Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Common Interests Cops and "blue light pass"

Originally posted by svtcarboy:
My statement had nothing to do about swaying opinion.

:rolleyes:

I say what I think, and frankly don't care if people like me or you better or worse as a result. Every time we are on a topic of this sort regarding legislation, police officers, and/or the justice system, your position always defends the status quo.

Wrong, I have stated repeatedly on these forums that I believe that police officers should be held to a higher standard than the public. That is certainly not the status quo today.

Nothing is perfect, and I would think that as one inside the police system that you would have some very clear ideas and vision for how things can be improved. Would it be the end of the world for you to base an argument based on bettering the justice system versus defending it exactly as it is (which gives the perception that you arrogantly think it is perfect)?

You must have missed the entire thread about IL law concerning concealed compartments and seizure of the vehicles wherein they are found. I believe I was rather comprehensive in that thread, and received many PMs expressing sincere admiration for standing up for police officers despite that not being the popular opinion (who would have figured, on a car forum :rolleyes: ). Point is, my arguments were well thought out, by me, and expressed my opinions. This may surprise you, but through experience I have found that what I learned in PTI really does have bearing on my job. Go figure.

If you do not have any such arguments, please take the time to critically examine police procedure where things as they SHOULD BE differ from things as they ARE, rather than just defending things as they are. I challenge you to think outside the box.

And your suggestions are, and they are based on? If it is mere assumption (gee, that cop is speeding, and he doesn't have his lights on, must be on the way to Dunkin' Donuts...), then save it. I've heard enough of that to last me a lifetime. Until you do this job, don't make uneducated assumptions about what the police are or are not doing.

Since the public, your clients, are clearly dissatisfied with the driving of police officers without lights and or siren on, whether or not they are responding to a call, departments need to be proactive.

What you fail to realize is that not everything the police do will please everyone. Just because some minority faction on a prejudicial discussion group (CEG is not necessarrily "Cop friendly") expresses discontent at the manner in which police officers drive, does not mean that there is some "obvious" dinscontent upon the general public. All too often on this forum, the complaints about police officer's driving habits are forwarded by those who practice the same habits or much worse when they think no one is watching. Just look at all the "kill" (street drag racing) stories on these forums for proof of that.

Likewise, even if there was a general discontent, it does not necessarrily follow that police officers should change their behavior. Police officers have a duty to protect the public. This duty requires certain actions that may not always please the public. Does that mean that the police simply disregard public opinion? No, certainly not. However, you act as though public opinion were the only guiding force. Let me assure you, it is not, nor should it be.

Even if my opinion, and those of others on the board are not the definitive answer, neither is just defending current procedure. Police departments should be taking these issues more seriously and start developing new strategies and procedures that are effective in both protecting the public and not upsetting them.

Current proceedure works, even if a minority here doesn't agree. Further, departments are doing just what you suggest. It's called community policing, and is highly effective.

Don't you think the public should have some say in how they are protected? I do.

Sure. On the other hand, is the public acutely aware of the means and methods required of a police officer in the execution of his duties? No, not at all. The public merely relies on assumption.

On the doctor/plumber/mechanic quip: I have a chance to evaluate the work of other professionals before I even hire them to perform their services. I can talk to other clients, see their track record before having them do the work for me. I have no such choice with my law enforcement services. Therefore, my first chance to be critical of their performance is as I see them perform, later than for other professionals.

Then criticize them once you see the end result, not before. Otherwise, you fall prey to misguided assumption just like the next Joe....

I don't think anyone here is saying that all police officers that break traffic laws are on their way to Krispy Kreme, but all too many are. Like my dad says about road workers cruising around in their trucks, "they give everyone in an orange truck a bad name."

Those that are should be punished for it, as I have said many times on these forums. It seems, though, that you would have the entirety of police policy manuals dictated by public opinion. Sorry, not going to happen. Not at all practical. Furthermore, it would make police work too dangerous for nearly anyone, while simultaneously rendering them ineefective in the performance of their duties.

I understand your desire to have us look through the eyes of a police officer. It may be helpful if police officers look through the eyes of the general public as well.