How do you feel about the recent anti police mentality? How could it be changed?

Cpl Patrick Reade — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 21:41:32 -0400

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Apr 20 at 2015 9:55 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 21:55:18 -0400

There's a VERY simple way to combat it.

I despise this option because anytime anyone suggest a new law, I am generally going to be opposed to it until they can convince me otherwise, but here goes.

"Abuse of a Public Trust"

Real simple. You get hit with this, you are banned from ever holding a "Public Trust" again. Officer/Agent/Elected/Civil Servant/Appointment/Etc. You have shown you cannot be trusted with "invested authority." In essence, we "impeach" you. We set the bar low. Stupidly low. Lie to a constituent? See you. Use your position for personal gain. So sad, we don't need you.

Most people are good. but those few who aren't hold on, and you can't get rid of them. The "slaps on the wrist" or "cover ups" give them too many second chances. I'm all for second chances, but I'm also for lines in the sand. You don't abuse Public Trust. Cross the line, and you are gone.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2015 12:59 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 00:59:54 -0400

I think most people know a good Police Officer. I think the problem is that the institution as a whole has lost credibility in the public eye. Our police are used more and more as a source of revenue rather than for the protection of our populace. Couple that with all of the scandals in recent times and the militarization of our police force and it makes sense that people are less supportive.

Response by Cpl John Albert made Apr 21 at 2015 11:10 AM

Cpl John Albert — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 11:10:49 -0400

I believe everything is overblown by sensational media trying to make something out of nothing. The other day I was reading the headline about the incident that occurred in Tulsa where a reserve sheriff's deputy during an arrest with a fleeing subject accidentally pulled his gun instead of the tazer. The news media immediately reported it white cop guns down black suspect. Do I believe this was a racial incident "No" however the media turns it into one. Now don't get me wrong this is an unfortunate incident, but the media and social media turns everything into a circus of sensational stories to fuel the masses to speak.
So let's ask ourselves where does this mistrust start

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2015 11:41 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 11:41:18 -0400

Right now it is becoming a "thing" to defy the police. In return its putting police at a higher alert rate. Its making the law enforcement paranoid about everyday traffic stops for traffic violations and civil disobedience. Because it’s becoming a "cool" thing to defy them.

I got it, there are some police abuse out there, but there in 99% of the police out there who are hardworking and trying to do what’s right by making their communities safer. They put their lives on the line every day, for this anti-police movement to become a fad is ridiculous…

First off: Don’t break the law. Second: If you are find for breaking a law that you feel you unfairly committed, you will have your day in court. FIGHT IT the RIGHT WAY. Not in the right way, not in the street, where the end results is not pleasant. For ANYONE involved.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 21 at 2015 12:34 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 12:34:43 -0400

The bad police and the media makes police brutality more prevalent that it is. Shooting someone in the back as the suspect does not help, nor does several policemen doing MMA on a homeless person and shooting him help their perception.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2015 1:05 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 13:05:52 -0400

Most larger Police Departments and Sheriff's Office's have a Citizen's Academy. Maybe if they really understand what Law Enforcement goes through, it might change their mind.

But, their participation should be voluntary. And, unfortunately, if they are anti-Law Enforcement, they won't volunteer to learn about what a Law Enforcement Officer does.

Response by Cpl John Albert made Apr 21 at 2015 1:12 PM

Cpl John Albert — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 13:12:54 -0400

I think the anti police mentality in society starts with the youth. I hate hearing parents tell their children," If you don't start acting right I'm going to have this policemen come take you away

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Apr 21 at 2015 1:48 PM

SGT Jeremiah B. — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 13:48:55 -0400

I think we have to be careful. There are two impulses warring - one that is actually anti-police and the other that makes excuses or dismisses every complaint. Both are wrong.

I think Ferguson is a good example. You had two camps, both largely just picking a side and fighting about it while dismissing the other. We now know that Wilson was probably justified, BUT there were serious systemic issues and attitudes that created an explosive environment just waiting for a spark.

So how do we deal with the current anti-police mentality? One - hold public servants to an extremely high standard and stop making excuses or covering up for them. The "Blue Wall of Silence" should be a career ending offense. Yes, officers may have to take risks they would otherwise not take, but that's part of the job description. This is the US, not a war zone.

