A Cop's Advice on Dealing with Cops

[Byte Stryke]

If you were King or President for the day, how would you change it?

1. Any and all public officials suspended while under investigationis with pay*** IF* they are found guilty the pay given during the Investigation will be garnered back to the tax payers.
2. ANY public official convicted of violation of civil rights will be immediately removed from their position and remanded to the custody of the state. None of this "They got a counseling and docked a days pay.".
3. Any Public official convicted of abuse of their position.. See #3

I Just think its time EVERYONE was treated fairly and equally under the law.

If I punch a Cop and I am in the wrong (LOL...I know) I go to jail. I get a record... I lose my civil liberties and probably a few other things.

If a cop punches a Citizen and is in the wrong they get a paid vacation until all of the heat blows over and then a slap on the wrist.

double standard
do not want.

OneGuy Let me know when you want that Beer.

[OneGuy67]

The question about the commanding officer: I'm not quite sure myself, I believe I read about it in a gun magazine about a year ago. I want to be as polite to the officer as much as I can. By saying, "no" sounds rude to me, and unless he has probable cause, If he is that determined to search my car because he called his commanding officer then I have it on recorded tape somewhere and hopefully he would not bother to search my car and just let me just drive right on out of town.
But if I was carrying something illegal, I would definitly say no.
I guess instead of naked firearm I should have said, uncased firearm.
I do not have a CCW here in Maryland, because I don't carry around a lot of money and my life has not been threatened enough to be qualified to have one.
Firearms have to be cased in a vehicle for transport. No loaded pistol magazines. Ammunition for pistols must be transported in a different place other than than the pistol location. Like, if you have the pistol cased in your vehicle passenger compartment, ammo must be stored in the trunk.

I would tell you to contact someone there in Maryland who can tell you what Maryland law says concerning the issues. Back in 2003 here in Colorado, we had some pretty significant sweeping reforms come out regarding firearms and that is what I can specifically talk about. Other states have their own laws, which may conflict with Colorado law and I would hate to have someone get into trouble because they followed some advice posted here relating to another state other than theirs.

[OneGuy67]

Awww, c'mon Byte. You're invited too!

[OneGuy67]

1. Any and all public officials suspended while under investigationis with pay*** IF* they are found guilty the pay given during the Investigation will be garnered back to the tax payers.
2. ANY public official convicted of violation of civil rights will be immediately removed from their position and remanded to the custody of the state. None of this "They got a counseling and docked a days pay.".
3. Any Public official convicted of abuse of their position.. See #3

I Just think its time EVERYONE was treated fairly and equally under the law.

If I punch a Cop and I am in the wrong (LOL...I know) I go to jail. I get a record... I lose my civil liberties and probably a few other things.

If a cop punches a Citizen and is in the wrong they get a paid vacation until all of the heat blows over and then a slap on the wrist.

double standard
do not want.

OneGuy Let me know when you want that Beer.

I would agree about this issue and add that when politics gets involved, it all goes to sh*t! You can do some basic research on stories in the Denver Post about people who handle the citizen's money, that steal ten's of thousands of dollars from the citizens and who get off with a slap on the wrist.

Some examples:

Steve Atwood stole from Adams 12 in excess of $190,000 and got probation, no jail time.

Janelle Gonzales in Pueblo stole directly from citizens and from the state fair for approximately $100,000 and got probation and a deferred sentence which wipes away her conviction if she stays out of trouble for the next two years.

P.J. Trostel stole from the citizens of Elbert County in the range of $100,000 and is currently going through the court system. Will probably get probation as well.

There are far more, but I'm limited for time on this rant.

These types of cases really piss me off as they are public employees WHO STOLE the citizen's of Colorado's money and are not being PUNISHED. They need to be held to a higher accountability, a higher standard and need to have the hammer fall HARD.

I know Byte's comments are towards cops, I'm including others into the mix.

[cstone]

The trick is getting the conviction. There is a long tradition of good prosecutors becoming even better defense attorneys. The judicial system is slanted toward plea agreements and first time offenders (covers most law enforcement employees) tend toward diversion or probation before judgement, which is not necessarily the same as a conviction.

