"IN VALOR THERE IS HOPE"
Posted on 03/09/2005 5:56:19 PM PST by Little Bill
I have been seeing an increasing number of "Bad Cop" news stories in the last couple of years.
I find this an interesting topic for two reasons. One, I know a lot of Cops, Good and Bad, I have been in the world awhile. Secondly, I had the privilige to work with Malcome Frye, about twenty-five tears ago, from Memphis State, who supposedly, reformed the Memphis Police Dept, after MLK was shot.
Dr. Frye once told me that anyone that really wanted to be a Cop should be held suspect and psycologically tested.
Any Comments on the Bad Cop Stories and why these people made the force.
"Dr. Frye once told me that anyone that really wanted to be a Cop should be held suspect and psycologically tested"
Which I hope he said in jest. I once "really" wanted to be a cop, before I _fully_ realized just how crapped-upon I'd be for my career choice.
Ah,they are,duh!
No, it wasn't in jest. He thought, as I understand it, all police candidates should be tested and have he equivalent of an A.S.
It sounds like you're thinking about applying to become a cop.
I know a little bit about that. I had a good friend who was one, and I did some undercover work and some ride-alongs with him.
All I can tell you is that it takes a special breed of cat.
I would not recommend it. You deal with the scum of the earth on a daily basis. Cops are prone to depression. They usually hang out together, and they typically don't like each other all that much.
Think hard.
I was brought up in the 1950s, and raised from childhood to believe that "policemen are our friends." I still am inclined to see it that way, notwithstandng obvious examples of bad conduct and corruption that one reads about and sees in the news.
As a (largely) law abiding citizen, I have had very few personal interactions with cops throughout my life, and most of those have been positive -- or at least fair.
But a few years ago, I was involved in a start-up business selling an insurance program to trade associations. I gave many group presentations during that time.
One of my presentations was before a police offier's union membership. I have to say that I was absolutely appalled at the total lack of professionalism and courtesy these cops displayed. It was supposed to be a business meeting, and it was the only time in my life where I attended or presented before such a an unruly group. I was stunned that there was actually drinking during the proceedings and a LOT of it, too. In my professional experience, most groups at trade conferences wait until the business is finished before breaking out the booze).
These cops didn't even bother to give the appearance of attention -- they kept talking and carrying on as if I were not even there. It was real Animal House stuff, and I have to say that I was shocked that these "finest" were the most out of control, adolescent group of people I have ever seen in a professional context.
It was the first time I ever got a glimpse of what cops are like when they are together, and I must say I was NOT impressed.
I found some information about police here but I don't think it's what you are looking for.
As of what date in your jurisdiction? I took the infamous 33% test in Mass, I scored 98%, and am a disabled vet, Engineering was more reenumerate after find myself on the bottom half of the list.
Late "80"ish,Seattle,I'm sure every where now.
I dunno...I thought I'd ping you and see if you wanted to add something.
Damn cops,I'm taking the 9 and 1 off my phone.
I didn't want bring this up but they, as we, are employed at the sufferance of their employers. Police Officers and other Town, County, and for that matter State Employees exist on the voters sufferance.
Judging from several of my Connor gang, I might agree. Others of the same group turned out to be leaders in the community, the Cops especially among youth groups.
Bummer. Nevermind.
I gave it 7 years back when I was young. When I realized what that awful dread was, I quit.
I will add...
Of the various cops I have met, I would not say that any of them have been "bad". Not in the sense of being unethical. Quite the opposite. As far as I know, they have all been very professional.
Their problems have been with the job.
Of course, you don't know what goes on behind the scenes. I would, however, not blame them for breaking a rule or two every now and then. Not after seeing what they have to deal with.
Does that make them bad? Not in my thinking.
But I think that's rare.
What's your problem?
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