They say that cops have a difficult job-

[TheFriendlyAnarchist]

and that because of this, we need to grant them leniency when they make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes, right? After all, we have jobs, and know that sometimes shit happens. Most of us aren't scrutinized or faced with the loss of a career whenever we do any little thing wrong. Why should it be different for them, especially when they are the ones who do quite a bit of work to try to make our communities safe?

But it is that very last sentence that provides the reason why they should be different. Police officers do indeed have very difficult jobs, and there is a great responsibility that comes with their work. Because of that responsibility, we give them incredible power over us in our daily lives. That power is what attracts many of the bad apples out there. It is a legal way to put yourself above others.

Giving them that power means that we must keep a balance, as well as a good eye on the use of that power. We as a people need to require the scrutiny of cops when something happens. Instead of saying, "It's tough, let's give him a break" we need to look at it like it is; a possible abuse of power. Just because it's 'hard work' doesn't mean that they should get a free pass to do what we are not allowed to. Cops are often necessary, but that does not mean that we shouldn't raise the standards of who can be one.

When we give someone that power, we have to be sure that they don't abuse it. That scrutiny comes with the job. Don't accept that power and the responsibility of being a police officer if you are unwilling to own up to the enhanced eye that will be on you. This is not a message that we should hang 'em high- simply a reminder that if we are willing to give up our rights to these gentlemen and women, we should remember that it is OUR responsibility to make sure that they don't take advantage of the situation.

[uppityperson]

1. Good post. k&r for "a possible abuse of power"

[madokie]

2. personally I wouldn't want to be a cop. I sure wouldn't want to live in a world without them either

I would say that many of the cops are the persons who should not be cops and those are the ones who give them what bad name cops have to begin with. I found out long ago that if you treat a cop with respect they will respond in kind for the most part. You never know the last person the cop had contact with might have kicked him in the nuts or something so being beligerent is not a good idea ever.

[TheFriendlyAnarchist]

5. Aye, we just have to be careful.

When we hand someone a gun, a little caution and wariness is needed.

[madokie]

6. no doubt about it

lots of caution is warranted

[Fredda Weinberg]

8. They're people ... some are better than others. But you're right

We need a constabulary. But it's a para-military organization, with stresses that have been exacerbated by national security considerations.

[mrcheerful]

3. After seeing the way cops deal with people I have only one thought, there is very little

difference between a cop and a criminal. Sure theres exceptions to the rule, but over all cops are for the most part out to solve a crime as fast and with as little effort as possible. This whole justice system today is not about innocent until proven guilty, times have changed to where one is guilty in the eyes of the law until proven innocent beyond a shadow of doubt in a court of law and even then in some cases even after proven innocent in a court of law cops can and have harrassed people. The cops "know" that person was guilty and only got off because he had a "good" trial lawyer.

[thunder rising]

4. The police abuse came with the republicans. Something bout that "kill them all" policy. go figure

For the most part it's not about law enforcement, it's about assimilation. They hate people that are not exactly cut to the mold of the right wing white christian.

[Fredda Weinberg]

7. Good ... have you met your local authorities? I have n/t

[backscatter712]

9. They ain't getting a break from me.

Every time they screw up, someone does, or is maimed, or is falsely imprisoned, or has their life ruined.

Why should I cut them a fucking break, when their fuckups are so destructive?

I damn well am going to demand perfection.