Does yahoo answers bridge a gap between police officers and the public?

Question

I have a grudge against police officers, I will admit it. It deals with police being very unprofessional towards law obeying citizens to put it nicely. I also know considering the type of people police deal on a daily basis, and I understand why they are not too trusting of the public either. However every time I ask an law enforcement issue on yahoo answers, those with careers in law enforcement are kind polite and informative and it lessens the hard feelings I have against them. Yes I know this sounds like a loaded comment, this is however geared to those in law enforcement. Does yahoo answers lessen the divide between community and law enforcement and brings a better sense of community between the two in your opinion?

I have hard feelings due to a police officer in my home town leaving grip marks on brother's neck for sitting on a side walk after dark. And then being told by the police we would be arrested next time we call about such a matter. That was wrong and injust. However, like I said, it is attitudes and perspective formed from what one deals with on a daily basis. Change this perspective and things turn for the better, which is always good.

That was for those who want to know.

Answer 1

I do not think this is a loaded question. I think it is a great question. As a police officer myself, I enjoy answering questions asked by those who really want an answer. I am not too worried by the "side" on which the asker takes.

I think the advice given by officers is easier to do while online, than on the street. I love helping people. I wish I could spend more time answering their questions on the street, and when I have the time, I do. My department needs more officers as it is, and what time I do have on the street, is very busy.

I believe, that if the asker asks the question in a respectful manner, no matter what they think of police, insight can be gained on both ends of the "two-way" street. I have been intrigued and impressed by some of the questions I have read and answered on this site. I have been stirred by the responses given by others, and the return response from the askers.

Most of the time, when I give an "smart" answer the asker deserves it.

I appreciate your honesty and willingness to ask a dificult question. I also appreciate the respectful manner in which you asked the question, as well.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

I think for once, that police officers can read our comments and they can reply and there isn't any immediate threat to either side. I appreciate what they do in a certain sense, but if they just wouldn't act like Nazis, it would be so much better. They tend to treat everyone as a criminal. And you are guilty and it's your job when you are pulled over to try and prove your innocence without a Judge or jury. If guilty take the ticket and be on your way. I live in a small town, one stop light and if you are out after dark and they don't know you.... watch out! Of coarse I live in Oklahoma and I call it, bubbaworld, but that's beside the point I'm trying to make. If they would just be civil and decent - they might see that each person that they have contact with isn't a criminal, just human like they are.

Answer 4

I'd say to an extent it does... it gives the general public an ability to ask police officers questions that they might like to ask when they see an officer in public but generally police officers are busy when they run into people or they are there with a purpose such as a call....

I might be a d*ck so to say when I'm out on the road but at times you have to be harsh with people to get it through their head so you can get on to the next call, most officers have calls waiting for them... I love helping people, obviously or I wouldn't be a cop, but at times I'm just to busy to help with the small questions....

Answer 5

Cops are people, some have let me go when "popped" ( I think that works with me, a warning scares the sh-t out of me enough to never do it again), some have busted me on the stupidist sh-t that I've ever heard of, and I have gotten a ticket, usually they leave me alone, I've never gotten into any trouble outside of traffic tickets. Some cops are "Pretty good Joe's", others are just "Jerks", just like the public. How do jerks deal with jerks ? How do cool people handle cool people ? It's a tough call.

Answer 6

why do you hate them, im surrounded by cops constantly. MOST of them do their job pretty well and there is constant training and schools. I dont see what people have against cops. sure some rules are stupid but their just doing their job. i think most people dont like cops because they just like to do whatever they want and not get in trouble. no it doesnt bridge the gap.

Answer 7

I have no problem with it at all. A lot of people don't understand the way we operate sometimes and we're able to explain some proceedures and restrictions that we operate under.

But even in Yahooland, you see that we still have to deal with jerks.

Answer 8

Yes, in a small way. But some people are set in their thinking about cops.

Answer 9

I'm not sure about that, but they certainly birdge the gap between reading about the Gestapo and actually living in fear of it.

Answer 10

yes