Why do people seem to hate cops except when you need one?

Question

I'm about to start training to become a police officer and I see alot of negitive talk about cops on this site. I dont quite understand why people actually dislike police officers. I'm just trying to get some enlightenment.

Answer 1

As you can see from your response here, EVERYONE has an opinion about Police Officers. In my opinion, people don't like feeling like they are being judged; or being told what to do. When someone sees a police officer it is almost never good news for them. They either screwed up and are getting in trouble or have been hurt or victimized in some way and are still not at their best. So seeing a police officer equals a bad experience.

If you are seriously going to make a career as a Police Officer you will have to develop a thick skin about public perception. You will be the only person introduced at partys by your profession, "This is Bob, he's a police officer." Not to mention all the comments and jokes you will get on duty when you go into places. Your friends and family will even treat you different, and some can never stop peppering you with, "since you're a cop _____" questions.

There are a lot of good people out there who appreciate what police do and are decent and respectful to officers. You may get bad attitudes and a lot of grief but when a citizen you never met stands up to defend you in a bar brawl you will feel liked.

For the answerers who have said they never needed a cop:
Just because you never had to call the police to come and help you doesn't mean you haven't benefited from police service. Police Officers are very visible and just the knowledge that police are around prevents crime. If there were no police you couldn't leave your mower in the yard when you went inside to get a drink, couldn't leave your car windows down when you ran into the store. You couldn't even wear that nice jacket when you went out because someone would just take it from you.

But a police career is what you make of it. The opinions about jerk cops aren't made up. Don't ever let the negative make you into one of those cops. The rule anyone who has worked customer service knows, a happy customer will tell one person, a dissatisfied customer will tell 10 people. But people remember friendly, helpful cops too. You can actually arrest someone and take them to jail and have them be grateful for how you treated them during the process. Good luck in what you do.

Answer 2

Look here amigo, if you want to be a police officer then check your motivation. It doesn't pay well in most instances, its not a popularity winner, and you have to deal with the sheeple more often than not. The sheep don't like the wolves and they don't like the sheep dog either because he shares some of the wolf's characteristics ( if he is a good sheep dog that is.) I was a cop for ten years, doing everything from patrol work to homicide investigation, and I'll say that if nothing else it gives you a valuable perspective on your fellow man that will serve you well in life after LE. Don't put much stock in people's opinions they don't understand the work or the limitations of the job and would rather complain than understand. I wouldn't go as far as defending anybody just because he was cop either, because some people have watched too much TV and want to be cops, or they were the fat kid that got picked on in school and are now taking revenge on the world. It's not a position of power or status, it's really just another job.

Answer 3

It is funny. Most people only have contact with a police officer when they are doing something wrong, other than that, they want the cops to do anything and everything at the drop of a hat when they are needed. It's kinda hypocritical.

Answer 4

you're in all probability incorrect on the "hate" section. it may seem that way in the event that they enable you recognize to quit skateboarding in a community that's the two inner maximum sources or that has an illustration published that rather says, "No skateboards." while i replaced right into a instructor and had to discipline childrens or while they have been given low grades because of the fact they chronically did no longer turn in artwork, those childrens commonly advised their determine that they have got been given low grades, because of the fact I "hated them" or because of the fact i replaced into "picking on them." it rather is unhappy while a guy or woman can't take duty for his or her very very own options and the outcomes a number of those options deliver. The police are in basic terms implementing the regulations. i'm specific they have plenty greater effective issues to do than to handle a gaggle of mouthy skate boarders. yet, when you consider that they are regulation enforcement officers, in all probability, the dealings they have with skate boarders contain implementing the regulation.

Answer 5

You find abusers in all walks of life, not just law enforcement.

Most hate them because they live on the wrong side of the law. While there are a few bad apples, the bunch is a good one.

Acting retarded and getting your butt handed to you probably contributes a lot too. Especially uppity people who realize they can't control a situation with a police officer.

Answer 6

I can't speak for everyone, but in my town they just seem dumb. They're always in their cars away from everything, would it kill them to walk about patrolling the streets making people actually feel safer?

Also, I remember seeing cops smoke pot in their car, I realize that not all are like that, these dudes were idiots, I mean who does that? They also have very poor driving manners in this city, I mean the citizens are bad but the cops are worse. If you're on a call sure it's fine to drive crazy, otherwise obey the ******* law. Twats.

They're also not effective if you receive threats. The list goes on.

I think they'd improve if they rewound to maybe the 50s Pleasantville version, walk the streets, be nice, have manners, get to know people. They're providing a service, they should at least have some customer service skills.

So, I only deal with cops when needed, but that's also usually a big hassle. So I'm not reporting the biggest crack shipment in history, you should still be nice to me.

So, if you want to take something away from this rant, keep in mind to drive well, treat people nicely, and get to know people on your beat. If people know you're a good decent person they'll respect you and treat you well. Then when you get some people taking your head off, you'll also know that you know good people who do good things and the world won't seem dark all the time.

Best of luck to you.

Answer 7

I don't understand that either. The police department in my area is really good and does a lot for the community. I know it is always safe and a nice place to live, especially for the kids, only because of the continuous efforts of the officers.

Answer 8

In my experience there are always cops to write traffic and parking tickets, but they are never around to stop vehicles from being broken into, gas stations from being robbed, or even from stopping murders. Add the fact that they train officers to trick you out of your rights and profile you and we get a police state!

Answer 9

Know why people hate us sport? Because cops tell you what you can and cannot do. They're there to remind you to stay in line and when you get out of line their the ones who address the situation.
Thats why everybody likes firemen. They help people, put out fires, get cats out of trees and get to sleep on duty.

Answer 10

that is a good damn question.......there are some folks that piss and moan about cops, but they are the first ones to cry about where's a cop when they need one. There are a few bad apples out there that give the majority of the good ones bad names, that is in every profession. It is just more fun to talk smack about other people then to spread good news about another. Others are just looking for someone to blame for their problems,instead of looking at themselves first. I promise you that you will find (on yahoo answers) quite a bit of cop-bashing here......some folks just like to get a rise out of others......just chose your answers/questions wisely.



F.Y.I............remember why you are joining the force and do not get badge heavy....do not forget that everyday you go to work, you may not come home......keep yourself in shape, you will need that and so will your co-workers.....remember when you are dealing with a civil issue, there problem (although not relevant to you) is really important to them, and treat it as such......


Just a bit of advice from one to another......... Good luck