I've NEVER seen anything so stupid...

Originally posted by SVTfrog:
In the past 3 years, I believe atleast 10 from the area have been arrested.

Killing his family and then himself

Those are just the ones I can remember.

Oh yeah my bad, that guy wasn't arrested.

well I can't speak for GA officers, nor can I speak for all AL officers, but I take pride in my job, I take pride in being the one called upon when all hell breaks loose, I take pride in being able to help those who cannot help themselves. I also take offense to the statement that they give anyone a badge and a gun these days. We are underpaid overworked and it took me 5 years and a bachelor's degree before I got hired. Most officers regardless of where they work have the same outlook I do. However, there are some officers out there who enjoy the power trip, you hear a lot about those types because they leave a lasting memory, but how many times do you brag on an officer for giving you a break? I know at one time you have all probably gotten out of a ticket that you deserved.

I've met good & bad. Acouple of guys I went to high school w/ became officers Both of them let it go to thier heads, but i've known an AL state trooper for years & he is one of the best guys you will ever meet badge or not! He let me off for under age drinking, of course I was married w/ a kid & one on the way. Saying that all cops are idiots b/c of the actions of a few is almost like racism, in my book!

The last ticket I recieved was for running a stop sign, The cop was parked/hiding @ a 4way, as I approached a lady pulled off & really cut the corner. I had to stop A couple of car lengths from the sign then I pulled up & rolled through it. Technically I did run it, but in the circumstances I don't see why he didn't ticket the lady cutting the corner. I mentioned it to the officer politely, took my ticket, & went on my way, but If you guys are mouthing off to them of course they're going to throw the book at you, Duh!

By they, I was more specifically referring to my local PD.

Experience required = none.
Education = high school diploma/GED

I know not all cops are like those here, but like I said, atleast 10 arrested in 3 years. Doesn't exactly make me trust the local cops.

I have a friend that will soon be a full fledged officer and although I'm sure he'll do a good job, you can already tell he really really likes the power and control the job will give him. Though I reckon that is something every cop likes to some degree, otherwise they'd have some sort of other job.

There are plenty of good cops, and without them the country would suck, but there is also a lotta bad apples.

Not a rant on you, just everyone that says it:
The overpaid/overworked thing is so over played. Most jobs are overpaid/overworked. That's the way it is. No one made you have the job you have, so if that is something you're gonna complain about, then get a different job.

Originally posted by SVTfrog:

Though I reckon that is something every cop likes to some degree, otherwise they'd have some sort of other job.

Not a rant on you, just everyone that says it:
The overpaid/overworked thing is so over played. Most jobs are overpaid/overworked. That's the way it is. No one made you have the job you have, so if that is something you're gonna complain about, then get a different job.

I assume you meant underpayed/overworked...

Power has NOTHING TO DO WITH IT! Nor does the pay. If you think we took this job to control people you're wrong, I took this job to improve the lives of others. Since I gather none of you have a police background there is no point in taking this any further. I should have kept my mouth shut in the first place.

underpaid/overworked is over played? YOU tell me what happens if we don't show up to work.... I work close to 50 hours a week, what happens if I chose only to work 40 and we're short handed? Maybe you can draw your own conclusions...

I wasn't talking specifically about you. I was meaning most cops like the power part. And I'd think if you didn't like it, even to some degree even if not knowing it, you wouldn't be a cop. There are tons of other jobs that improve the lives of others. So there are reasons you'd rather be a cop over something else. Anyways, I'm not saying it's a bad thing. Don't take offense to it.

Let's see. If you don't come into work, I bet they try to get someone to fill in. If they can't then they're short handed. Heck, they're probably already short handed.

Sounds like every other job to me. Though yeah, in your case someone could get shot, a few tickets less may be written, or something that otherwise wouldn't have happen would happen.

All I was saying about that, is if you're gonna complain about it, maybe you should look for another job. Chances are you'll feel the same at another job though, so maybe just not complain about it.

To reiterate (I think you skipped over this), we do need cops. And I am NOT trying to demean your job. I don't think the thread starter was either. He was just pointing out that there are some stupid cops (or most specifically Floridians) out there.

Dang, isn't it just like a cop to get all mad at you about nothing and not discuss it calmly.

I like the police. They protect my property and I can call them out 24/7/365...

Also cool when they show up for the block parties - like the super bowl party we had. What a bash that was!

Jim is a prime example of the corruption in today's police forces.

I am not getting mad, I think I even gave you some info on how to deal with a ticket you got earlier however you'd already taken care of it. You however have made some stereotypical comments that hold no weight. I sincerely hope that you never need us for anything, and I would NEVER wish anything bad on anyone but in the unfortunate event that you do, maybe your outlook will change just a little.

WTH? I don't know how many times I have to type this.

Cops are GOOOD!!!!!

I have needed the police, and they helped me, and I thank them for it.

But that hasn't nothing to do with bad cops.

I don't know what you mean about stereotypical comments that hold no weight. If you mean the underpaid/overworked thing, like I said that applies to MANY MANY jobs. It gets old hearing it from everyone, all the time. Sucks, but there ain't much you can do, other than look for a higher paying/less demanding job.

And what do you mean you want my outlook to change? You mean you want me to not like all police. Well, ok, if you say soo...

I agree w/ Moose 110%! My dad was an AL State Trooper for almost 30 years....LOVED his job...had NOTHING to do w/ power....he enjoyed getting into his patrol car everyday, cruising the streets, helping make it safer, getting the job done. He was involved in some high speed chases, helped stop someone running (by using his car), put his life on the line everyday (as does Moose and all the other officers!). It takes a special person to make a good officer...not just anyone can do it. Yes, some join up for the "power" of it. Yes there are crooked "cops". But keep in mind there are just as many good officers out there looking out for you and your family! I come from a family of law enforcement and firefighters...I've grown up around them...some are bad, some are good, a lot are awesome at their jobs and won't hesitate to let you know this!

