This seems to be a classic theme in all police tv shows and movies, cops having to hand in their badge and guns, and only then are able to get evidence and bring down the criminal (who is usaully a high-ranking businessman or public official).
Does this ever happen in real life? I'd be interested to hear from real cops, who'll know if this have really ever happened (or is it just an overused story-line for cops shows).
2006-11-13 23:29:14 · 8 answers · asked by pantocool 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Well the premise in the tv shows is that the accused officer now has the time and the motivation, and they are further driven by anger and a need to prove their innocence. And yes, it is one of the most over-used plots for cop shows.
In real life if you tried to follow up on anything especially a case that you were involved in prior to your suspension, you would find yourself in jail for obstruction of justice, or stalking the witness/suspects who got you in trouble in the first place. Additionally, you could be charged with carrying a concealed weapon, since you wouldn't have the right to do so off duty. Also, when you hand in your badge, even if it is for a suspension, you are told you have no police powers, so if you pulled a gun on someone or took them into custody or even said "I am Officer (or Detective) _______" you could be charged with impersonating a police officer.
Internal Affairs may also assign a detective to keep an eye on you and make sure that you don't try to follow-up on anything and that if you do, they are there to put a stop to it and take you into custody.
Finally, if the real criminal is someone in public office, what usually happens is the accused officer (or his attorney) can use the press to bring that person down.
Now, what sometimes happens in "real life" to good cops who are falsely accused is:
They wait until their suspension is over, they gather up all the evidence possible, they either retire or leave the department, and then they write a book about what really happened.
Or, if they are fired, they can write about it right away, unless there is some type order that stays in effect after the incident.
Or, they can personally sue the public official or executive for damages, prove their innocence in civil court and get a nice fat settlement, then go on to write the book.
Making money from the incident can be far more satisfying than putting the executive or public official in jail.
2006-11-14 00:18:22 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think a lot of shows on TV give a totally false impression. One of the forensics shows has been cited as giving completely false impressions about how things go in the search for evidence at crime scenes and how that is all analyzed. Even when I watch "This Old House" it is galling. A smiling guy is standing there, about to undertake a massive project. He lifts his hammer and hits a nail. Immediately he is shown standing back and admiring his work. They leave out all the days of swearing, ripping up mistakes, running back and forth to Home Depot to get things you forgot, all the details that make life real. The impression from all these shows is a neat, sanitized version of life, absent is the cussing, the farting, the anger. Then cut to a commercial.
2006-11-13 23:35:35 · answer #2 · answered by Kokopelli 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This is just a complete Hollywood cliche'. It makes for good drama and nothing else. Viewers love to root for the renegade underdog and feel better when the character gets the bad guy and is vindicated. In real life, getting suspended is a big deal. It temporarily removes all your authority to act as a police officer, making you an average citizen. You are subject to the same laws and rules as an average citizen. You could be arrested for impersonating an officer and jeopardize a criminal case against the bad guy.
2006-11-14 00:35:58 · answer #3 · answered by Mike 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Over used story line. They would have no access to information they would need.
The reason they use this story line is because if they did a REAL movie about police work, it would be the longest, most boring movie EVER. Mounds of paperwork. 95% boredom, followed by 1% pure terror, 4% humor....................
2006-11-14 00:38:30 · answer #4 · answered by tallerfella 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hawk have you ever been gazing that television lower back,lol,nicely i don't think of they could,it takes the actual law enforcement officers all there time too do it,no Offense too the regulation could i merely say,ye suitable,lol, so Hawk take care my chum.
2016-10-17 06:24:31 · answer #5 · answered by mulry 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You'll read about cops here insulting you and accusing you of being a criminal just because you shared a concern like that. "If you're good, you never have problems with cops..." Yeah, right. That is not the reason why complaints are filed...
2006-11-14 00:06:25 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
TV is not reality, I hope you don't belive everything your see on tv and movies.
2006-11-13 23:43:15 · answer #7 · answered by WC 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
never, never,never, never happens in real life
2006-11-14 00:12:09 · answer #8 · answered by joeanonymous 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