View from the cop

By Madison

June 13, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this

Steve, Judging from your past columns if you caught youself you would simply show yourself your badge and drive away.

By atl20g

June 13, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this

Steve as long as I’ve known you, you’d probably get into a chase with yourself and see if you can out run your radio to another patrol car. Then you’ll show yourself your badge and ask for just a warning because you’ve never had a ticket before.

By What in the...

June 13, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

What if you give yourself a ticket and you don’t show to court? Are you held in contempt (for you not appearing) or is the case dismissed (for the officer not appearing)?

Yeah….

By Tex

June 14, 2007 7:29 AM | Link to this

How much law-enforcement experience do you have? You finally came to the realization you should obey the law now??? Thank God all these self-policing super-citizens are out there keeping us safe. Cops are the worst offenders… take the one driving on plates from 2002… his tag was run over a hundred times, and pulled over twice with one ticket given. That means about 98 law-breaking super-citizens. Lets get em’!

By Marie

June 14, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this

I’m really surprised that you had the guts to write this column. Police should lead by example, but most of them don’t. As Tex said, cops are the worst traffic offenders. I might have a heart attack if I were to see one use a turn signal. Cops fly through my neighborhood without sirens or lights. They drive around in the rain without their headlights on. They run red lights. I have written down many police car numbers, but I’ve never reported one. I don’t have much respect for police in general, but I do realize how dangerous the job is and I do know that there are a few good cops. I just haven’t met too many. How can a cop with a conscience ticket people for commiting the same offenses he/she commits? How are citizens supposed to respect police when police refuse to obey the same laws they ticket and arrest citizens for?

By ElBubba

June 14, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this

Is there ever a reason for a patrol car to be speeding if they don’t have their blue lights on?

By James

June 14, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this

What’s even more fun is when you see police cars with malfunctioning equipment (such as burned out headlights), and the officer’s response is “the maintenance budget is tight”. My maintenance budget gets tight as well, but I doubt I’d get a pass on burned out head or taillights.

By ron

June 14, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

Where I live the police drive anyway they choose,which is usually fast.They don’t seem to run red lights,but stop signs are only a minor irritant to them.Speed is their major problem.Last winter I saw a cruiser in the ditch,backwards,by the entrance to the police station.They are always in a hurry,passing cars constantly.Late to the coffee shop I suppose.

By Fear-n-Loathing

June 14, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

I love the police. Too bad they’re never there when you need one or always there when you don’t. They do break the law constantly, unfortunately for us the Supreme Court, said they are immune to traffic violations while on a call. Fortunately they aren’t immune when just regularly driving around patrolling. I see the point of the law from SCOTUS, but it tends to be one of those partially-enforced laws we hear so much about. My bro is a cop, he has written 3 tickets over the course of 22 years to cops for speeding while they were in their patrol car. Always the county cops, wonder why that is? But in each of those cases, the cop was being a prick to him, so he wrote em a ticket, otherwise they would have just gotten a lecture about safety on the road from him. Silly cops, no one is above the law, Billy Boy’s impeachment and Paris serving time should have taught everyone that.

By dawg_gone_truth

June 14, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

I think most cops are good folks doing a job. I also think that far too many think that they are on “Cops”, cocky just wanting to pull their guns. I know a lot of cops, most are arrogant as hell about being a cop. In one instance I knew a Dekalb officer who was in the same National Guard unit as me, on the way back from Fort Stewart to Atlanta he drove as fast as 120 mph on Interstate 16, some guys asked him how he didn’t get a ticket he said “I held my badge against the window”. A few bad cops give them all a bad image. I have met good cops but far more bad cops.

By matt

June 14, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

I think it is unfair to cast all cops together. Just like anything else, we only recognize when someone is doing something wrong, not right.

I do wonder why I see cops speeding at 10 - 15 MPH over the speed limit with no lights on.

I also wonder why speed traps are even performed. While that may deter people from speeding for 1/4 mile or so, wouldn’t it make more sense to have that same officer travel a 2 or 3 mile long stretch of road on a loop, going the speed limit? No one wants to pass a cop going over the speed limit so this would presumably slow more people down for a longer stretch of road with the same amount of manpower.

I always struggle with the practicality of speed traps and radar. I haven’t heard an argumaet yet that made sense and, to the LT’s point, image is everything. The image a speed traps makes is a revenue-generating manuever.