Two - Turn 24 hour news the hell off. We hear horror story after horror story because that's what sells and then we forget that the 3 incidents in a week were probably separated by thousands of miles in a population of 330 million people.

Three - Require PDs/States to report police shootings in a way that can be examined/analyzed. A lack of accountability breeds distrust.

Four - Stop pushing "Comply or die" as an acceptable excuse for a officer killing someone. Demanding mindless obedience to law enforcement is a real step towards Fascism.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Apr 21 at 2015 2:29 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 14:29:20 -0400

I believe that the anti-police attitude is simply a symptom of a larger problem. The police have been inserted between hostile factions of society.

That being said, police who abuse their authority then exacerbate the problem. They prove the case against all police officers.

How could it be changed? Well, it's easy to say that if we fix the root problem, the police problem will take care of itself. Sadly, we've been working on the root causes for a few decades now and only seem to be digging ourselves into a deeper hole. Until We the People begin voting more intelligently and elect representatives and appoint judges who are dedicated to the rule of law rather than their own political interests, we and the police will continue to suffer.

However, there is one thing that the police could do to somewhat ease the problem. We could return to foot patrols where practicable. Police riding in patrol cars are anonymous symbols of authority (and often oppression). Cops walking the beat are more human and better able to connect to the community. Police who walk beats in the communities where they live are even better. Police who patrol in armored vehicles and appear in body armor and carrying military weaponry are the worst. How can citizens perceive them as anything but tools of an oppressive regime?

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Apr 21 at 2015 2:47 PM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 14:47:41 -0400

The liberal press and race baiters, with the assistance of the current administration, is blowing the whole issue way out of proportion from reality.

While there are some instances of police abuse of authority or use of excessive force, to include deadly force, the percentage of such, as compared to the number of police contacts is so miniscule as to be statistically insignificant.

The real issue is the lawlessness of our country, the decline of the family, and the criminal/immoral path our country is on.

The only way to change the mentality is to call out the BS when it is perpetuated in the media. Sensationalism sells papers and air/ad time. Race baiters make their money stirring up hate and discontent and are not interested in the facts. Unfortunately, it appears that our current administration is also knee deep in stirring the pot. Leadership from the top would go a long way in dispelling the myth of the "out of control police". However, our "leaders" do more harm than good with the stance they have taken.

No easy answer, except to clean house ... criminals, press, government ... and start over with a new slate.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Apr 21 at 2015 3:11 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 15:11:16 -0400

I think much of it has been created by our media and, sadly, they are going to be held accountable for any of the blood they have already cause to be spilled or for the blood that will continue to be spilled. Police officers assassinated and citizens foolishly trying provoke law enforcement. Are there bad cops, sure BUT the vast majority law enforcement are heroes doing an tough job that was made even tougher by the people they are sworn to protect.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 24 at 2015 5:27 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 17:27:18 -0400

Stop beating then shooting homeless folks. Stop using lethal force on low threat criminals.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2015 7:12 AM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 07:12:35 -0400

Burn the media down. They always have an agenda and don't care about the repercussions of their actions. People are easily influenced and will believe anything that's on the news. It's a shame.

The other day I was in Starbucks with my sister on her birthday. I was waiting for my green tea and her latte and my order came up. The gentleman in front of me passed me my cup and said here you go sir. The man whom passed me the drink was a cop in uniform. HE WAS WHITE TOO! IM A MINORITY. OMG. HE'S NOT GOING TO SHOOT ME!?

People need to leave that negativity elsewhere. Cops are human as well and for the millionth time, not all cops are corrupt as much as not all citizens are criminals. The people that are mad at cops are just misdirected. The cops whom mock and act irresponsibly with their power are wrong. The people want accountability, which is fine. We need accountability on both ends though. If we can't coexist, something like a societal collapse is inevitable.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 25 at 2015 3:18 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 15:18:56 -0400

I am assuming they get ROE training?

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Apr 25 at 2015 7:15 PM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 19:15:38 -0400

I think social media brings to light issues with police forces and the need for reform, its better to be respected then feared, right now police are more feared. I think social media also makes it worse not better.