skycop

I never said anything was above reproach, never. Questioning authority is a good thing, as a matter of fact I ENCOURAGE it. Questioning, not bitching. Questioning has a point, bitching does not. The average local PD in America has less than 10 guys. I encourage everyone to get involved and get to know your local PD or if it's a large agency the local district, most have some type of program to involve citizens. I think you'd be surprised how open they'll be. If they aren't encouraging involvement, they should be. Then question why they aren't. State and Federal agencies not so much, I question some of their actions often. We had a guy do an open records request for our military surplus stuff, I guess he thought it was a big secret. We gave him a list and offered to show him anything he wanted, we never heard a word back. All he had to do was ask, and we'd have shown him the items without a need for the open records request. If your local agency is accredited, citizen involvement is mandated. CALEA accreditation includes customer satisfaction surveys and other means of performance based input. If you feel you've been treated improperly or an officer did a good job , call the officers supervisor. Believe me, complaints are taken seriously and tracked, transversely an atta-boy is a good thing too. Now if you want to troll officers with a video camera, then call for a supervisor at the slightest hint of something you may disagree with, I think that may fall into the bitching category. "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

It's not as bad as any media outlet would let you believe. As far as 'cheerleading" goes, I've been able to answer many myths far too many beleive. If that's cheerleading, all I can say is "RAH! RAH!".............. Plus paying taxes and looking at the internet makes EVERYONE an expert............;) "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

Duly noted......... "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

If the explosion was raining dollar bills I'm sure they would. Running toward ambulances after the fact doesn't count......;) "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

In the "Thin Blue Line" is actually very thin when it comes to real misconduct. Cops are like anyone else and will roll when pressured, believe me, I've seen it happen. Every cop I know would not tolerate criminal misconduct, including me. This turning a blind eye is again perpetuated by all forms of media. I've seen it on TV show so it must be true. Police work is alot like combat, hours and hours of boredom and mundane tasks interrupted by moments of sheer terror, ask the cops in the video. For a "bad" cop to succeed he/she has to get by several layers of oversight, mainly being his peers, supervision, administration, the court system and the media. Police detractors are quick to point out what they see as "bad" cops. Good cops have bad days, all cops are thrust into no win situations daily, sometimes several times daily. Yet complaints compared to the number of contacts are extremely low. I will say some good cops are a bit edgy, they will push boundaries but they get results. But the good ones know what boundaries to push, the "bad" ones eventually push themselves out of the job. I always tell young guys or guys I used to train one simple thing, there will always be more bad guys. Never compromise yourself just to make a case, it's not worth it. Pushing limits on a regular basis will get you in trouble and tarnish your image in court. Judges and juries see through the guys who are constantly pushing limits. I've been sued and involved in several lawsuits, each time I would have done the same thing. Something being ugly doesn't mean it's wrong. Day to day police work can get very ugly, most regular people have no idea how ugly it can get, yet be justified. Also like any profession, good cops make mistakes, sometimes they are deadly, most times not. There is a video of an off-duty officer accidentally shooting himself in an elevator. I know this guy, he would be one all would classify as a good cop, very involved in the community and has been for a long time. He made a mistake, but you don't hear all the good the man has done. One of the best and most experienced pilots I know ran an airplane out of gas, he made a mistake, doesn't make him any less of a pilot. But the internet makes everyone an expert. I will agree it takes too long to get rid of guys who continually get in trouble or make a mistake that would lead a reasonable person to believe they should look for another profession. In large cities arbitration ties the hands of administration in getting rid of some "bad apples". "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

Had to get the dig in about the muzzle discipline. What a surprise, a critique in the second paragraph. They were taking rounds, the situation went from zero to one hundred in a second. I'm sure the debrief will cover that, thanks for bringing it up, and your tactical prowess. "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

The 24 hour news cycle would lead you to believe misconduct is rampant, it's not. I've arrested other cops, doctors, lawyers, nurses, pilots, etc. None of these other occupations suffer from the actions of a few, medical malpractice/mistakes kill thousands of people every year. This video is indicative of the average cop, and what he/she would do for you in this type of situation. This wasn't staged, just watch the reactions. Listen to the radio tapes of the last few active shooter incidents, calm rational response in the face of chaos. Look at the Boston bombing video, after the first blast the cops run right toward it, without hesitation. In the current climate this video should be shown under this context by the 24 hour news cycle, but it won't. It will be a local story, and possible a blurb nationally. "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

These officers are examples of the what the average American police officer is. These officers were investigating a domestic, they were interviewing one of the involved parties. An unknown vehicle drove up and started firing at them. Watch what the officer in the lower left corner does. He grabs the person they were interviewing, puts him on the ground, steps over the guy, and shields him from gunfire. This was instantaneous, even though they didn't know if the guy could have possibly been involved. Listen to what the guy says toward the end, "get those motherfuckers". This is what the vast, vast majority of police officers are like, I know hundreds, and almost all of them would have done the same thing with hesitation. http://q13fox.com/2015/01/07/seattle-police-release-video-of-frightening-ambush-officers-seen-scrambling-to-return-fire-raw-video/ "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

Circumstance: husband shoots wife in pre-dawn hours. I know it's fun to comment on the internet, but I've actually been to accidental shootings. Someone doesn't automatically go to jail if the circumstances could dictate otherwise. Neither of us know what happened, the cops may not either. But then again, I guess he should get arrested because he's a cop in your mind. Keep pounding on your keyboard internet warrior. "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

