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To Protect And Serve
Author: BobR
Date: 2010-07-14 12:43:16
The "official" motto of the police is to "protect and serve". With rare exception, the overwhelming majority of police officers do just that. They take their duty to the public seriously, and put their lives on the line every day keeping us safe, often for lousy pay. There are those few, however, that become cops for the wrong reasons, or become so jaded and frustrated in their jobs that they user their power, skills, and tools for harm instead of good. When that happens, it's a shocking betrayal of the public trust, and we the public rightfully demand that they be held accountable.
Lately, it seems that bad police behavior tends to involve tasers. Tasers were developed to assist police when a suspect was too strong and unruly to be safely subdued using traditional methods. However, it seems that in a lot of cases, the police are using them because they're lazy or sadistic. We have a thread of tazer-related stories over on the forum (unavailable at the moment); here's yet another story:
Extraordinary circumstances will push people to do things they might not ordinarily do, whether it be good or bad. The flooding in NoLa after Katrina hit pushed some of the police over the edge. Six more officers were indicted for killing people on the bridge and trying to cover it up:
Of course - the alternative to this is no police at all. Where would that leave us? We might find out in Oakland, CA. The Police Dept. there fired 80 officers and published a list of crimes it will no longer respond to:
So when your house gets broken into, and thousands of dollars of stuff gets stolen, just pull out your junior CSI kit and dust for fingerprints yourself.
On the other hand, a police officer in Australia apparently took the "to serve" part in the motto a little too literally, and was bumped from the force for opening bottles with an opener attached to his penis piercing:
Imagine having to explain THAT at your next job interview...
It's true these sensationalistic stories get all the press while the vast majority of police officers labor anonymously doing good things. I can say from personal experience that the DC Capitol police are top-notch and remain very restrained around all the protesting that goes on. They are friendly and helpful. Perhaps that's why these stories are so shocking - the contrast is that much more stark. Police officers often feel they need to protect that thin blue line when another officer does wrong, but they should also realize that bad behavior by a few taints them all. Protecting the few bad apples in their bushel does them no favors.
Lately, it seems that bad police behavior tends to involve tasers. Tasers were developed to assist police when a suspect was too strong and unruly to be safely subdued using traditional methods. However, it seems that in a lot of cases, the police are using them because they're lazy or sadistic. We have a thread of tazer-related stories over on the forum (unavailable at the moment); here's yet another story:
One officer was fired and another quit after a rural Georgia woman who called police to complain of a prowler was zapped repeatedly with a stun gun.
Ryan Smith of the Lumpkin Police Department has resigned and Tim Murphy, of Richland Police Department, was fired for using pepper spray on the woman, Janice Wells.
Wells, 57, says she feared a prowler was outside her Richland house. A minute-long dashboard video from Smith's patrol car shows the officer pulling up to assist another officer.
[...]
Authorities say the April 26 struggle began when Wells wouldn't tell police the name of an acquaintance who had been at her house. Lumpkin Police Chief Steven Ogle says the video is shocking.
Extraordinary circumstances will push people to do things they might not ordinarily do, whether it be good or bad. The flooding in NoLa after Katrina hit pushed some of the police over the edge. Six more officers were indicted for killing people on the bridge and trying to cover it up:
Four New Orleans police officers could face the death penalty after being accused of gunning down two unarmed people in the chaotic aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in the latest twist for a corruption-plagued department that already faces several federal investigations.
The four officers were charged along with two others in a 27-count indictment unsealed Tuesday.
[...]
Five former New Orleans police officers already have pleaded guilty to helping cover up the shootings on the Danziger Bridge that left two men dead and four wounded just days after the August 2005 hurricane that devastated the city. In one instance, a mentally disabled man was allegedly shot in the back and stomped before he died.
Prosecutors say officers fabricated witness statements, falsified reports and planted a gun in an attempt to make it appear the shootings were justified. It was a shocking example of the violence and confusion that followed the deadly hurricane.
The case is one of several probes of alleged misconduct by New Orleans police officers that the Justice Department opened after the storm. Last month, five current or former officers were charged in the shooting death of 31-year-old Henry Glover, whose burned body turned up after Katrina.
Of course - the alternative to this is no police at all. Where would that leave us? We might find out in Oakland, CA. The Police Dept. there fired 80 officers and published a list of crimes it will no longer respond to:
The Oakland Police Department is feeling the burn of California's unending budget crisis, as 80 officers were laid off Tuesday night after negotiations between city and police union failed to reach an accord.
