Back somewhat on topic...
In general, there are far more "good" cops than bad. The bad usually fall into two categories IMHO.
First are the young and gun ho...really not much to be done, they will mellow and learn their priorities.
Then there are the true a-holes.
The career of law enforcement is not immune to the small percentage of A-holes who comprise the general make up of society. In fact, the thrill of power may very well attract such like moths to a flame.
Fortunately, most will not make it through the hiring process and have the fortitude to actually achieve their goal. If they do achieve such status, they will likely find few friends amongst their peers.
There are, of course, exceptions. Attitudes and priorities tend to trickle down in any group or business, and the police are also not immune to the influence good or bad of leadership. Good leadership goes a long way towards professionalism. Professionalism goes a long ways towards public perception.
In the end, one must try and remember that the person standing there with the glock on his hip and shiny badge on his chest is only human with all of our fallibilities. He is tasked with enforcing the laws, which we as society have allowed to be passed. He did not create the laws, and unless he is one of the small percentage of truly bad officers he is likely not violating them.
Your attitude during the encounter will likely influence his attitude. There are places to argue the validity of the laws, and process to change the laws. The edge of the road is not the time or place for either.
Of course, if and when you do encounter a "bad" cop, it is extremely important to stay composed. Be the bigger man than the leering jackhole in front of you. He has the power to make your life ****...which is what leads to resentment against police in general. One bad encounter can leave a sour taste which takes years to fade in memory.
The phrase you may beat the charge, but you can't beat the ride...is quite true. After you spend a few hours at a police station, then pay for your impound and storage fee's...which you can never recover, you tend to not forget. Sure, the confidence that you had done nothing wrong, and the smugness in which you pushed his buttons right back might have felt good at the time....but it's a game he will ultimately win.
In general, there are far more "good" cops than bad. The bad usually fall into two categories IMHO.
First are the young and gun ho...really not much to be done, they will mellow and learn their priorities.
Then there are the true a-holes.
The career of law enforcement is not immune to the small percentage of A-holes who comprise the general make up of society. In fact, the thrill of power may very well attract such like moths to a flame.
Fortunately, most will not make it through the hiring process and have the fortitude to actually achieve their goal. If they do achieve such status, they will likely find few friends amongst their peers.
There are, of course, exceptions. Attitudes and priorities tend to trickle down in any group or business, and the police are also not immune to the influence good or bad of leadership. Good leadership goes a long way towards professionalism. Professionalism goes a long ways towards public perception.
In the end, one must try and remember that the person standing there with the glock on his hip and shiny badge on his chest is only human with all of our fallibilities. He is tasked with enforcing the laws, which we as society have allowed to be passed. He did not create the laws, and unless he is one of the small percentage of truly bad officers he is likely not violating them.
Your attitude during the encounter will likely influence his attitude. There are places to argue the validity of the laws, and process to change the laws. The edge of the road is not the time or place for either.
Of course, if and when you do encounter a "bad" cop, it is extremely important to stay composed. Be the bigger man than the leering jackhole in front of you. He has the power to make your life ****...which is what leads to resentment against police in general. One bad encounter can leave a sour taste which takes years to fade in memory.
The phrase you may beat the charge, but you can't beat the ride...is quite true. After you spend a few hours at a police station, then pay for your impound and storage fee's...which you can never recover, you tend to not forget. Sure, the confidence that you had done nothing wrong, and the smugness in which you pushed his buttons right back might have felt good at the time....but it's a game he will ultimately win.