[Junior_G]

I’ve never quite understood the widespread hatred of cops at FreeRepublic.

[Jagdgewehr]

Same here. However, it is very common for people to second guess the officer's actions when 1) they don't have all the facts 2) they weren't there 3) they weren't in the officer's shoes, as it were, and unable to see and sense what the officer was exposed to, and 4) are ignorant about law enforcement policies and procedures.

That said, though, there are plenty of "badge heavy" police officers out there angering normally pro-law enforcement citizens through their authoritarian attitudes and unethical actions.

[Rammer]

I have to say that a “healthy skepticism” of authority would be understood. The out-and-out hatred is surprising.