The department's chief had said in recent days that unless the city could meet the union's demands, officers would no longer respond in person to register sex offenders, or for reports of vehicle accidents, grand theft, identity theft, burglary, embezzlement, vandalism, stray animals and others.
Instead, victims in most non-emergency situations are being directed to file reports over the Internet. Police say the move will help them better focus on emergencies and violent crime.
So when your house gets broken into, and thousands of dollars of stuff gets stolen, just pull out your junior CSI kit and dust for fingerprints yourself.
On the other hand, a police officer in Australia apparently took the "to serve" part in the motto a little too literally, and was bumped from the force for opening bottles with an opener attached to his penis piercing:
He referred to it as his ''party trick'' - exposing his genital piercing, or opening a beer bottle with a bottle opener attached to it.
And police officer Sergeant Andrew Lawrance is certain no one was offended when he performed the trick to a small group of fellow officers and their wives at a Christmas party at Tommy's Chinese Restaurant in Yamba, egging him on.
[...]
One man, however, took offence: his ultimate boss, Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione, who wants Mr Lawrance gone from the force, saying he has lost confidence in him. He argued the offence was made worse by the fact that Mr Lawrance was one of the most senior officers at the party in December 2008.
Imagine having to explain THAT at your next job interview...
It's true these sensationalistic stories get all the press while the vast majority of police officers labor anonymously doing good things. I can say from personal experience that the DC Capitol police are top-notch and remain very restrained around all the protesting that goes on. They are friendly and helpful. Perhaps that's why these stories are so shocking - the contrast is that much more stark. Police officers often feel they need to protect that thin blue line when another officer does wrong, but they should also realize that bad behavior by a few taints them all. Protecting the few bad apples in their bushel does them no favors.
Comments:
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Comment by 
wickedpam on 07/14/2010 13:00:35
wickedpam on 07/14/2010 13:00:35
Morning 
Interesting about the CA police going to using the internet for people to report non-emergency crimes. I just read a short piece in the Post about Chief Keene in Manassas who said we where going to move in that direction to some extent. We only have about 78 officers and I think they are looking to hire a few more and put them on foot patrols in neighborhoods. Its an odd combo that we seem to be moving toward at least in my little town
Interesting about the CA police going to using the internet for people to report non-emergency crimes. I just read a short piece in the Post about Chief Keene in Manassas who said we where going to move in that direction to some extent. We only have about 78 officers and I think they are looking to hire a few more and put them on foot patrols in neighborhoods. Its an odd combo that we seem to be moving toward at least in my little town
Comment by 
TriSec on 07/14/2010 13:07:39
TriSec on 07/14/2010 13:07:39
Morning, comrades! It's Bastille day! 
'tis also my anniversary today...14 years!
'tis also my anniversary today...14 years!
Comment by 
BobR on 07/14/2010 13:11:00
zoot alors! How could I have forgotten that??
BobR on 07/14/2010 13:11:00
Quote by TriSec:
Morning, comrades! It's Bastille day!
'tis also my anniversary today...14 years!
zoot alors! How could I have forgotten that??
Comment by Raine on 07/14/2010 13:14:57
Good Morning
And Happy anniversary to the TriSec's!!
Stories like these while are important to know about tend to become so sensationalized that I think it undermines the departments themselves.
Speaking of Tasers, I missed this story over the weekend. I hope this will change his mind about tasers should it ever come in front of SCOTUS.
Raine on 07/14/2010 13:14:57
Good Morning And Happy anniversary to the TriSec's!!
Stories like these while are important to know about tend to become so sensationalized that I think it undermines the departments themselves.
Speaking of Tasers, I missed this story over the weekend. I hope this will change his mind about tasers should it ever come in front of SCOTUS.
Derek Thomas, who was admitted to the West Jefferson Hospital in Marrero, Louisiana, for a possible suicide attempt, suffered a “massive seizure” as a result, his family said.
Derek’s sister, Kimberly Thomas said in an e-mail to ABC 26 that the security guard punched him, pulled out his hair and tasered him after he refused to put on a gown and tried to leave the hospital.
"Security contests it was under doctor's orders to taser Thomas as opposed to sedating him for restraint even after prior knowledge of his epilepsy," the e-mail said.
