My late father in law was one of the worst cops in the state back in his day. His daily routine as a Penal Farm Warden was to have the guards bring in prisoners for him to beat on. It's not rumor he lived on the premises with his daughter who is now my wife. She saw him do it. He was the most paranoid and sadistic man I ever met in my life. His actions likely triggered an event few in this area have forgotten if they are old enough to remember.
Many cops out there are still devoted to the duty and are doing it right. The issues many times start at the top from an undisciplined power happy leader wanting to turn his department into a paramilitary response team.
A few years back I had some extensive interaction with some deputies in my county as a foster parent. They were professional and disciplined. They used common sense and weren't out to get anyone just for kicks.
I also knew a Chief of police in a venue I won't mention. He owned a mom and pop store in a rural area. Behind the counter was a 12 gauge pump. Friendliest man you'd ever want to meet. He's retired.
Holy crap.
What a story.
My dad was a prison guard for almost 40 years.
It changed him.
Thank God he never aspired to be a cop.
Our local yokels are pretty calm.
Case in point, hubby noticed the local emergency vehicle had flat tires and went to the squad station to tell them.
There was no one outside but a county sheriff had just gotten out of his cruiser.
Hubby rolled down the window and the sheriff stepped close to hear what he said and Seven, the Dobe girl was in the back, on her way to the pet stores for her first birthday celebration.
She looked up, saw the cop and went ballistic, right in the guy’s face before I could grab her leash and pull her back.
He just deftly took a step back from the window until she was under control and then came back in and got the flat tire story.
That was it.
No freak outs or drama and a polite “thank you” to boot.
If it had happened 15 miles east in Hagerstown with one of the townies, I’m sure it would’ve ended differently.
Why?
He got enough "pleasure" tormenting people as a building code enforcer.