That said, I personally believe that if you can't follow the law, how can you uphold the law? Even though ignorance of the law is no defense, cops should still be held to a higher standard because they are expected to know the law.

Like most professions, administrative penalties are normally progressive, unless the seriousness of the action warrants immediate removal. Over a normal career, an individual cop can expect to have citizen's complain about their behavior. The only cops I know who have never had a complaint made against them are the cops who never arrested anyone or never actually did anything to protect the community they serve.

I like video evidence. It isn't perfect but it is a whole lot better than trying to read the body language of someone testifying on the witness stand six months to a year after the incident when they have been coached by their defense attorney and look much cleaner and professional than they did on the night of the arrest. I'm actually talking about cops here after they are charged with a crime.

Most cops (not all) I have worked with have a strong sense of honor and integrity. They often start their careers believing that the system gets it right more often than not. By the end of their careers they are happy when the system works reasonably well from time to time and they try not to let the failures keep them from doing their best. Bad cops make the job much harder for the rest of us to do our job. I want them gone as much, if not more than you do.

Most cops expect a certain percentage of people not to like them. After all, cops have the authority to take your freedom away. With that authority (I know, I can hear Eric Cartman in the back of my head) comes great responsibility. Its not a popularity contest. In the end, cops are required to keep the peace and only use the force necessary to keep that peace. Sometimes that means talking to people in a stern manner. Sometimes it means rolling around on the ground trying to get cuffs on someone bigger and stronger than you while you are praying for your back up to arrive. I don't ask for any sympathy for cops. We chose the occupation. We are not bound in servitude. When I or any cop thinks they have had enough, they should move along.

I'm thinking of becoming a machinist or a truck driver? Anyone looking for a half used up retired cop?

[Elhuero]

I would agree about this issue and add that when politics gets involved, it all goes to sh*t! You can do some basic research on stories in the Denver Post about people who handle the citizen's money, that steal ten's of thousands of dollars from the citizens and who get off with a slap on the wrist.

Some examples:

Steve Atwood stole from Adams 12 in excess of $190,000 and got probation, no jail time.

Janelle Gonzales in Pueblo stole directly from citizens and from the state fair for approximately $100,000 and got probation and a deferred sentence which wipes away her conviction if she stays out of trouble for the next two years.

P.J. Trostel stole from the citizens of Elbert County in the range of $100,000 and is currently going through the court system. Will probably get probation as well.

There are far more, but I'm limited for time on this rant.

These types of cases really piss me off as they are public employees WHO STOLE the citizen's of Colorado's money and are not being PUNISHED. They need to be held to a higher accountability, a higher standard and need to have the hammer fall HARD.

I know Byte's comments are towards cops, I'm including others into the mix.

You're absolutely right and I agree with what you're saying.

but given the choice between an unseen guy in an office embezzling money or a cop shooting me with a tazer and/or beating me with a baton, I'd prefer the former.

[Byte Stryke]

The trick is getting the conviction. There is a long tradition of good prosecutors becoming even better defense attorneys. The judicial system is slanted toward plea agreements and first time offenders (covers most law enforcement employees) tend toward diversion or probation before judgment, which is not necessarily the same as a conviction.

That said, I personally believe that if you can't follow the law, how can you uphold the law? Even though ignorance of the law is no defense, cops should still be held to a higher standard because they are expected to know the law.

Like most professions, administrative penalties are normally progressive, unless the seriousness of the action warrants immediate removal. Over a normal career, an individual cop can expect to have citizen's complain about their behavior. The only cops I know who have never had a complaint made against them are the cops who never arrested anyone or never actually did anything to protect the community they serve.

I like video evidence. It isn't perfect but it is a whole lot better than trying to read the body language of someone testifying on the witness stand six months to a year after the incident when they have been coached by their defense attorney and look much cleaner and professional than they did on the night of the arrest. I'm actually talking about cops here after they are charged with a crime.

Most cops (not all) I have worked with have a strong sense of honor and integrity. They often start their careers believing that the system gets it right more often than not. By the end of their careers they are happy when the system works reasonably well from time to time and they try not to let the failures keep them from doing their best. Bad cops make the job much harder for the rest of us to do our job. I want them gone as much, if not more than you do.