I think everyone would be willing to pay slightly higher taxes for safer roads and less traffic tickets.

By JJ

June 14, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

I for one, thank god for the men and women who put their lives on the line every single day for total strangers. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

I don’t care how they drive, whether they use turn signals or not, speed, drive without headlights, etc. I take comfort in the fact/knowledge that any one of them will respond to any emergency without question.

And they do this with VERY low pay, and knowing that the general population don’t much care for the “enforcers”. I have numerous family members in law enforcement, and I thank them!!!!!!

Now to all you cop-haters, walk a mile in their shoes. See what they have to put up with, then come talk to me.

Ya’ll sit behind computer screens and type about how bad they are, but who are you going to call in an emergency? That’s right, the police.

Thank you to our men and women in blue and for the fine job you do each and every day. And thank the firemen too, and all others in the “service” field.

And, if any of you think you can do better, please sign up at your local academy, we can ALWAYS use more police presence!!!!!

Instead of complaing about them, do something to HELP them, because they will help you, a total stranger!!!!

By Becky

June 14, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

Steve, love to read your articles..JJ, I don’t have anyone in my family that is in law enforcement (to many crooks), but I agree with you..These men & women put themselves in danger every day to protect me, so yes I respect them..So give them a break for not using their turn signal once in a while..

By harold

June 14, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

SOUNDS LIKE THE CHIEF NEEDS SOME MEDS!

By wilbur

June 14, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

Matt says …” always struggle with the practicality of speed traps and radar. I haven’t heard an argumaet yet that made sense and, to the LT’s point, image is everything. The image a speed traps makes is a revenue-generating manuever.”

generally speaking, police officers could care less about generating revenue. They never see it. What civilians do not realize is that doing safety checks (road blocks), running laser and radar, and traffic in general is not necessarily about writing a citation to someone for a traffic infraction. It is about keeping a jurisdiction safe for ALL of its citizens and also about providing probable cause to stop someone and to see if anything else is going on ie outstanding warrants, evidence of a crime, driving while intoxicated, etc. Crimes are solved by enforcing traffic regulations. Do you think I really get off on giving you a citation for driving at 80 mph in a 60 zone? No, but if I stop a few vehicles travelling at 80 mph I am going to find someone who has done something really wrong and get them off the street, solve a crime, or do something else that in the long run may protect you. Additionally, If the bad guys know that a certain jurisdiction ie Sandy Springs, is aggressively enforcing traffic, there is a good chance those criminals might bypass Sandy Springs and try to do their business elsewhere. It is about image, and if the bad guys see cops everywhere, enforcing violations and being visible, they will go elsewhere. As to your observations of patrol cars driving faster than the limit etc., before you condemn, keep in mind there might be a very good reason they are driving that way.

By wilbur

June 14, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

Matt says …” always struggle with the practicality of speed traps and radar. I haven’t heard an argumaet yet that made sense and, to the LT’s point, image is everything. The image a speed traps makes is a revenue-generating manuever.”

generally speaking, police officers could care less about generating revenue. They never see it. What civilians do not realize is that doing safety checks (road blocks), running laser and radar, and traffic in general is not necessarily about writing a citation to someone for a traffic infraction. It is about keeping a jurisdiction safe for ALL of its citizens and also about providing probable cause to stop someone and to see if anything else is going on ie outstanding warrants, evidence of a crime, driving while intoxicated, etc. Crimes are solved by enforcing traffic regulations. Do you think I really get off on giving you a citation for driving at 80 mph in a 60 zone? No, but if I stop a few vehicles travelling at 80 mph I am going to find someone who has done something really wrong and get them off the street, solve a crime, or do something else that in the long run may protect you. Additionally, If the bad guys know that a certain jurisdiction ie Sandy Springs, is aggressively enforcing traffic, there is a good chance those criminals might bypass Sandy Springs and try to do their business elsewhere. It is about image, and if the bad guys see cops everywhere, enforcing violations and being visible, they will go elsewhere. As to your observations of patrol cars driving faster than the limit etc., before you condemn, keep in mind there might be a very good reason they are driving that way.

By GRIFFIN

June 14, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

BAD COP, NO DONUT!

By wilbur

June 14, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

just don’t take my Starbucks!

