[cripplecreek]

People need to get to know their local cops. I stood out in the alley the other day and chatted with the Sheriff’s deputy for 20 minutes the other day.

Its a lot harder to abuse people you know and are otherwise friendly with.

[apoliticalone]

I agree with posts 1 and 2. Unfortunately the cops are often too much about us vs them. Their reputations have been harmed by publicity of their over-reactions and concern about their safety instead of public safety.

We have about 50% too many police. We’d be better off putting the savings to paying down debt. Americans need to be encouraged to take care of themselves and not depend on a police force that will rarely ever be there when needed, except to collect evidence after the fact.

[Leaning Right]

People need to get to know their local cops. I stood out in the alley the other day and chatted with the Sheriff’s deputy for 20 minutes the other day.

Good point. And that was something I'd do occasionally 20 years ago. I don't do it much nowadays though. The cops now are cold and abrupt, with a "Why are you talking to me attitude?". Sorry, that's not an exaggeration.

Of course, it might not be the cop's fault. Maybe I'm getting more unlikable as I get older!

[Tupelo]

Pretty hard to get to know your local police and deputies when they are either in a patrol car/truck with very dark tinted windows or in the station house/sub-station. I have spoke to a few at gas stations over the years. I quit doing that after I addressed one as Deputy L....... and was immediately corrected. “That is Sargeant L.......”. since I am an old guy, I can remember actually cops stopping and talking to you. Out mowing the yard, it was not unusual for a patrol car to stop, cop get out and just chat. He was not only becoming a known to the neighborhood, but finding out what was going on on his beat. Proactive instead of reactive. When an officers was moved to another beat or shift, it did not take more than a few days before the neighbors wanted to know, where to what happened to Officer .......
Boy, are those days long gone.

[showme_the_Glory]

People need to get to know their local cops. I stood out in the alley the other day and chatted with the Sheriff’s deputy for 20 minutes the other day.

A lot of LE assume you're just a perp in waiting. I'm not paranoid but I do feel like I have to watch every word I say. I didn't use to feel that way.

[stevie_d_64]

ding ding ding ding...winner winner winner winner...

You can usually weed out the riff raff, if any, thru that kind of contact...

Find out when and where they’ll be on their shifts, say help, and be prepared for them to have to scoot off at the drop of a hat, no offense meant, to take care of something...

I make a couple of casseroles for Thanksgiving, and Christmas when I know some of them are not going to get those days off...One for the local constable office, and one for the local FD around the corner...

Not doing that to expect any special treatment of consideration...

I wonder how many in the black community (i.e.: Baltimore or Ferguson) ever do things like that for their local first responders???

I would bet on zero...

So you get what you pay for...Zero tolerance, and above normal scrutiny for hoodrats in general...

Truth sucks...

[Half Vast Conspiracy]

People need to get to know their local cops. I stood out in the alley the other day and chatted with the Sheriff’s deputy for 20 minutes the other day.

Did he kiss you afterwards?