Well at my age I have seen many changes in the LEO's and the management of the police forces. In all I really believe 99% of the LEO's are honest - but as has been stated some young ones are very arrogant. They take the attitude that they have the "Power" and are better than the citizens they serve. I have ridden with my FIL (a city deputy) many times. Most evenings were very uneventful.
I don't feel police are underpaid, but pretty fairly compensated for the duties they perform. The fatality rate in Leo's is far below many occupations. When I was a young man the Police in my area were highly respected, almost all were good friends of the people of the community. They believed in Justice - rather than the Law. When stopped for any reason, usually they tended to explain what was done and why it should not be repeated. Unless it was a obvious disregard for the law, seldom was a ticket issued.
I remember as a young man being in bars when a fight broke out. Almost every time the police were called, the issue was settled immediately and the people involved sent home. Today there are assault charges filed and everyone taken to jail. Cost to the family is quite a burden for a misunderstanding. (No I haven't ever been arrested, nor been in a bar for several years).
The other issues I have are not in any way connected to the LEO on the street. Mainly, I believe the assignment of traffic duty is mainly to obtain money - not in any way to protect citizens. In 90+% of the traffic tickets issued (no I haven't had one for many - many years - nor even been stopped except for a taillight out in 20 years) the speeding was in no way endangering anyone.
However two times I have had a reason to call the LEO's in over 20 years: My sons car was broken into in my driveway,his wife's purse stolen, and a few years later my van was also broken into and a radar detector and a couple other items stolen. Both times the attending officer stated I would probably not see the items again. NO followup or evidence was collected, never heard another word after filing the report. I seriously doubt anyone even looked at the report, if they had used the "Traffic Cop" resources, they may have not only found the items, but stopped a budding criminal career.
Another issue is that in my opinion I receive no "protection or Prevention" of crimes in my area from patrol cars driving by at night. Any BG that is intending to pilfer my shop or break into a house can see the headlights a least 3 blocks away. I would love to see at least some foot patrols, even if it was just parking the car and walking down the alley a couple blocks and using a different alley to return to the car - a couple times a night. In 45 + years living in the same house I have never seen a patrolman on foot!
I don't feel police are underpaid, but pretty fairly compensated for the duties they perform. The fatality rate in Leo's is far below many occupations. When I was a young man the Police in my area were highly respected, almost all were good friends of the people of the community. They believed in Justice - rather than the Law. When stopped for any reason, usually they tended to explain what was done and why it should not be repeated. Unless it was a obvious disregard for the law, seldom was a ticket issued.
I remember as a young man being in bars when a fight broke out. Almost every time the police were called, the issue was settled immediately and the people involved sent home. Today there are assault charges filed and everyone taken to jail. Cost to the family is quite a burden for a misunderstanding. (No I haven't ever been arrested, nor been in a bar for several years).
The other issues I have are not in any way connected to the LEO on the street. Mainly, I believe the assignment of traffic duty is mainly to obtain money - not in any way to protect citizens. In 90+% of the traffic tickets issued (no I haven't had one for many - many years - nor even been stopped except for a taillight out in 20 years) the speeding was in no way endangering anyone.
However two times I have had a reason to call the LEO's in over 20 years: My sons car was broken into in my driveway,his wife's purse stolen, and a few years later my van was also broken into and a radar detector and a couple other items stolen. Both times the attending officer stated I would probably not see the items again. NO followup or evidence was collected, never heard another word after filing the report. I seriously doubt anyone even looked at the report, if they had used the "Traffic Cop" resources, they may have not only found the items, but stopped a budding criminal career.
Another issue is that in my opinion I receive no "protection or Prevention" of crimes in my area from patrol cars driving by at night. Any BG that is intending to pilfer my shop or break into a house can see the headlights a least 3 blocks away. I would love to see at least some foot patrols, even if it was just parking the car and walking down the alley a couple blocks and using a different alley to return to the car - a couple times a night. In 45 + years living in the same house I have never seen a patrolman on foot!