Why do people give the police such a hard time?

Question

My dad was a policeman for over thirty years. He was a local bobby for a while, and then progressed up the ranks. I was always so proud of him that he was one of thr 'good guys', and confused at scholl when people would take the piss out of me becuase of his job.

My dad has seen such horrible things in his job, children mutilated by their own parents, rapes, murders, everyone he spoke to everyday would lie to him, but even then he kept a real hope and respect for the people he honestly felt he was protecting in some small way.

He got thrown through a window, had his arm broken, was beaten so badly once that we almost lost him.....and all because he wanted to do what he felt was RIGHT.

Nowadays people are so rude to the police, and yeah, some of them are total idiots like any human being, but if you woke up tomorrow and your house had been burgled, who will you go to for help? IIf you or someone you know and love is raped, who will you expect to be there to catch the bastards?

i just think that people could cut them some slack you know, they do a hard job, thinka bout it, they never really see anything nice all day at work do they?

I know I couldn't do it.

Answer 1

Naturally, cops or no cops, many people don't seem to appreciate what good people do; their worthiness in society only comes as a eulogy when they pass away. The bad people have such a grip on this world such that even if they are fewer than the good, they still instill fear amongst the lot.
The police are aware of the stick they come across in the society, and they try by all means to ignore this fact. However, they are still some people out there who appreciate the role of the police and will continue to support them despite the hardships associated with their job.

Answer 2

Well, I haven't been an angel throughout my life. I have encountered many police officers throughout my short time here. I have met some cops that are the nicest people on this planet, and I have met some that shouldn't have been allowed to carry a badge. I think as a society we expect A LOT from our police departments because they are responsible for our safety and protection. However, people fail to realize that everyone isnt perfect and police officers are still people too. People also get very threatened by police officers because they have power and authority over them, so they tend to bash them as a defensive mechanism. In no way do I think this is right, it's just an explanation of why people think and act the way they do. Criminals are mad they get caught and take it out on the police as if its somehow their fault. I just went down to the local police department today to take care of some things because I once again got myself in some hot water, everyone there was extremely friendly and I had a smile on my face the whole time. Why should I take it out on them for doing their job? Also, the first person who posted it right too. The bad cops give the good cops a bad name. When we have a bad experience with someone or something we tend to generalize it and take it out on that thing as a whole. Like if we go to a store and we have a bad experience with a cashier that wasn't so friendly we say "I'm never shopping there again!" That just how people are. I commend your father for all the hard work he's done in protecting people, and let him know there ARE people out there that appreciate what he does.

Answer 3

I agree. My dad is a policeman as well. People give the police a bad time because of many reasons. They think that "cop's kids" get special privledges that others don't get to enjoy. They don't understand that most "cop's kids" don't just go wild because they can and "won't get in trouble." They think we can do whatever we want and get away with it, which isn't the case, plus, it's kinda insulting to think that we would have such shitty morals and would abuse our parent's sacrifice like that. Another reason is because this country is pelted with songs about cops being the guys that arrest the innocent and "hate" on black people, which is absolute bullshit. The gangster mentality of this country also affects the way that people feel about cops. Everyone who wants to be a gangster hates cops for crushing that mentality. People also see as cops as people who are just trying to get them in trouble for having a good time, rather than keeping them safe. All they see is them getting in trouble, not for all the rapists that cops arrest, or all the abusers that cops arrest, or all the robbers that cops arrest. Also the media just presents cops as people who beat black people and don't really serve justice, just use their power to get what they want. Which is also absolute billshit also. But you are right, people need to start respecting cops for what they do and stop with seeing them as just trying to spoil their fun.

Answer 4

I agree with you. I am a Fire Chief and I work with the Police, not just local, but County Sheriff's, and State Troopers. People don't realize that the reason you're getting a speeding ticket is because that officer has seen what death and injuries and burns look like. they may be stopping you to say your gas tank is leaking and saved your life, but you get out and the first thing is " I didn't do anything, why are you stopping me?" So I take my hat off to Police Officers, bobbies, and All Law Enforcement agents.

Answer 5

You make good points. However, not everybody has had similar experiences with police officers. A good number of people, particularly some minorities, have been abused by police and developed the stereotype that cops are aggressive, power-hungry jerks. This of course does not apply to all (most?) cops, but enough officers have abused their position of power and the result has been fear and negative stereotyping of the police. I myself have come across a couple of officers that need to be taken off the force, if not thrown in jail themselves. People tend to remember negative experiences more than positive ones.

Answer 6

Your dad was obviously a good cop, but unfortunately there have been a number of over zealous bad cops who give the force a bad name. We good policemen badly but sadly society has become very disrespectful towards law and order. Parents need to start explaining to children that the police are there to protect them instead of calling them names etc

Answer 7

because whenever people meet them - it's usually in an official capacity and they are obnoxious, humourless, belligerant, and often rude.

a while ago a colleague's daughter had to go to the police station to report being steamed in a tube train. she was terrorised, she thought she was going to be raped and beaten/ possiblly killed. she lost all her money, jewellry and phone.
while she was in the police station she ws asked to describe the men - she started off "they all looked the same, they were black..."
the desk PC proceeded to harangue her - someone who has just been the victim of a crime - for racism against black people.
she explained that she wasn't racist... they looked the same because they all wore hoodies.. the only thing she COULD really notice about them, was that they were black.
how much of a 'PC' pratt do you have to be, to give a victim of crime a lecture on racial abuse?

cops? they are no good for anything except holding speed cameras.
and god help you if you are a victim of a burglary.... the best you can expect is for a bobby to turn up 3 days later and give you a 'crime number' so you can claim on your insurance.

Answer 8

I for one don't understand, i couldn't and wouldn't have his job, but i do admire the people who do. I feel for you and your family it isn't a nice job, (i have a friend or two who are cops). And i also agree some, not all cops aren't on the level. I don't understand why friends or whoever takes their anger for police on you. I think maybe the people so upset is the ones that have something to hide. Good luck to you.

Answer 9

i agree. people tend to forget that these policemen and women have families and friends and feelings. People don't like to be caught when doing wrong. Cops are only doing their jobs. They put their lives on the line every day. My grandfather and 2 uncles were policemen and had good hearts but tended to get jaded because of all the bulls*&t that people hand them every day.

Answer 10

Because sometimes the cops lie. And people feel powerless against them. Its little things like speeding tickets. Even when people deserve them, they are still pissed off about it. But there are good cops, and your dad sounds like one of them. Be proud!