The hospital did not return calls seeking comment.
Derek is the son of Justice Thomas’ younger brother Myer Lee Thomas, who died in 2000.
Comment by TriSec on 07/14/2010 13:24:50
TriSec on 07/14/2010 13:24:50
My Keithcast was cut off this morning....I didn't hear the Steinbrenner piece.
Rush Limbaugh is an asshat.
Rush Limbaugh is an asshat.
Comment by Raine on 07/14/2010 13:25:29
Happy Birthday TrojanRabbit!
Raine on 07/14/2010 13:25:29
Happy Birthday TrojanRabbit!
Comment by wickedpam on 07/14/2010 13:41:51
wickedpam on 07/14/2010 13:41:51
Much to celebrate today 
Happy Anniversary Tri!
Happy Birthday TJ!
Allons-y!
Happy Anniversary Tri!
Happy Birthday TJ!
Allons-y!
Comment by 
Scoopster on 07/14/2010 13:54:30
Scoopster on 07/14/2010 13:54:30
Morning all! 
I heard that Limbaugh clip this morning.. he was rambling incoherently, said something about making a bunch of black people millionaires while firing white people (Billy Martin, Pinella, Bucky Dent, etc.). He sounded like he was completely gone through the whole thing too.. like, stoned into oblivion or something.
Quote by TriSec:
My Keithcast was cut off this morning....I didn't hear the Steinbrenner piece.
Rush Limbaugh is an asshat.
I heard that Limbaugh clip this morning.. he was rambling incoherently, said something about making a bunch of black people millionaires while firing white people (Billy Martin, Pinella, Bucky Dent, etc.). He sounded like he was completely gone through the whole thing too.. like, stoned into oblivion or something.
Comment by TriSec on 07/14/2010 13:56:16
TriSec on 07/14/2010 13:56:16
OK, I didn't make the connection until I just dialed up TRMS with the lead-in story about the Danziger bridge.
It's got my blood boiling again.
It's got my blood boiling again.
Comment by Raine on 07/14/2010 14:22:32
Raine on 07/14/2010 14:22:32
Comment by Raine on 07/14/2010 14:52:07
Raine on 07/14/2010 14:52:07
OK I had to put on the Live Came. Hall IS sitting on the molibity scooter.
Comment by Raine on 07/14/2010 14:52:43
Raine on 07/14/2010 14:52:43
Did we ever find out How she broke her foot?
Comment by Raine on 07/14/2010 14:54:55
Raine on 07/14/2010 14:54:55
HOLY CRAP!~!! 
she's on the floor!
she's on the floor!
Comment by Will in Chicago on 07/14/2010 15:02:06
Will in Chicago on 07/14/2010 15:02:06
Good morning, bloggers!!
BobR, thanks for a blog that shows that some police officers really should be in other professions. I have heard many reports of taser misuse, as this was a topic that Jeff Farias would touch on during his show.
Happy Anniversary to the TriSecs!! Happy Birthday to TrojanRabbit!! And Happy Bastille Day!!
BobR, thanks for a blog that shows that some police officers really should be in other professions. I have heard many reports of taser misuse, as this was a topic that Jeff Farias would touch on during his show.
Happy Anniversary to the TriSecs!! Happy Birthday to TrojanRabbit!! And Happy Bastille Day!!
Comment by Will in Chicago on 07/14/2010 15:03:04
Will in Chicago on 07/14/2010 15:03:04
In some good news, my Indiana teaching license should arrive shortly. I also have a job fair to go to tomorrow morning. Also, I have some networking meetings to set up today in between updating sites with my new resumes. (The career counselor liked them.)
Comment by 
livingonli on 07/14/2010 15:23:23
livingonli on 07/14/2010 15:23:23
Good morning everyone.
Limpballs obsession with black people is finally driving him off the deep end. I guess it's the combination of being a propagandist combined with some resentment that he got fired from ESPN for a racist comment. I really wish he would get busted for drugs and have to actually do time in jail.
Limpballs obsession with black people is finally driving him off the deep end. I guess it's the combination of being a propagandist combined with some resentment that he got fired from ESPN for a racist comment. I really wish he would get busted for drugs and have to actually do time in jail.
Comment by wickedpam on 07/14/2010 15:29:16
wickedpam on 07/14/2010 15:29:16
Fame and Hair talk with Hal and Eddie
Comment by livingonli on 07/14/2010 15:38:27
livingonli on 07/14/2010 15:38:27
I've got the Hal Sparks stream up.
