do you respect police?

Answer 1

Yes

Why wouldn't or shouldn't we?

Answer 2

My initial response: Yes!! I have the utmost respect for anyone who is willing to risk their own life to protect the good of the whole and maintain peace. However, that being said, I must also say that, unfortunately, misconceptions and pre-conceived notions about certain groups of people make it difficult for some officers of the law (who are just people, too) to objectively enforce the law. I am speaking from the life-experience and perspective of a young, black woman; college-educated, born and raised (and currently residing in) in an upper-middle class, pre-dominantly white area in Connecticut. Usually when I am dressed down, for example, if I am running a few quick errands on a Sat morning, there is a sharp contrast between the way I am treated as opposed to when I am coming home from my office (in professional attire). (I always manage to "catch the eye of" police when I am very casual... and security and store cerks, etc.) In my personal interactions with police officers, I've often felt hostility from them -- even before I say one word. It's as though I have to be all "gussied up" to be treated with a little respect (and who feels like wearing a "ballgown" every time they step outside?).
I find it very odd that I am even a blip on their radar screen. I have no police record. I have never been arrested. I've only received 1 speeding ticket in the 12+ years I've been driving -- 1 week ago for (supposedly) travelling 5 miles over the posted limit (yes, on a Sat morning, in sweats). (They manage to find a "reason" to pull me over, then let me off with a warning. Well, except for the last white cop, who pulled me over to ask me for my phone number).
So I guess my answer is, yes I respect the police as a whole -- for the most part-- and for the role they play in our society. However, I don't always agree with the decisons they make nor their reasoning.

Answer 3

I agree with Matt. Yes as an entity, no as individuals. I worked in the legal system for 28 years and saw a lot of injustice. Mostly lieing on the stand. For some reason cops just don't like to be wrong. I also knew of many officers that were using drugs, skimping off drug busts and selling it, doing raids on homes and keeping the cash, not presenting all the evidence. I'm not saying all cops are like that. But in my opinion - everyone has a price and cops are no different!

Answer 4

Great question. My dad was a police office and taught me to respect the position. Having said that, most of my parent's friends were cops. The majority were good but there were some who bragged about the methods they've used on suspects, and I remember being disgusted by them.

Answer 5

Yes. They get a bad rap from people, but they work hard and deal with psychos every day. They put their lives on the line not knowing what/ who they will confront every time they get called to a scene or make a stop. They definitely deserve our respect.

Answer 6

Through the years the respect just keeps growing.

Answer 7

Yes. They might save your life one day. Police take a lot of crap and they can't possibly get paid enough for it. How you you like to try to help someone who hated you for no other reason except you wore a badge. I think we should give them a break and be thankful that they do what the do.

Answer 8

I do and i don't. I respect the cops that do there jobs without losing their tempers and don't get an attitude with people like they are better than you are. Most cops I do because I don't do anything to get in trouble so i have no worries.

Answer 9

Yes. Unless by their actions they would give me cause not to respect them. In general, I do respect authority figures who use their power responsibly.

Answer 10

Yes

Answer 11

most of the time, respect I believe is earned though, I understand that police are in authority, but sometimes that power can be abused.

but most of the time I would say yes