By dawg_gone_truth

June 14, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

Wilbur A good reason? for speeding? what is the reason? so that cop can stop at the same light I’m stopping at? go to the same fast food joint I’m at? If the reason is legit, the lights work without the siren and that is why they are on the car. I’m not saying all cops are bad, but remember the trooper in Tennessee that shot that families dog? There are lot of those guys out there and they are more visible than the good cops. Sorry dude it is what it is you guys have an image problem.

Safety Check = roadblock, is that what you are admitting? Roadblocks are illegal, changing the terminology makes it right? I know that is not the beat cops call but put yourself in the shoes of the onlooker, and you guys are paid by the public to do a job do it just like everyone else and stop looking for praise like your going above and beyond. I don’t ever want to hear a cop compare himself to a soldier either.

By JJ

June 14, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this

*dawg_gone_truth * OK, since you don’t ever want to hear a cop compare himself to a soldier, then I’ll do it for them.

These brave men and women VOLUNTARILY choose this profession, so did soldiers. No one forced them.

These brave men and women lay their lives on the line FOR YOU each and every day, VOLUNTARILY, so do soldiers. Again, no one forces them.

The difference is that the cops are here, trying to keep you Safe, and the soldiers are all around the world, trying to keep you Safe.

Enforcing the law, ie speed limit, keeps you safe; Road blocks keep you safe; the mere presence of a police officer and/or a police cruiser, keeps you safe.

Need I go on?

By matt

June 14, 2007 6:36 PM | Link to this

I still don’t think the 2 cars per hour you could stop outweigh the 300 you could be observing through a patrol.

So you hope to find something else going on- beyond speeding?

Sorry, your argument isn’t convincing me either.

By dawg_gone_truth

June 15, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this

J.J You really don’t have a clue do you? Soldiers these days leave their family for at lest 18 mos or longer, a cop is home everyday. A soldier has someone trying to kill him everyday, a cop has the slight possibility of getting killed. What keeps me safe is the second admendment to the constitution, along with some cops and other soldiers. You think I am bashing cops, all I’m saying is that one screw up erases a 1000 good deeds image wise. All you see is the bad cops, the ones who drive like morons and if you ask why they either tell you its none of your business, or that they have better drivers training. First off it is my business since my tax dollars pay the salary, and secondly there is no training that can make that car less dangerous. I served with some cops, some were good decent guys and some were cocky jerks. I do appreciate them doing what they are paid to do, keeping drunks off the road, catching murderers and theives, but they are paid to do it, just like I’m paid to keep the computers up and running, I don’t walk around the office saying “love me, love me”.

By Lee

June 15, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this

You want to see cops breaking the law, just sit on the side of I-75 in Henry County. Henry County has some of the most notorious speed traps in the state, but everyday, here comes a whole herd of out of county cops blowing by me at least 20-25 mph over the speed limit.

No, they’re not responding to a call or any of the other excuses given by cops when they are observed breaking the law. They are going to the police training center in Forsyth Ga.

But everyday, Henry County police are racking up big $$$ giving out tickets in their speed traps while ignoring the lawbreakers in uniform.

Hypocrites. And y’all boys in blue wonder why the public has no respect for you….

By Mike

June 15, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

Why aren’t the lights & siren used more often while speeding or trying to get to a call?

Most jurisdictions limit to a handful the types of calls you can use emergency equipment for, but there are more types of calls we think we should - and most people WANT us to - hurry to get there for. For example - fights, threats, prowlers, most accidents, thefts where the suspect might still be around, etc. aren’t ok to use the lights. See the problem there? Often we’re trying to rush to intervene in something before it becomes an emergency where use of the lights would be ok’d.

By wilbur

June 15, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

“I still don’t think the 2 cars per hour you could stop outweigh the 300 you could be observing through a patrol.

So you hope to find something else going on- beyond speeding?

Sorry, your argument isn’t convincing me either.”

Matt, A) if I only stop two cars an hour then you are right. But, I stop way more than two cars an hour. B) I don’t “hope” to find something going on beyond speeding, I know I will find something else. Your answer is to just “observe vehicles” while on patrol? What am I supposed to be “observing” in a passing car at night? You forget that I can’t just stop a car that I want because I want to. You obviously do not have any experience in law enforcement, but yet you have the answers. I suggest you take a citizens police academy or do a ride along with a police department.