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 07/14/2010 15:42:46
Mondobubba on 07/14/2010 15:42:46
A couple of things need be said this morning. First, David Frum even though he was fired by AEI is still a massive tool. He is on Diane Rheme this morning spewing bullshit about how American citizens are more free now than at any time in the past 30 years because they can own gold coins. Yeah you heard right in a discussion of empire and the executive power grab of the Bush administration, Fishlips Frum totally ignores his former boss' abuses and talks about gold coins.
Second. Bob, define your terms. DC Capitol police? What is this organization of which you speak? There is the Metropolitan Police Department. Is that who you mean? Or do you mean the separate House and Senate police forces? Or since most demonstrations take place on the National Mall, the United States Park Police.
If indeed you mean MPD, they have not had such cordial relations with protesters. Back in late 60s and early 70s they were quite willing to make mass arrests, break up protests with tear gas and generally run rough shod over the civil rights of citizens.
Second. Bob, define your terms. DC Capitol police? What is this organization of which you speak? There is the Metropolitan Police Department. Is that who you mean? Or do you mean the separate House and Senate police forces? Or since most demonstrations take place on the National Mall, the United States Park Police.
If indeed you mean MPD, they have not had such cordial relations with protesters. Back in late 60s and early 70s they were quite willing to make mass arrests, break up protests with tear gas and generally run rough shod over the civil rights of citizens.
Comment by BobR on 07/14/2010 15:54:03
Does it matter? I am speaking from personal experience. I wasn't protesting in the early 70s. Most of the those officers are likely retired by now.
BobR on 07/14/2010 15:54:03
Quote by Mondobubba:
A couple of things need be said this morning. First, David Frum even though he was fired by AEI is still a massive tool. He is on Diane Rheme this morning spewing bullshit about how American citizens are more free now than at any time in the past 30 years because they can own gold coins. Yeah you heard right in a discussion of empire and the executive power grab of the Bush administration, Fishlips Frum totally ignores his former boss' abuses and talks about gold coins.
Second. Bob, define your terms. DC Capitol police? What is this organization of which you speak? There is the Metropolitan Police Department. Is that who you mean? Or do you mean the separate House and Senate police forces? Or since most demonstrations take place on the National Mall, the United States Park Police.
If indeed you mean MPD, they have not had such cordial relations with protesters. Back in late 60s and early 70s they were quite willing to make mass arrests, break up protests with tear gas and generally run rough shod over the civil rights of citizens.
Does it matter? I am speaking from personal experience. I wasn't protesting in the early 70s. Most of the those officers are likely retired by now.
Comment by wickedpam on 07/14/2010 16:07:21
I've seen lots of protests go down in DC over the years and I've found the Park police and DC cops to be quite nice and helpful. Things have come along way since those chaotic days in the 60's and 70's. Everyone learned how to effectivly get their point across and still keep the peace.
the day of that Sept protest when the mounted park police where just sitting on their horses watching the crowd and talking while people took picture with there various signs in front of them said alot to me
wickedpam on 07/14/2010 16:07:21
Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:
A couple of things need be said this morning. First, David Frum even though he was fired by AEI is still a massive tool. He is on Diane Rheme this morning spewing bullshit about how American citizens are more free now than at any time in the past 30 years because they can own gold coins. Yeah you heard right in a discussion of empire and the executive power grab of the Bush administration, Fishlips Frum totally ignores his former boss' abuses and talks about gold coins.
Second. Bob, define your terms. DC Capitol police? What is this organization of which you speak? There is the Metropolitan Police Department. Is that who you mean? Or do you mean the separate House and Senate police forces? Or since most demonstrations take place on the National Mall, the United States Park Police.
If indeed you mean MPD, they have not had such cordial relations with protesters. Back in late 60s and early 70s they were quite willing to make mass arrests, break up protests with tear gas and generally run rough shod over the civil rights of citizens.
Does it matter? I am speaking from personal experience. I wasn't protesting in the early 70s. Most of the those officers are likely retired by now.
I've seen lots of protests go down in DC over the years and I've found the Park police and DC cops to be quite nice and helpful. Things have come along way since those chaotic days in the 60's and 70's. Everyone learned how to effectivly get their point across and still keep the peace.
the day of that Sept protest when the mounted park police where just sitting on their horses watching the crowd and talking while people took picture with there various signs in front of them said alot to me
Comment by TriSec on 07/14/2010 17:58:26
TriSec on 07/14/2010 17:58:26
This blog wouldn't VOOM if you put four thousand volts through it!
