wouldn't let him in my house even though I grew up with him. Boy did that piss Mom and her brother off but so be it! Just last week some caller looking for money for some police cause prefaced his spiel with "we lost two highway patrol officers last month" and I cut him off quickly and I told him that I don't care and if I were to give money towards something it sure as hell would not be to police.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <***does anyone believe the % of bad cops to the population of police is larger than the % of bad people in the general population ?*** Absolutely, I believe this. ***my 2 cents is I don't think so at all*** I would have to disagree with you. < with the % of people already incarcerated in this country and the number running the streets with rap sheets longer than the stand by lines for Soarin' on a summer evening ? maybe if you lived back in one of the large cities here again, you might see it differently - maybe not. Don't know whose right here, just my gut feel
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <Have any of you guys ever TALKED to cops or dealt with them? How many did you find to be nice, polite, kind individuals? I've met some polite, kind individuals. But far more folks who are full of themselves and enjoying their minor "Position of Power".< again, live in a large city in the US again. We have 40,000 ( by estimate) members of Gangster Disciples in and around Chicago. They far out number the police -- L A in a similar situation. As far as nice policemen, the suburb of Chicago I live in for the last 20 years I believe has an excellent police force, and my wifes family has 11 members that are either police or fire in Chicago -- maybe if you talked to them and what they go thru on a daily basis, you'd understand why they are not smiling 24 x 7.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <Consider this...WHY do people become cops? For the money? The glamor? To "help people"? Sure...some do for those reasons (or just for a paycheck that might be slightly higher than some other job like McDonalds, with not much more qualifications or educational background needed). But what is the APPEAL? I would submit that the appeal is in the power. And power corrupts. < really narrow view - what is the appeal- for those 11 in my wifes family,because their parents were police and fire. AsIrish immigrants to this country that was one of the areas they were allowed to get into - for some it is tradition. Two of those in the family haveMBA's - one from NotreDame - their not in it for the glory. And pay slightly higher than McDonalds - really? How freakin insulting - starting salalry is over $43K in Chicago ( higher where Ilive where a college degree is required to even apply) - "Starting salary for Chicago police officers is $43,104, increased to $55,723 after one year and an additional increase to $58,896 after 18 months. Promotions to specialized or command positions also increases an officer's base pay. Salaries are supplemented with a $2,920 annual duty availability bonus and an $1,800 annual uniform allowance" This is slightly higher than McDonalds ? You may want to check the median income in the US again before repeating that comment. ( or else more of us need to work for McDonalds). That is a lot higher than teachers, what do you think of them and their salary? your lack of knowledge of pay scale and educational requirements shows how little contact you have - yet choose to rip on the police forces. Why would that be ?
Originally Posted By vbdad55 Starting Salary in my suburb for a Police officer is $59216 / yr. here are requirements - The Naperville Board of Fire and Police Commission is charged with the appointment of all police officers. To be considered for employment, candidates must meet the following requirements: Be a United States citizen Bachelor’s degree in any discipline Possess valid driver’s license, which must be shown as identification at all phases of testing Have a Social Security number Must be 21 years of age, but not older than 34 years of age by the time of application Attend Orientation (no exceptions) and all phases of testing Good moral character and meeting all requirements of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners and the State of Illinois. Pass a thorough medical examination Vision requirement of uncorrected 20/100 correctable to 20/20 and must not be color blind Applicants must attend orientation and pass and/or successfully complete a written test, physical aptitude test, interview, polygraph test, background investigation including fingerprinting, in-depth psychological assessment and physical examination.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 again, I am not saying there are no bad cops out there - of course there are - and they should be held to a higher standard because they are entrusted to carry weapons etc. - and prosecuted to the fullest extent for abuses - absolutely. but comments like they work barely above minimum wage which is why they areall in it for the glory are uninformed at best - and fearing police more than street gangs - just seems irrational. I can promise you I can take you to areas of Chicago where you'd be crying for a policeman.
Originally Posted By SingleParkPassholder Sign me up for post 28. X's attitude towards police is irrational at best. And he'll get all worked up, but living where he has for the last several years, he's out of touch with the issue completely.
