Why do cops act tuff in uniform but when you see them off duty they act like frighten chickens?

Answer 1

A good question, not a great question. Because of the way you worded it, you prompted the cops here to act TOUGH on the internet. Wish the police here would just address the question for what they are and not take them as insults.
I am not a cop, but I will answer for them.

When I am on-duty, I act tough, walk tough, and talk tough for my safety.
When I am off-duty, I like to relax, I want to take a break, and I don't want people to know I am a cop, I just want them to act naturally around me. My off-duty politeness and sincerity is being mistaken for weakness.

If there is one thing I can't stand are the cops ( and I know alot of them) that act tough 24/7. I as a civilian, can't stand that. They especially do it round their cop buddies. There is no reason for acting like a tough guy on the golf course, softball field, or at any of the other events that bring us together.

Answer 2

Well while on duty they have to intercede on the cities behalf when crimes are involved. You can't very well do the job and act like a wus. When they are off duty, they don't have to put themselves into every situation they see that normally they do during the 40+ hours they work per week. Most cops when off duty, just want to spend time with their families, relax and stay away from people like you. So it isn't being a chicken, It is prudent avoidance. I know officers that will go three towns over, so that they do not have to run into the people that they police.
But they are the same people on and off the job, they just act different when off duty. I wouldn't try anything to them off duty that you wouldn't be able to do while they are on. For one, the rest of the cops are just a phone call away. For two, threatening a cop in front of their family is not something that I would advise.

Answer 3

possibly because in uniform there are several of them and know that their buddies are watching. In civvies, I wouldn't characterise them as frightened chickens, that doesn't even sound rational. But they are somewhat more decent. A person being booked for whatever asked the cop behind the counter where he could file a complaint. The cop mysteriously didn't know but I happened to know and I told the person. The cop behind the counter then asked me if I was a lawyer. I admitted I was not and the counter cop told me "then shut the f--- up". Suddenly, I had no first amendment rights. I'd say 50 percent of cops are traitors to the Constitution and probably should be bulldozed into Mauna Loa. But the other 50 percent have a chance.

Answer 4

I've noticed from a previous question that you apparently have something against police. That's your opinion and you have that right. Most of the police officers that I worked with and know don't act like that. There is a fine line between professionalism and being cocky. When a police officer is in uniform, all friends and family have to be treated like everyone else (no partiality). It is a difficult task. When out of uniform, a police officer can relax a little. So when you see a police officer out of uniform, of course they are going to have a little different attitude. I will admit that there are those that take advantage of the power they are given but that is a small percentage. I personally didn't have that problem when I worked. I EARNED respect with the people of the town that I served. I treated everybody the same on and off duty.

Answer 5

Well the uniform and badge itself is a very strong symbol of strength and authority which not only gives the individual itself a sense of power but it also gives those who see it a certain sense of a need to respect that strength of authority. When not in uniform they don't portray that same respect and authority plus more than likely they don't have one other instrument that lends them the power which is their weapon. Another thing to consider is that when ever there is a police situation there is always a "show of force" by the police meaning that usually there are a large number of officers at a particular situation but outside of that environment an officer finds themselves out of uniform, without their weapon and all alone.

Answer 6

I am on duty 24/7 by law. That throws your badly spelled theory right out the window.

I have at least one Glock on me at all times.

Answer 7

I don't think thats true for the most part. A cop is a cop...off and on duty...they have to use intelligence when approaching any situation. BTW, I wouldn't try anything...many cops carry their weapons when off duty.

P.S. frankly I'm tired of people bashing cops...but when will that not be the case?

Answer 8

at 6'3 and 135 I doubt even my cat is scared of you. so in reality, you are a sissy who can only talk tough on the internet. so tell you what, find me off duty, and try to punk me out. when you come too, tell me how big of a chicken I was. I used to $*ck guys like you in prison.

Answer 9

for 2 reasons, i think of: they certainly have the tension to help, being out of uniform makes no distinction to many (thank god, eh?) The juice they want at artwork is merely too ingrained & confusing to tutor off on the tip of the shift. all of them be responsive to that's a topic/project, and help is accessible to handle it. regulation enforcement is extra of a profession than a job. purely specific psyches & personalities are suited for the demands. For "purely a job", there is RentACop.

Answer 10

i don't find that to be the case at all, generally the ones that act like jerks in uniform act the same out of uniform. in general i think that is the "cop" mindframe, but they kindof have to be that way with all of the crap they have to put up with, tho some do take their attitude and arrogance to an inapropriate level.