For those of you who have had bad experiences w/ being pulled over, given tickets where it may not have been due, etc....sorry it happened, but it happens to everyone...mistakes are made, some officers do abuse their powers, but most do not. You live and you learn. Chalk it up to a life experience.

No need to get angry or defensive. Everyone has their opinions....I happen to agree w/ Moose and disagree w/ a lot of other comments made here...but thats just from my personal experience and upbringing....not everyone can be so lucky to grow up around some of the most awesome officers in AL.

Originally posted by BurntRubber:
It takes a special person to make a good officer...not just anyone can do it.

I actually entertained the thought of getting into law enforcement. The more I learned, the more I knew that I could not do that job. It does take a special breed, they have my respect, and I let them know it.

<S> guys in blue.

let's see how you all hate the police when someone's breaking into your house at 2am with a gun in their hands, or your family is in accident, or someone robs the local store with you & your family or friends right there. Let's see you complain they are on power trips, or are stupid, and mean idiots then.

Lord, I hate teens sometimes.

Let's not go 1/2 cocked to the other extreme now...

Bobby Jewett was beaten to death in 1990 by two police officers on power trips here in West Palm Beach. He was jay walking across the street in front of the Palm Beach Post newspaper offices one night. IMHO, those officers murdered that guy. Jewett was all of 150 pounds, the officers were muscular & weighed in at about 210 each or better. They could easily have subdued the guy without beating him to death. Jewett sustained injuries from a crushed throat to severely ruptured testicles.

Officers like those are an extreme minority in the law inforcement community, but you do come across one from time to time.

"PANEL: FORCE ON JEWETT EXCESSIVE
Date: December 19, 1992 Publication: The Palm Beach Post Page Number: 1B Word Count: 532

A state law enforcement panel has ruled that Glen Thurlow and Stephen Lee Rollins used excessive force in their struggle with Bobby Jewett two years ago, the first time the allegation has been officially substantiated.

The finding by three members of the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission could increase the chance the two men will lose their licenses to work as police officers in Florida."

Basic lesson. Don't mouth off to the police. They might be one of the few.

Well, my experience with cops is this. I was pulled over for doing 5 over the speed limit (30 in a 25), while people area CONSTANTLY doing 50+, while they do nothing.

Second, I was driving 65 in a 65 zone, and an FHP trooper was tailgating me the whole friggin time. Once I changed lanes, the dude sped past me.

Now, the genuis with the stop strips puncturing the tires of about 50 cars.

I'm telling you! It must be something in the water, in them oranges (probably that citrus canker crap), or the heat, the rain every afternoon (2:30 PM, you can set your clock to it), or some other factor, because something is making these people unnaturally stupid.

There's something wrong here.

Originally posted by gilroynewball:

Second, I was driving 65 in a 65 zone, and an FHP trooper was tailgating me the whole friggin time. Once I changed lanes, the dude sped past me.

This can be a double edged sword, if a police officer is tailgating you, it usually means get out of the way. (most likely has a call and is trying to get there without running lights and sirons). If there is an officer behind you NOT tailgaiting you he/she is prob just checking you out, if that is the case don't change lanes cause some may take it as looking suspicious. If you do get pulled over because you change lanes, simply state "I was told by an officer to get out of your way if you're coming up hard behind me because you're probably going to a call." You're not lying cause I just told you so.

Moose

Originally posted by gilroynewball:
...something is making these people unnaturally stupid. There's something wrong here.

Don't worry about it. It's a southern thing. Just know that you're 9 million times smarter than the average guy down here.

<===== ( Yankee )

Used to be an old saying, "Men go to Jupiter to get more stupid-er".

Thus explaining the rich side of palm beach county.

Florida = yankee state of the south

Originally posted by SVTfrog:
Florida = yankee state of the south

I was just gonna say that!

Originally posted by Renee:
let's see how you all hate the police when someone's breaking into your house at 2am with a gun in their hands, or your family is in accident, or someone robs the local store with you & your family or friends right there. Let's see you complain they are on power trips, or are stupid, and mean idiots then.

Lord, I hate teens sometimes.

Sorry I'm no teen but, the only one going to help you in any of those cases is YOU! (excepting the car wreck) You had better be armed and ready for it otherwise all the police can do is fill out the reports. Get a Firearm, learn how to use it, practice practice and practice. And be aware of your surroundings. The only one responsible for your's and your loved ones safety is you. To believe anything else is foolish. The police are not all ticket writing (read tax collecting) morons. Most of the guys I ride bikes with are leo's, and all are great people.

Jim T

First off, I have had guns my whole life and I KNOW how to shoot and I am good. Ask my hubby, he's scared of me when I have a gun, especially after what I did to the man on the target I was shooting one day...OH YEAH!

Second off, the "I hate teens" comment was directed to the IDIOT who sat there and went "bleepin cops caught me underage drinking and they suck blah blah blah " I can't stand moronic CHILDREN who think cops "suck" or are bad because the KID breaks the law and gets caught. The cops is just doing their job.
I am SURE there are cops who have power trips, but too many people are lumping a few bad apples into a bunch of many good ones, and that's just not right.

imma 17yearold but im no idiot... drinking/driving

drinking

i only drink when im at home and its maybe one or 2 nothing more i dont like spending money unless its on the csvt or maintence etc... im not a lightweight no but just not much of a partier(i used to be

)

Actually you are kinda a lightwieght! j/k