whilst watching cops[american] show y they call them sir all the time?

Question

thats so wierd as an a limie why do you do that.?coppers in my country get called alot of things but never sir.is it through fear.this is not a piss take genuilnly interested.cause it would never happen here.

Answer 1

Sign of respect. Same way I call the guy at McDonald's or ANYONE working and serving me in the PUBLIC, "Sir." They have a THANKLESS job and they have to put up with a LOT of CR*P from the Public! The least they can expect is to deserve a little respect!

Answer 2

Good point.

No offense, had a bit of difficulty making out your gist.

You're english, yes?

Well, be advised, police programs are a public relations format for the police. The citizen doesn't figure. Whether you are a felon or not, you have to keep a safe buffer between yourself and these people who say they 'preserve and protect'. What , specifically, I'm sure I'm unaware.

Here in the states ' rule by fear ' is the rule of thumb. Even if you defer and actually wish to communicate to the officer you're in full cooperation with him you'll be rebuffed, and become quickly aware you're dealing with nothing but a boor no better than those abjects who loll their tongues when displeased in a nonverbal communication.

Sad, but true.

The majority of these people are not fit for their charge. And, you're probably watching specially selected segments for export. To insure a positive response in their favor irrespective what the realities are.

Personally, I'm interested in reobtaining my passport.

I think the police are a failed institution - world wide. I can't see what good they do. Perhaps it explains why there are so many happy gangsters.

Answer 3

its just considered the proper thing to do. Cops arent always called sir- honestly. they are also called a lot of other things not even close to sir in america. But the cameras from the tv show everywhere probably make people want to look as innocent and proper so therefore while you watch the show COPs then a lot of people will say sir.
I think that most people call cops in the us "officer" more than Sir personally. i think its got something to do with being on camera.

Answer 4

There are heavy penalties if you are not respectful to an officer of the law here. As far as I know, your officers do not carry arms...ours do. We seem to live in a more highly charged environment. Have you noticed how a bad situation gets exacerbated by a mouthy suspect? I often observe the show and think, "For Heaven's sake...shut up...you are only making it worse." Too many injuries have resulted from situations that seem to get out of control very quickly...for both sides. It's a "Catch 22".

Answer 5

I am mildly addicted to this show.
calling someone "sir" here, is supposed to be a sign of respect.
but it is used sarcastically also.

I think that the cops call them "sir" to show them that they will be respected until they mess up during the stop.

then the cops say - GET ON THE GROUND SCUMBAG~
and bum rush the fellow until his pants are 1/2 way around his legs
lol

Answer 6

It's very common (and polite) to call someone who's name you don't know "Sir." More informally, you might call him "Mister" or even "Buddy" or "Pal."

I call folks "Sir" all the time...clerks, the trash man, somebody I ask for directions, etc. (Thank goodness I rarely deal with the cops.)

Answer 7

They want to get on the cops' good side, sir, and possibly avoid arrest.

Answer 8

If you show a cop some respect (by calling him "sir"), your troubles will be fewer than if you don't show them respect (calling them "dude" or something like that).

Answer 9

Being nice and polite to the police gets you better treatment. Disrespect them and they'll F@#% you up.

Answer 10

Because billy-clubs don't command as much respect as guns do.
Lame-o!