Good question, My experience would say something is up......... We'll see. I've been to a couple "accidental" shootings, the story either holds up or it doesn't. "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

I don't Without knowing the circumstances, I don't pass judgement based on media accounts. I'd do the same for you. "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

I would agree after the initial contact they were unprofessional to a degree. I can assure you, the cop would never let him know he was "rattled". These guys are on edge, and for good reason, the entire incident was completely avoidable. The flip side would be, the officer with his back turned would have been well within his rights to quickly turn around and take the guy to the ground. Or the guy in the van jumping out and taking him down, by the fastest means possible. I'm not trying to be dramatic, but even members of my own family know not to come up behind me and try to scare me. The result if I don't know who it is can be a quick reflexive jab, or a leg sweep. Again the cops fell for an internet troll, but at least understand the situation should have never happened. "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

I agree, Coming up behind an armed guy, making furtive movements which he can't really see, who may be a bit on edge because other armed guys like him had recently been ambushed and KILLED, is pathetic. When will internet trolling millienials realize there are things that aren't games. Go ahead and flame away, but to many this isn't a game and is for keeps........ "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

You do not know the circumstances, basing judgement on a media story............what a surprise. "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

Forced me to answer boobies, the horror........the horror..... "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

One decision, one town........... Hmm............... That must not include the 4 guys I know who have Juris Doctorate degrees, or the numerous ones who have advanced degrees, or the myriad of guys who have college degrees. But that is seldom reported, doesn't meet the far left or right narrative. "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

That number would have nothing to do with effective policing as well, maybe just a little bit.............? "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

I also believe in 2nd amendment, it was put there for a reason. I've talked to several cops from Europe, they all said they could never police in our environment, it would be too dangerous. We just laughed and said there are lots of people who think we in the USA live in a police state, that made them laugh........ "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

Dude, I've been trying to tell you that for years............... In all seriousness, policing in an armed society is extremely challenging. Look at the incidents, the vast, vast majority are more than justified. I know of guys who have taken rounds before they would fire back, all in the name of not getting crucified by their own administration and the media. This is especially true now more than ever. For the foreseeable future the 24 hour news cycle will take advantage of nearly every shoot, no matter how justified, to sell ad space. http://www.cnn.com/2014/12/24/justice/missouri-officer-involved-shooting/index.html?hpt=hp_t1 "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

Context is simple, The guy was observed throwing things over a bridge where the area below was not clear. After the wrestling match the guys jacket had at least one hammer in it, but the cops made it all up and it's their fault. At least that's what some media outlets are reporting, but then again, it is the 24 hour news cycle. "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

Yep, Peaceful................ They all need to go, but I will say, sometimes you have to count your losses when the numbers aren't in your favor during a "peaceful" protest. Wading into that mess wasn't the best tactical decision, sometimes it's just about stopping the illegal action and keeping the crowd moving. "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

The result of the dynamic entry was about the average. If force is used to resolve the situation, a hostage has an 85% chance of survival. My WAG was this guy was getting desperate and was about to do something bad and drastic. Kudos to the Aussie LEO's (and/or military) for a job well done. "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

When I was a SWAT guy we had semi/three round burst/full-auto Mini-14's and select fire MP-5's. Now they have MP-5's and AR-15's. 1033 M-16's save about $600.00 per rifle, they are A2's and easy and cheap to modify to semi-auto. Some of the tactical guys keep full auto, or three round burst. Some departments will further mod the A2's to the M-4 style. M68 Aimpoint reflex sights are also available, I have one on my patrol rifle. "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

Getting this thread somewhat back on topic, I've noticed some interesting things in the media coverage of the "militarization" of the police. The POTUS own "study" of the 1033 program showed 96% of the items received were not "military grade". The other 4% largely consisted of M-16 rifles, night vision, and HMMWV's. The vast majority of HMMWV's are not armored and used for bad weather, search and rescue and other specialized uses. Night vision is passive and most would agree has several law enforcement applications. The M-16's are used as patrol rifles, the departments would have bought rifles on the open market anyway. The M-16's are acquired at a much lower cost, saving millions in local tax dollars. Every department I know that has M-16's modified them to be semi-auto only. This leaves the MRAP, which by any objective measure is nothing more than an armored capsule on a large truck body. I've read numerous media reports of these being tanks. mounted with machine guns, that were used in Ferguson or other areas. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dave-pruett/what-ferguson-says-about-_b_6283576.html There were no LE owned Humvees with mounted machine guns in Ferguson or anywhere else. I challenge anyone to find a photo of a 1033 acquired MRAP being used for crowd control in a protest. The MRAP has no maintenance infrastructure to support anything but light as-needed use. One was used in our area effectively to end an armed stand-off, it was used as rolling cover and worked as advertised. It took numerous rounds and had the lights shot out. The facts have been led astray by the 24 hour news cycle, one of the POTUS recommendations was local oversight of acquired items. Agencies have no problem with that, we had a guy do an open records request for our stuff. We provided a list and offered to show him the items we had. Never heard another word, we've increased our ability to serve our community, we would never have these capabilities without the 1033 program. "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

Next time I post something I'll include quotes and a complete bibliography. * *Sgt. Hulka (Warren Oates), Stripes, Paramont Pictures, 1981 "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"