Mike in VA
New member
Interesting thread. Being a more-or-less law abiding citizen, I have had limited experience in dealing with LEO's OTJ. Mostly I have been treated fairly and decently, though a few times there was 'room for improvement'. I must admit, though, I do see the 'them/us' attitude sometimes, and have on occasion pointed out that I am NOT the enemy/problem, and that we're all in this together. I have never used the
'I pay your salary' crap, as I consider that inflamatory, but I have asked more than one officer 'I don't think you're stupid, why do you think I am?'
Overall, I think LE is one of the toughest jobs going and have alot of respect for the men and women who do that job. LEO's see peole at their best and worst (mostly the latter), and I sort of understand how the 'them/us' attitude can develop and how oficers can feel estranged from society at large, and how their only friends are other cops.
There have been a lot of good answers to GLV's questions. From the police side, I appreciate keeping in mind that they are part of the community they serve and treating people as they would like to be treated. Remember, you are not above the law, on duty of off. Basic professionalism.
From the non-LEO side, it's kind of the same thing - be a responsible member of the community, cooperate, be polite (the cops don't write the laws, they just call 'em as they seem 'em). Behave like an adult. Get to know the officers who work in your area/neighborhood. Put your money where your mouth is. If you want more out of your police force, then be prepared to pay for it in terms of training, equipment, benefits, and people.
Boy, do I sound pollyanna or what? I guess it boils down to this: police reflect the society/community they're drawn from. If you want it civil and caring, then we (them & us) must all behave that way - take a little time to get involved, get acquainted, keep an open mind, and participate. If you want it comparmentalized and estranged, then keep pointing fingers, ducking responsibility, complain about everything (while doing nothing), and let the politicians run amonk with no accountability. It's someone else's problem, right?
M2
'I pay your salary' crap, as I consider that inflamatory, but I have asked more than one officer 'I don't think you're stupid, why do you think I am?'
Overall, I think LE is one of the toughest jobs going and have alot of respect for the men and women who do that job. LEO's see peole at their best and worst (mostly the latter), and I sort of understand how the 'them/us' attitude can develop and how oficers can feel estranged from society at large, and how their only friends are other cops.
There have been a lot of good answers to GLV's questions. From the police side, I appreciate keeping in mind that they are part of the community they serve and treating people as they would like to be treated. Remember, you are not above the law, on duty of off. Basic professionalism.
From the non-LEO side, it's kind of the same thing - be a responsible member of the community, cooperate, be polite (the cops don't write the laws, they just call 'em as they seem 'em). Behave like an adult. Get to know the officers who work in your area/neighborhood. Put your money where your mouth is. If you want more out of your police force, then be prepared to pay for it in terms of training, equipment, benefits, and people.
Boy, do I sound pollyanna or what? I guess it boils down to this: police reflect the society/community they're drawn from. If you want it civil and caring, then we (them & us) must all behave that way - take a little time to get involved, get acquainted, keep an open mind, and participate. If you want it comparmentalized and estranged, then keep pointing fingers, ducking responsibility, complain about everything (while doing nothing), and let the politicians run amonk with no accountability. It's someone else's problem, right?
M2