Originally Posted By dshyates I know many good cops. But I am also aware of some problems out there. I feared the cops in Denver, but here in WV if I was broken down beside the road at night I would feel much safer if a State Trooper rolled up behind me. One time when I was in Ohio, I had a flat at 1:30AM and a Cincinatti City Police officer had me load the flat into his trunk and he took me to a truck stop with a 24hr repair shop. I got my tire fixed and he then drove me back to my car and helped me put it back on the car. (It was the second flat of the day and my spare was already on the car.) Sure there are jerk cops out there but I think it has a lot to do with the area you are in. And I'm not talking geographically. But it depends on the leadership in the specific area. And what they allow to happen. The problem in Denver was the prossecuting attorny who was Bill "I don't prosecute cops" Ritter. With little repercussions to being bad cops it got really bad. Many other places I have lived, the Cops took the serve and protect motto very seriously. One kid that I have known since he was 5 came back from 3 tours in Iraq and then went to the State Police Acadamy. He has gone to my parents church all his life and has more integrity in his little finger than I have in my whole body. He is a model trooper. So when I started this thread it wasn't to demonize cops, just to say that there may be an issue regarding the use of tasers.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <Sure there are jerk cops out there but I think it has a lot to do with the area you are in. And I'm not talking geographically. But it depends on the leadership in the specific area. And what they allow to happen.< I think this is an accurate statement. Everyone has to be accountable fortheir actions,regardless of what you do in life,or else there is the potential for abuse....absolutely agree. thank you also for stating the intent of the thread - I have no issue at all with that --
Originally Posted By Mr X ***That is a lot higher than teachers, what do you think of them and their salary?*** I think they are underpaid. And from what you just mentioned, I'd say the cops are grossly overpaid. Detectives, I can understand. But regular cops? What kind of experience and training do you really need to drive around ticketing speeders, anyway?
Originally Posted By Mr X ***your lack of knowledge of pay scale and educational requirements shows how little contact you have - yet choose to rip on the police forces.*** I was being facetious, sorry that doesn't translate well (apparently). But you're right, I don't know much about what cops do, and I don't care to. So long as they stay away from me.
Originally Posted By Mr X ***Bachelor’s degree in any discipline*** Doesn't sound too picky to me. Why the degree? Is someone who studied art history for 4 years any more qualified than someone who didn't see the point in wasting tons of money?
Originally Posted By Mr X ***X's attitude towards police is irrational at best.*** Whatever. ***And he'll get all worked up, but living where he has for the last several years, he's out of touch with the issue completely.*** I've spent plenty of time in America over these past few years, in many different states in fact (as if you'd know).
Originally Posted By SingleParkPassholder "I've spent plenty of time in America over these past few years, in many different states in fact (as if you'd know)." I'll do ya two better- as if that matters, and as if I care.
Originally Posted By Mr X It matters. You seem to think I'm somehow isolated from the situation, and that couldn't be farther from the truth. As to the "as if I care" part, well if you don't care just don't reply. Simple.
Originally Posted By andyll <<If you read the whole link I posted above you are familiar with Bruce Vanderjagt's killing. Here is how the then prosecuting attorney, Bill Ritter (now Governor) handled it: <a href="http://www.accessmylibrary.com...0592_ITM>>" target="_blank">http://www.accessmylibrary.com...>></a> I’m not sure why you are using that story as an example of police corruption. Auman recruited a partner to help her commit burglary. During the ensuing police chase she steered the car while her partner shot at the officers. After she was caught she refused to tell police where her partner was and how he was armed. An officer with a wife and 2 kids was killed in the firefight. I thought everyone these days understood that all participates in a felony crime are guilty of all felonies committed by any of the participates. If a bank robber kills a teller the getaway driver is just as guilty of murder even if he was not in the bank and never touched a gun. She not only participated in the crime… she instigated it. And had many opportunities to end it before Vanderjagt was killed. There are a lot of criminal injustices in this country… Auman was not one of them.
Originally Posted By SingleParkPassholder "You seem to think I'm somehow isolated from the situation, and that couldn't be farther from the truth." Please expound on how a resident of Japan can be familiar with police and tasering in the U.S. to the point where the resident can draw what he or she believes to be definitive conclusions.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <***Bachelor’s degree in any discipline*** Doesn't sound too picky to me. Why the degree? Is someone who studied art history for 4 years any more qualified than someone who didn't see the point in wasting tons of money?< takes a certain level of knowledge and understanding/communication to complete a degree in anything. If not more people would do it. Also shows the ability to finish what one starts.
