Police recruits abandon dream amid anti-cop climate; Do you see new future supporters of the 2nd Amendment based on this?

2015-09-03T16:02:24-04:00

Police departments face a recruiting shortage amid a growing anti-cop mood that some fear has taken the pride out of peacekeeping and put targets on the backs of the men and women in blue.
My question referencing the attached video/article is simply this:

If this trend in the decrease of LE recruits, as indicated in this article, continues across the US, do you believe those who currently support tighter gun laws and restrictions will change their positions and increase those numbers who support the 2nd Amendment right to bear arms? Why or why not?

I would like to request that you please keep your responses related specifically to the question posed above. Thanks.

'Who needs this?' Police recruits abandon dream amid anti-cop climate

Police departments across the country are working to attract new recruits amid a perceived growing anti-cop environment and high-profile police assassinations followed by chants of pigs in a blanket, fry'em like bacon.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2015 4:04 PM

2015-09-03T16:04:03-04:00

MSgt Curtis Ellis It's a sad reality. I was discussing the same with someone this morning. They feel there is a total lack of support for them from the media and elected leaders.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Sep 3 at 2015 4:14 PM

2015-09-03T16:14:05-04:00

My personal opinion is, yes, I believe that a future decrease in the ability of Law Enforcement to protect its citizens will change a lot of opinions in regards to the 2nd Amendment as evidenced in the recent increase in gun sales, training and permits issued in Pittsburgh after the Chief of Police's recommendation. It may not "fully" convert them, but I believe being placed in a position to have to take care of them and theirs will give them a definite different perspective.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Sep 3 at 2015 4:15 PM

2015-09-03T16:15:01-04:00

Gun control advocates are emotionally wedded to their ideology and facts cannot change opinions that the facts had no part in forming.

Response by SPC Corbin Sayi made Sep 3 at 2015 4:19 PM

2015-09-03T16:19:54-04:00

I have been interested in LE for the last 5 years. Now? Not so much. It's not the media's bashing of LE, it's the blatant disregard from police chiefs and other politicians who thoughtlessly flip on one of their own to appease a vocal crowd vs the silent majority.

Some keep saying they will apply, and become LEO's regardless because they're not in it for the 'thanks.' Personally, I don't want to get shit on every day at work, it's even bad in some security jobs, so if it's the thankless 'good feeling' you're looking for, then I suggest joining the clandestine services.

I may find my way to support LE as a career - such as a Crime Analyst, but certainly never on the front lines. I'm not going to place my family's honor in the hands of 'what's best for PR' until this country stops glorifying felons.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Sep 3 at 2015 4:29 PM

2015-09-03T16:29:26-04:00

In today's America I would not recomment that anyone become a cop. It is more dangerous than ever and many are afraid to protect themselves because of the PC bullshit currently running rampant.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2015 4:38 PM

2015-09-03T16:38:57-04:00

I believe the anti-cop climate is (for the most part) localized to certain areas where police are underfunded and/or under poor leadership. I believe police in my small city are adequately funded, have good leadership and are seen as part of the community. I do not believe that is the case in places like Ferguson and Baltimore.

If the number of people wanting to be police officers does decline and we start paying police officers more to ensure plenty of highly qualified candidates, that's a good thing. It's a hard job, police officers should be able to afford a solid middle class lifestyle.

Gun control laws are a relatively inexpensive way to make it look like we are doing something about crime and violence in our inner cities. Politicians simply don't want to admit their powerless to make a difference in levels of violence without addressing the underlying problem of poverty, lack of economic opportunity, and inadequate education systems.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Sep 3 at 2015 5:30 PM

2015-09-03T17:30:43-04:00

Maybe looking at it a different way would help. The military uses basic training and AIT/A school to weed out those who "think" they want to be in. This allows those with the real dedication and heart to make it, to make it. Why are these folks leaving? Are they truly scared or worried, or are they really part of that 0002% of f*ck ups NO dept really wants or needs? Also some people join for a paycheck, quitting fairly quickly when they see there's no money in it. I'd want my police force to be of sound mind and body individuals committed to the community, not check chasers.

Response by PO2 Skip Kirkwood made Sep 3 at 2015 5:30 PM

2015-09-03T17:30:44-04:00

I think that the situation will have to get substantially worse before you start seeing a mind change in those who are actually "pro gun control." Right now, the general public doesn't see violence against police officers as a threat to their own personal well being (most people don't think that deeply, and you have to go past the first layer of the onion to understand the issue). When we start seeing a significant rise in "crimes against persons" (rape, carjacking, home invasion robbery, etc.) because the thugs have become more lawless (in the face of reduced police presence and pro-activity), perhaps these shallow, trend-following citizens will wake up and realize that the cops are there to defend them even less than they were before.

Perhaps they will remember what those of us in the public safety services have known all along: When seconds count, we (police, fire, EMS) will be there in minutes~!!

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Sep 4 at 2015 11:01 AM

2015-09-04T11:01:39-04:00

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/09/04/1418344/-American-police-are-300-more-likely-to-kill-themselves-than-be-shot-killed-by-someone-else