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A recent blog either asked that question or lead me to ask that question. And, in short term, I went in a logic circle trying to find where I really stood on the issue. I did not find a way out of that until recently. The answer, though it may seem circular still, is yes and no.
The latter answer, no, is a simple thing. Law enforcement is really created to enforce laws. They cannot possibly enforce all laws all of the time. Nor can they enforce laws blindly. As such, the average citizen will perpetually be at odds with law enforcement. We are the ones they are looking at. And, as a nation, we would rather do what we want rather than follow laws. And anyone who breaks a law would rather not face penalties for it. If there were enough officers to enforce every law, we would either have a huge civil uprising or be crushed under militaristic police forces. So, this leads to selective enforcement. Part of that selectivity is based on, hopefully, past behavior, demographics (yes, I believe in some weight given to profiling), and an officers instincts. Prosecutors and judges sort out the right and wrong, officers really are a thin blue line, undermanned and often outgunned (as it really is supposed to be as a means of balancing of powers).
On the other hand, the police and other law agencies really do exist for our sum total benefit. If you do not believe that, try living in a nation where law is weak, corrupt, and overpowering. Most Americans could look to Mexico for an example, but most of European law enforcement would make most Americans feel just as weak if they have reason to experience it, if in a slightly different way. Run from the police in Germany (at your very real peril), talk back to a cop in England or France, or cause trouble in Italy. You will find you have no real rights, not as Americans know them. As for protective service, law officers fail. Their job is mostly investigating crimes after the fact. And courts have agreed that, even with court orders, the police have no responsibility for the safety of citizens. That, in my opinion, is a good thing. I would rather protect mine and myself, thank you.
Beyond that, law officers generally do a good job, most are straight enough for government purposes, and do what is expected of them well. There are exceptions, as with all things. But for the most part, they really are world class. In my opinion, they balance force with patience well. They practice their trade in a manner such that, should that have been my calling, I would be proud to be in their numbers. And, all given, I will obey and work with them in almost any condition barring unwarranted lethal force being used on me, or something crazy like that, without me being a threat. I have had encounters with the police, not always happily (though too, never seriously), and I have never had a problem. I am large, but that is more of a risk than not. A big guy makes normal and small guys nervous when they are supposed to be in a position of power, so I would expect cops to overact negatively for that reason. Yet, as I have said, I have always been polite and have never had a problem.
Look, if a cop stops you, gives you a hassle, and you are clean. Obey him. If that means handcuffs and a ride, take it. Then talk to his chief and take care of it that way. If you are a doper and do not think dope should be illegal, then move to Mexico (or California). If you are a slime ball and like committing crimes, if you have a record, or if you have an attitude, expect trouble. Why? Because you are looking for it. If you think cops treat you bad, look at why that is happening. Most likely, you are the problem. That does not mean I believe in a police state, it means I believe in law and order. Beyond, if we reduce police forces to the point where they do not function, expect me and others like me to fill in for them. And, to be absolutely honest, if you are a dirt bag, you best hope that does not happen. I will not sit their and hold your hand while you smear and demean me, courtesy, order, or such. You best hope law officers, professional ones, are on the job. Because I will mash you, more if you refuse to take your medicine.
The first thing I plan on doing when I move is contacting the local sheriff and perhaps talking with the local police outreach officer. Well, I need to talk to the sheriff in order to get my cc converted. But I would also like to talk to him as a neighbor, ask some questions, and leave open that if he needs help that I will be available. I suspect all I will ever be needed for would be search and rescue tasks and such but one never knows. And, I would think, if nothing else, any sheriff would feel more comfortable knowing that there are people out there who are interested and willing to put a little skin in the game for their community.
Part of what confused me, regarding law officers, was that the relationship is and always will be somewhat antagonistic. The other part of the confusion is my rage at prosecutor’s and judge’s failures. I see them let officers take all the heat, do all the work, and just as often through activism, reverse discrimination, and other evils, spit in the faces of officers (and us). And, really, I do have rage about that. Add to the media’s work in this type of evil as well, I have grave doubts about law and order, generally, in the US. Until we restore sanity to the other areas of our legal system, that will not change. I have very little faith in “my” court system and media. But cops, yeah, so long as we can keep the Dums from corrupting them.
One last thing. Police are on our side, if to a much lesser degree and imperfectly, like God is. If we are doing what we are supposed to be doing we really have no problem. Do crime, or sin, and plan on paying the price... here or there, maybe both.
