Why do people when they get stopped for a traffic violation?

Question

always start saying "yes sir", "no sir" when they don't normally use that in real life? In real life they'd be saying "yeah", "uh huh", "sure", "whatever".
I see this on those reality cop shows all the time. Do they think they won't get a ticket or be arrested if they keep saying "sir"? It's ridiculous.

If I ever get stopped, I'm going to make sure I say "yes" or "no" without the sir added. Just because someone is a cop doesn't automatically mean they deserve "respect". They have power over me because they have a badge and a gun. I don't have power over them. I'll say "sir" to someone who deserves it.

I think it's the phoniness of it that makes it look ridiculous. People changing their normal speaking habits just because they're talking to a cop. I doubt those guys with a cop's foot on their neck "respect" the cop. They're just afraid they might get killed.

Answer 1

I am thinking that suddenly when confronted with some one who represents authority, these people suddenly develop respect.

Answer 2

It's a common courtesy, not a dictatorship. You will get back what you hand out.
If you did something wrong, accept the responsibility.
You would be surprised what a courteous and respectful tone will accomplish with a peace officer.

You obviously have some power issues. What I would suggest is for you to apply for a ride-a-long with a police officer in your city.
I promise you will have a different perspective on police officers.

Don't misunderstand me, all cops are not perfect. I have seen a few that should be flipping hamburgers rather than fighting crime,
but that is less than 1% of the departments I have worked with.
Believe it or not, cops are human beings, and they too have bad days, and unfortunately, if someone aggravates them on a bad day, the officer will probably handle the problem differently than he would on a better day. That's the way it is in any profession.
You would not want to aggravate your brain surgeon before the surgery, why aggravate a police officer that can make a bad situation worse, or perhaps relax the violation.

Answer 3

First off if you have seen it on COPS, almost all of those stops lead to an arrest....Guess why, they are breaking the law. People seem to think that if they are respectful to the officer that once the violation of law is discovered the officer may be easier on them. In some cases that is true, the officer has the decision in what charges he decides to place on the suspect (in some cases). If a suspect is being very disrespectful and giving everyone a hard time the officer can choose to tack on each eligible charge, if the suspect cooperative and polite the officer he may choose to only charge the main violations and only give a warning for the others.
Bottom line, be polite, it reflects good character upon yourself to treat others with respect. Do not forget that although you may not think so, Police Officers have a very tough job. They are not robots who cannot show emotion. Yes, sometimes they have bad days and may come off as rude but I am sure you can think back to a time that you were having a bad day and were rude to someone who did not deserve it.

Answer 4

It's aknowledgement of the policeman's authority. If you don't respect their authority, too bad. They win. It's that simple. Make life easier and just don't do anything they need to stop you for! I always tell my kids that cops are your friends if you're doing the right thing. Are they supposed to be "nicey nice" to all the folks out there driving like idiots? Don't do anything you can get stopped for; if you do like accidentally get stopped for speeding, well, say "sir", be polite, accept the ticket you deserve, pay it and be more careful driving.

Answer 5

There is nothing wrong with showing some respect. Whatever the reason behind it, it should always be welcomed. Whether it's toward a P officer, a parent, or a friend, shouldn't respect remain invariable?
Whatever complaint we have against the police, we should remember that had it not been for them, we wouldn't be able to enjoy real freedom for the criminals would force us to barricade ourselves inside our homes

Answer 6

Ya know, that's a good point!

The next time I get pulled over (if I know for sure I'm going to get the ticket anyway) I'm gonna say stuff like: Well whatever man, I'm just glad you didn't stop me yesterday, cause I was WASTED DUDE!"

"You shoulda seen me, I was ALL OVER THE ROAD. I think I hit like 7 kids man! It was totally wicked cool!"


If I'm gone spend 50 bucks on a ticket, I might as well have some fun with it.

Answer 7

i always say sir in my daily life to reflect respect for the person i am talking to . Why wouldn't a cop deserve respect , he/she is working for very low wages and has the potential to get shot everyday at work , and doing it all so we can be safe . Not to many people would risk their life in their job just to protect their communitity. thank you cops!!!!

Answer 8

Sometimes if youare lucky yes sir no sir gets you off a ticket unless you pose a threat to the officer then he will tell you get out of the car and then jail time.

Answer 9

Showing respect for the law is always the prudent thing to do. You may even get a reduced speeding ticket. Instead of 25 over, they may reduce it to 10 over. Big difference in the fine.

Answer 10

It's called "respect".

How do you know on the COPS shows that they do not talk like that in real life? You only see them in that one situation.