Comment by Raine on 07/14/2010 18:04:18
Well I thought I felt something a few minutes ago...
Raine on 07/14/2010 18:04:18
Quote by TriSec:
This blog wouldn't VOOM if you put four thousand volts through it!
Comment by TriSec on 07/14/2010 18:57:02
TriSec on 07/14/2010 18:57:02
Looks like some bigtime rain around Scoopsterville right now.
Did the Warwick Mall ever dry out?
Did the Warwick Mall ever dry out?
Comment by TriSec on 07/14/2010 19:35:08
TriSec on 07/14/2010 19:35:08
Comment by Raine on 07/14/2010 19:47:20
HAH!
Raine on 07/14/2010 19:47:20
Quote by TriSec:
Can I pay with this? << schwing >>
Oh, check out the mug shot. Charming fellow.
Comment by livingonli on 07/14/2010 20:11:18
Excuse me while I whip this out.
livingonli on 07/14/2010 20:11:18
Quote by TriSec:
Can I pay with this? << schwing >>
Oh, check out the mug shot. Charming fellow.
Excuse me while I whip this out.
Comment by BobR on 07/14/2010 20:27:57
"... if you can get it into the coin slot..."
BobR on 07/14/2010 20:27:57
Quote by TriSec:
Can I pay with this? << schwing >>
Oh, check out the mug shot. Charming fellow.
"... if you can get it into the coin slot..."
Comment by trojanrabbit on 07/14/2010 23:29:29
trojanrabbit on 07/14/2010 23:29:29
Happy Anniversary Tri!!!!
Yeah, Countdown on iTunes also cut out before the Steinbrenner bit. Usually when that happens it gets posted again. Not tonight.
Yeah, Countdown on iTunes also cut out before the Steinbrenner bit. Usually when that happens it gets posted again. Not tonight.
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/15/2010 02:42:17
Thanks, Buzz Killington.
Mondobubba on 07/15/2010 02:42:17
Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:
A couple of things need be said this morning. First, David Frum even though he was fired by AEI is still a massive tool. He is on Diane Rheme this morning spewing bullshit about how American citizens are more free now than at any time in the past 30 years because they can own gold coins. Yeah you heard right in a discussion of empire and the executive power grab of the Bush administration, Fishlips Frum totally ignores his former boss' abuses and talks about gold coins.
Second. Bob, define your terms. DC Capitol police? What is this organization of which you speak? There is the Metropolitan Police Department. Is that who you mean? Or do you mean the separate House and Senate police forces? Or since most demonstrations take place on the National Mall, the United States Park Police.
If indeed you mean MPD, they have not had such cordial relations with protesters. Back in late 60s and early 70s they were quite willing to make mass arrests, break up protests with tear gas and generally run rough shod over the civil rights of citizens.
Does it matter? I am speaking from personal experience. I wasn't protesting in the early 70s. Most of the those officers are likely retired by now.
Thanks, Buzz Killington.
Comment by BobR on 07/15/2010 03:41:28
WHO'S killing the buzz??
Hello pot.
BobR on 07/15/2010 03:41:28
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:
A couple of things need be said this morning. First, David Frum even though he was fired by AEI is still a massive tool. He is on Diane Rheme this morning spewing bullshit about how American citizens are more free now than at any time in the past 30 years because they can own gold coins. Yeah you heard right in a discussion of empire and the executive power grab of the Bush administration, Fishlips Frum totally ignores his former boss' abuses and talks about gold coins.
Second. Bob, define your terms. DC Capitol police? What is this organization of which you speak? There is the Metropolitan Police Department. Is that who you mean? Or do you mean the separate House and Senate police forces? Or since most demonstrations take place on the National Mall, the United States Park Police.
If indeed you mean MPD, they have not had such cordial relations with protesters. Back in late 60s and early 70s they were quite willing to make mass arrests, break up protests with tear gas and generally run rough shod over the civil rights of citizens.
Does it matter? I am speaking from personal experience. I wasn't protesting in the early 70s. Most of the those officers are likely retired by now.
Thanks, Buzz Killington.
WHO'S killing the buzz??
Hello pot.