By Cops_PROUD_Wife

June 15, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

dawggonetruth YOU have NO idea what you are talking about!! If you think you can do a better job being a policeman then quit your cushiony, air conditioned job and do something about it. Oh but then you would have to take a huge paycut…The men and women of the force put their lives and their families lives on the line everyday. Last year my husband was directing traffic for a school and some lady probably on the cell phone or applying lipstick, hit him going about 35 mph. He had several months of recovery not to mention surgeries. What if it had been one of the students of that school crossing the street-she would have killed them. But he is out there every day giving his all, and not letting unconcerned or stupid citizens getting his spirits down. He works hard to be proud of his job, and we are very sorry there are some cops that are bad but there are bad people in any profession.

As for their speeding-yes it is wrong, but they are probably headed to one of those false alarms hoping that if someone is in danger that they can be saved-because that is where the majority of their heart’s are, concerned with you.

By wilbur

June 15, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

dawggonetruth , I don’t recall ever asking for praise or comparing myself to a soldier. I could care less if you praise me or even appreciate me. I do know though that when I stop you on the side of the road, whether it is for speeding, drunken driving or whatever, you are going to be pulling out your soldiers Identification and try to play up our “brotherhood” in the hopes that I don’t give you a citation.

By Cops_PROUD_Wife

June 15, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

dawggonetruth YOU have NO idea what you are talking about!! If you think you can do a better job being a policeman then quit your cushiony, air conditioned job and do something about it. Oh but then you would have to take a huge paycut…The men and women of the force put their lives and their families lives on the line everyday. Last year my husband was directing traffic for a school and some lady probably on the cell phone or applying lipstick, hit him going about 35 mph. He had several months of recovery not to mention surgeries. What if it had been one of the students of that school crossing the street-she would have killed them. But he is out there every day giving his all, and not letting unconcerned or stupid citizens getting his spirits down. He works hard to be proud of his job, and we are very sorry there are some cops that are bad but there are bad people in any profession.

And a cop may be home every day but there have been times where I don’t see my husband for 6 days in a row, and he doesn’t get to see his kids-so it is not like you who get to go home and see your kids every night. And I am almost sure your wife doesn’t worry every night that you will be shot or killed….

As for their speeding-yes it is wrong, but they are probably headed to one of those false alarms hoping that if someone is in danger that they can be saved-because that is where the majority of their heart’s are, concerned with you.

By charlie

June 15, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

I think the problem is in the attitude of being above the law. I am sure there are many instances of cops rushing to a call, and the speeding isn’t my biggest pet peeve—partly because half the time, speed limits are set at ridiculous speeds that NOBODY goes at except the occasional passive aggressive jerk playing speed enforcer in the left lane (I digress). However, for a few years I delivered pizza and spent enough time on the road to see police driving alot. And I too don’t believe I can count on one hand the number of times I have seen a cop use a fricking blinker. They can be sitting at a red light for two minutes and suddenly you are stuck behind them in the left lane because you realize they are in fact going to turn left. Also, I’ve seen many crazy lane changes, etc., and very high speeds followed by a stop in a restaurant or the local QT. Sorry, but I’ve just seen that poor driving (well, more like driving without any regard for laws—they ARE usually skilled drivers, but just too cool or cocky to use blinkers, etc.) I think they need to realize how many people are watching. USE YOUR BLINKERS. Quit driving so fast all the time. BE a role model and your image in the community will be so much improved. And not to add insult or offense, but here in Hall County, a lot of those sheriff’s deputies and other police really need to work on their weight problems—(and don’t tell me it’s the vest—I know it adds bulk, but I’m talking many many officers pushing 300+ pounds. Three and four chins…I can’t imagine they can catch many folks in a foot chase. Anyway, don’t want to insult, I do appreciate the work they do and have met some very fine officers (and some jerks, too), but just start driving like you want the citizens to drive and your image will IMPROVE, and you won’t have to defend yourself on here. Try it!

By Mike

June 15, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

You know how everyone slams on the brakes when a police car appears in the rearview mirror? You’re panicking & in reality the officer’s thinking ‘c’mon, just go!’
Another thought: If you’re in the left lane, there’s no one in front of you, and 20 cars behind you, YOU are the problem! Ever notice those signs that say keep right except to pass, slower traffic keep right, etc.? Those are your clues! And if the officer, in any lane, is going slower because of traffic or whatever, you will not get a ticket just for passing him! (unless you’re crossing the double yellow, on a hill, speeding, in a school and construction zone, with no seatbelt and while drunk!)