Most cops expect a certain percentage of people not to like them. After all, cops have the authority to take your freedom away. With that authority (I know, I can hear Eric Cartman in the back of my head) comes great responsibility. Its not a popularity contest. In the end, cops are required to keep the peace and only use the force necessary to keep that peace. Sometimes that means talking to people in a stern manner. Sometimes it means rolling around on the ground trying to get cuffs on someone bigger and stronger than you while you are praying for your back up to arrive. I don't ask for any sympathy for cops. We chose the occupation. We are not bound in servitude. When I or any cop thinks they have had enough, they should move along.

I'm thinking of becoming a machinist or a truck driver? Anyone looking for a half used up retired cop?

I Completely concur and when you find a job see if they have room for an opinionated, jaded, tired old soldier.

I would agree about this issue and add that when politics gets involved, it all goes to sh*t! You can do some basic research on stories in the Denver Post about people who handle the citizen's money, that steal ten's of thousands of dollars from the citizens and who get off with a slap on the wrist.

Some examples:

Steve Atwood stole from Adams 12 in excess of $190,000 and got probation, no jail time.

Janelle Gonzales in Pueblo stole directly from citizens and from the state fair for approximately $100,000 and got probation and a deferred sentence which wipes away her conviction if she stays out of trouble for the next two years.

P.J. Trostel stole from the citizens of Elbert County in the range of $100,000 and is currently going through the court system. Will probably get probation as well.

There are far more, but I'm limited for time on this rant.

These types of cases really piss me off as they are public employees WHO STOLE the citizen's of Colorado's money and are not being PUNISHED. They need to be held to a higher accountability, a higher standard and need to have the hammer fall HARD.

I know Byte's comments are towards cops, I'm including others into the mix.

Actually I Did say ANY public official.
and dont get me wrong, I dont hate cops. I hate CORRUPT, CROOKED and ABUSIVE public officials,(elected, appointed, Hired, whatever) until they start making themselves more readily identifiable, I am trusting no one.

You're absolutely right and I agree with what you're saying.

but given the choice between an unseen guy in an office embezzling money or a cop shooting me with a tazer and/or beating me with a baton, I'd prefer the former.

C) None of the above

[BigBear]

Storytime!!!

My first encounter while carrying, I was pulled over:

Cop: Sir, do you know why I pulled you over?
Me: My liscence and registration is in my wallet. I have a legally concealed firearm on my right hip. (Felt like I had to tell him cause he'd probably see it when I went for my wallet) May I pull out my wallet?
Cop: No Sir, you may exit the vehicle slowly however.
Me: Yes sir.

I get out, he puts me on the car, quick frisk... takes him a second to disarm me (holster lock). He clears the weapon. Asks if there are any other weapons on me or in the car. "No Sir" etc... Looks over firearm and asks for liscence, etc....

Cop: Nice Glock. I haven't seen the sub-compacts yet. How's it handle?
Me: Well, I really like it. Some people complain that the grip is too wide, but for my big hands it fits great. It runs smooth and the recoil is a lot lighter than I'd expect from a subby.
Cop: Well, I might have to try one sometime.
Me: Hey, well if I ever see you at the range, I'm usually out at Dragonmans on 94, I'll let you fire off a few.
Cop: Sounds good Mr. XXXXX. Here's your stuff back. Please slow it down for me out there ok? I'm sure your wife wants you home tonight.
Me: Yes Sir. Thank you. Be careful out there as well.

Accidently threw some shoulder gravel while pulling out... hehehe....

[CapLock]

Glad he didn't shoot you in the Dick trying to get your gun out of the holster. Sounds like you enjoyed your time being bent over your car and that's what counts. I never look at the brighter side of things. Id feel harassed for no reason other than being honest. You made a friend. I'm going to take lifes lemons and go make some lemonade now.

[Byte Stryke]

Glad he didn't shoot you in the Dick trying to get your gun out of the holster. Sounds like you enjoyed your time being bent over your car and that's what counts. I never look at the brighter side of things. Id feel harassed for no reason other than being honest. You made a friend. I'm going to take lifes lemons and go make some lemonade now.