Originally posted by Rara:
Sandman, I really do wish more officers were like you, but the fact remains, that there are a lot of them that are just plain pricks, and like to abuse thier power (oh boy do I have some stories about one cop in particular) thankfully these jerks are not the majority. And for the record I am most certainly not a "cop hater" by any stretch.
Thanks, Rara, and you are correct, there are a good number of losers behind the badge. I don't have any answers or excuses for that, other than they are human too, and you are bound to find that in any profession. Most departments do all they can to screen applicants in the hiring process, but it's not the easiest thing the world to do. I think the most important part about being an officer is that the job has to be much more than just a paycheck to you.
I get my kicks by wearing the badge and uniform, I'll admit. I like the fact that I have earned the trust and respect of the people I have sworn to protect (even if they don't always give me that respect). I enjoy, by virtue of the office I hold, being the person that others turn to when they really need help. It's the public responsibility, the mental challenge of deciphering the criminal mind, and the knowledge of having done good for others that attracted me to this job (and, of course, my father who was an Illinois State Trooper). I'm intelligent enough to do anything I want, but there is nothing else I'd be as happy doing. Bah, 'nuff said.