By dawg_gone_truth

June 15, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

cops wife and Wilbur You guys are missing my point totally. Cops wife, I just spent a summer in Iraq in 110 degree heat, I know hot hard work, and as far as pay, do you know what soldiers make? its public knowledge look it up. Wilbur you won’t ever pull me over as I obey the laws of the road and I will never play brotherhood with you if I did make a mistake and get pulled over. We are not brothers of profession but as I have witnessed as a “professional courtesy” if i had a badge I get off? All I was saying is that I agree with the writer that the Police department needs to work on image starting in the easiest areas first. The guy or lady standing out directing traffic at my childs school is a great role model, but the patrolman who passed me like I was sitting still when I was going 50 mph that I caught up to at the fast food joint is not, and when you think of cops which do you think of first? If you actually read my post I think I am being fair in all my comments. I have meet the courteous cop who says “yes sir” and “thank you”, and I’ve meet the condecending cop who says “don’t look at me” and will not answer you when you ask a question. Its not the greatest job, and it does take sacrifice, that yeah I don’t want to make, working weekends and nights and holidays and those guys who go out and do their job as best as they can and give 100% everyday are given a black eye by their cocky above the law colleagues. Wilbur, I’m actually very curious, what do you do when you see a civilian car flying down the road and you see a badge? say he is going 90 in a 70 zone?

By JJ

June 15, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

OK, so half or maybe even more daily drivers in Atlanta don’t use their turn signals, or turn their headlights on in the rain. So what? Why bash to police for not using turn indicators?
It’s not that big of a deal people.

I drove home in the pouring rain yesterday, and could count the number of drivers with their lights on, on one hand. And, the few that did, were operating their “daytime running lights” and the rear lights are not on. I cannot see the rear end of a black truck with rain water spashing up from his tires, without those lights on. I mean come on people, don’t you have more important things to worry about? Like who our next president will be? Ya’ll get off your high horses.

By Marie

June 15, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

JJ, maybe more people would use turn signals and headlights if our “role model” cops would do the same? People generally take rules as seriously as the people who enforce and create the rules do. If a cop isn’t going to obey laws, why do they expect everyone else to? Oh yeah. Because they can ticket and arrest people who break the very same laws they break. This is something that people should be thinking about. It is important!

By Cops_PROUD_Wife

June 15, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

Dawg gone, yes I do know what soldiers make, my brother was one before he became an officer. I also know what the average IT guy makes and that is what I was referring to. I know you served your country and that is amazing I completley appreciate and respect you, but I am talking about Cops here not soldiers.

I know there are cocky cops, but the majority of them are doing it to help their community and the people on this blog are just upset because they were probably caught doing something illegal and either given a ticket or arrested….

My point is don’t judge all cops by a couple of bad ones there are thousands upon thousands of men and women in the force that contribute and make a good name for policeman. And they need to be respected, but it doesn’t matter what they do you will all judge them by the handful of cocky or bad cops, or the fact that they caught you doing something wrong and cost you money. And if you can do better almost all cities and counties are hiring-Sign up now…..Yeah right

By charlie

June 15, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

copwife, No…not everyone is mad because they were arrested or cost money. Some are mad because of the hypocrisy they see with police not following any traffic rules. And like I said earlier, I think it is the majority (around here) that do not follow many traffic rules. And yes, I speed and roll through stop signs, and years ago did receive a few tickets, which I deserved. I just want the police to practice a little “do as I do” instead of “do as I say”. Your tone seems to indicate that we should not mind cops intentionally breaking traffic laws because they have a hard job? Or that we are only complaining because we received tickets? (and your accusatory tone makes it sound like you think we’re all (us regular, non-superhuman citizens, that is) guilty until proven innocent. Anyone else pick up that vibe? Yes, hard job. Still no excuse for completely ignoring laws just because you know you’ll never be ticketed. Some laws are a little silly, but you know, most help make the roads safer for others by giving people more information about your intentions, etc…I’ll give you more credit if you tell me you aren’t defending cops’ “right” to never use a signal because they are doing a hard job and we’re all too wimpy and sissy and criminal to be cops, right?

By Lee

June 15, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

JJ, re “Why bash to police for not using turn indicators?”

I’ll tell you why. There are certain professions that are inherently held to a higher standard. When a Preacher cheats on his wife, we take note. When a school teacher sends a note home and it is filled with grammatical errors, we take note. And when a police officer breaks the law, even minor traffic offenses, yes, we take note.

If the police don’t want to be held to this higher standard, they don’t need to get into the profession.

By Cops_PROUD_Wife

June 15, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

Charlie-you need to chill. I am not accusing anyone of anything….No I don’t think cops are superhuman not above the law….Again my point is cops should be respected more than they are. If you are in danger I know you will call 911 and guess who comes to help you without a single bit of hesitation.

Cops should use blinkers, and not speed but so should everyone else. Have you ever been on 85-I rarely ever see a blinker and every person on that highway speeds. or you can pick any road almost and find the same thing. I have “normal” civilians driving through my neighborhood going 15 over the speed limit, and they are not targeted on these blogs as much as cops are.

I am not trying to upset anyone, I just want people to know cops are people too, and they are not perfect at their jobs-and we can’t expect them to be. We will all make mistakes they are no exception.

I am so proud of my husband and happy to be married to a man who cares so much about other people

By matt

June 15, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

You can agree or disagree with me but my comments are based on the idea of “image” and I think it is clear, based on these posts, the image is not good when there are examples out there to hurt that image.

Funny how you seem to forget that I started my post with …don’t group all cops together…- that would be unfair. Of course that is exactly what one poster did when they intimated that anyone who isn’t a cop is somehow less of a human being.

Agree or disagree with me, I am not alone in basing what I think on what I observe.

Do yourself a little justice and don’t prop up one profession by disrespecting someone else’s. You have no idea who they are and what they contribute. Again, don’t help perpetuate a poor image by illustrating its cause.

Arguing with me or my opinion is pointless- it is my opinion- largely derived from what I have seen and experienced. And you will find most people form their opinions in this same way.

By charliejoe

June 15, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

copwife and lee, you both have good points…I was a teacher for a while, and I am glad Lee made that point. As a professional, I had to use more decorum with kids, had to make sure my grammar, etc. was excellent (I don’t bother here, BTW), and I had to conduct myself with a moral code of conduct at all times. If I came to school dressed in baggy jeans, wearing a baseball cap hanging out in the stairwells, the kids wouldn’t have respected me as a teacher and authority figure. Similarly, when cops drive like they stole them and act like they are above the law, us civilians lose respect for them as well. Cops are most visible in their cars. Ergo, if they want to show a professional demeanor (and command respect), they should set an example. I don’t think they should go 55 mph on I-85 when few ever go under 70 (without being run over or honked at)…those speed limits need to be increased, obviously…they are way too slow for the conditions. Anyway, it is more like speeding above the flow of traffic (zooming past me at 65 in a 40, then stopping at a QT), lack of using blinkers (causing delays and confusion when turns come unexpectedly), erratic lane changes, etc., that just give the impression that in that car is a guy who knows damn well he will never be ticketed and in some cases almost wants swing his weight around, so to speak. I’m glad you seem to understand our point, though. As a cop, you need to be MORE careful than the average driver. You need to be MORE courteous than the average person you see on the street. Then you will keep the respect of many and earn the respect of those who may have given your profession a bad name. You think someone like a teacher doesn’t have to face a public who has preconceived notions from the public because of a few (or many) bad apples? It’s no excuse to sink to the lower expectations, though.

By charliejoe

June 15, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

copwife and lee, you both have good points…I was a teacher for a while, and I am glad Lee made that point. As a professional, I had to use more decorum with kids, had to make sure my grammar, etc. was excellent (I don’t bother here, BTW), and I had to conduct myself with a moral code of conduct at all times. If I came to school dressed in baggy jeans, wearing a baseball cap hanging out in the stairwells, the kids wouldn’t have respected me as a teacher and authority figure. Similarly, when cops drive like they stole them and act like they are above the law, us civilians lose respect for them as well. Cops are most visible in their cars. Ergo, if they want to show a professional demeanor (and command respect), they should set an example. I don’t think they should go 55 mph on I-85 when few ever go under 70 (without being run over or honked at)…those speed limits need to be increased, obviously…they are way too slow for the conditions. Anyway, it is more like speeding above the flow of traffic (zooming past me at 65 in a 40, then stopping at a QT), lack of using blinkers (causing delays and confusion when turns come unexpectedly), erratic lane changes, etc., that just give the impression that in that car is a guy who knows damn well he will never be ticketed and in some cases almost wants swing his weight around, so to speak. I’m glad you seem to understand our point, though. As a cop, you need to be MORE careful than the average driver. You need to be MORE courteous than the average person you see on the street. Then you will keep the respect of many and earn the respect of those who may have given your profession a bad name. You think someone like a teacher doesn’t have to face a public who has preconceived notions from the public because of a few (or many) bad apples? It’s no excuse to sink to the lower expectations, though.

By dawg_gone_truth

June 15, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

cops wife I know you will call 911 and guess who comes to help you without a single bit of hesitation. Is this not what they are paid to do? Did they not agree to terms of the job to carry out this duty whether or not they want to? You have in your words belittled my profession, I’m just an IT guy, my job is not important. When you take a job you agree to do what is required. I’m sure your husband is a good man and good cop, but re-read the article written by Steve. Did you notice Wilbur did not answer my question about the “professional courtesy”? I’m not making that up, being in the Military I have worked with many cops who have told me how it works. How many cops has your husband ticketed in his career? Read the posts on here no one is really trashing all cops, we are just saying that cops need to police themselves, and image is everything. If I keep all the computers and servers up and working for 6 months with no problems no one knows, but if for 2 hours the internet is down it will be talked about for months. get the picture?

By Jj

June 15, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

*dawg_gone_truth * You constantly refer to the fact that you served with cops in the military. OK, so what? You’ve made that VERY clear, in every single post you have made regarding this topic. And apparently you are the wise master on Cops, because you have been TOLD how it works. But you don’t live it on a daily basis. I am sure you don’t signal every single time you change lanes.

So they told you “how it works”. OK, you’ve been told, you’ve told us, now that’s enough. Until you get out there, and actually Serve and Protect, I don’t want to hear it anymore!!!

You are basing your posts on what some cops told you in the military.

I live it every single day, again I have NUMEROUS family members in law enforcement. I’m glad you chose IT as a career path. You obviously went for a career that paid a ton of money. Good for you. Some CHOSE to serve and protect, and you need to get off your high horse.

I bet you believe in God because some one told you “how it works”……and you couldn’t form your own opinion…..

By Cops_PROUD_Wife

June 15, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

Okay everyone-really I am not belittling anyone’s career choice or saying if you are not a cop you are not worthy. I am not a cop-I know it takes all kinds of people to make this world work. And I think there are MANY professions which are looked at poorly through society, it is just that this is close and personal to me.
I am the last person to purposefully cause conflict. I was just writing because I am trying to make people aware that many cops are trying as hard as they can to do what is right. I know for certain my husband does not speed unless he is trying to go to an important call, but lights and sirens are not aloud. To fights, threats, prowlers, most accidents, thefts where the suspect might still be around, etc. aren’t ok to use the lights.-Like Mike said.

Sometimes when I read peoples comments I think this whole blog is for people to complain and see who they can aggravate.

We all have our own opinions and I am well aware that mine are not necessarily shared by anyone-that is fine if we were all writing the same thing this would be completley boring.
But I am not trying to putt ANYONE down just trying to lift my husbands profession.

By dawg_gone_truth

June 15, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

JJ so I have to be a cop to know that they drive bad? Should they not be to ones setting the example? You and Cops Wife are very biased and taking anything negative you can out of this. If you are a cop, then you can answer the question I have posed to so many others, how many cops have you ticketed? I don’t claim to be perfect and I screw up on my job, just like anyone else does, just like cops do. The article was about image and if you are really a cop your attack on me is really telling my story for me. Yes I believe in God and that Christ died on the cross for me, I believe that because my parents set an example for me to follow, by telling me how to pray, how to put myself in the company of beleivers by going to church. Yeah because someone showed me. Now also being a police officer does not make you any better than anyone else, and your profesion is no more noble than anyone else’s, it take all of us to make this country work. Take off the blinders and take a step back and look at what we the everyday citizen sees when we see you.

By dawg_gone_truth

June 15, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

To all, cops wife, JJ, Wilbur in particular, have a great weekend. I enjoy a spirited debate. I think this is what makes this country great.In the end I hope I made my points without coming off as mean spirited and if I did offend anyone, you have my apology. The only thing I take exception with and I find unacceptable is for anyone to attack anothers religion, but I really don’t think JJ meant it the way it sounded. Again have a great weekend.

By Mike

June 16, 2007 2:00 AM | Link to this

Hey, if anyone’s interested, I have been involved in the arrest of a police officer or deputy more than once… and since they deserved it, I wasn’t bothered at all! I’ve also given traffic warnings to officers just like I’ve given warnings to everyone else. Attitude is everything…