Cop in America doing a bad job, again

[SmashedHombre]

Don't even know what to say.

Cleared of wrongdoing! FFS. This is the big problem, police in the states are just not accountable for their actions. They have free rein and too many of them clearly should not be in any position of power.

Dashcams and bodycams should be mandatory for every single law enforcement service and be active every single time they interact with a member of the public. (Not that having video evidence made any difference in this case, or in so many cases.)

 

[Neutral]

Cops getting shot all over the place tonight

4 in Florida - 1 dead
2 in Pennsylvania

 

[Skizzo]

Cops getting shot all over the place tonight

4 in Florida - 1 dead
2 in Pennsylvania

A police officer in Florida was murdered and another was critically wounded while four other police officers around the country were struck by gunfire within a span of two hours Friday night.

Officer Matthew Baxter (27), a three-year veteran with the Kissimmee Police Department, was killed and Sergeant Sam Howard (36), a ten-year veteran, remains in grave condition after being shot after responding to a suspicious person near Palmway and Cypress Streets at approximately 9:30 p.m. yesterday night.

Three suspects are in custody and a fourth is being sought. One suspect, Everett Glen Miller, has been charged with first-degree murder on a police officer.

About 160 miles away in Jacksonville, Florida two more police officers were shot around 11 p.m. Friday evening. In this incident, police responded to an attempted suicide call on the 5100 block of Seaboard Avenue. One suspect was armed with a rifle, while three others inside the house took refuge in a bedroom. When the officers tried to enter the home, the suspect opened fire and shot at the cops through the door leaving one officer in critical condition and the other in stable condition. Three victims who were hiding inside the home were unharmed. The suspect was shot and later died in a local hospital.

In Fayette County, Pennsylvania, two state troopers were also shot on Friday night at around 9 p.m. at an incident that occurred in a supermarket. In that incident the suspect was killed and the two Pennsylvania State Troopers were taken to the hospital in stable condition.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Matthew Baxter’s family, friends, and colleagues at the Kissimmee Police Department. Officer Baxter is servived by his wife and three children.

We are also praying for a full and speedy recovery for Sergeant Sam Howard and all the other law enforcement officers injured in each of last night’s violent assaults on America’s peacekeepers.

UPDATE: Sergeant Sam Howard passed away on the afternoon of August 19, 2017. He is survived by his wife and child. We offer our condolences, thoughts, and prayers to Sergeant Howard's family, friends, and colleagues at the Kissimmee Police Department.

 

[Skizzo]

We had a briefing item yesterday regarding not going to grab lunch at a certain place while on duty, due to the fact that officers went there and found broken glass in their sandwich. Fortunately they found it before they consumed any of it.

 

[Neutral]

The 2nd officer in the Kissimmee incident also passed away

 

[Welsh Wonder]

We had a briefing item yesterday regarding not going to grab lunch at a certain place while on duty, due to the fact that officers went there and found broken glass in their sandwich. Fortunately they found it before they consumed any of it.

What the feck, that's terrible

 

[Skizzo]

What the feck, that's terrible

Not the best business practice

 

[Man of Leisure]

Not the best business practice

Name and shame. Incredibly stupid to feck with police officers like that. Was it a national chain restaurant?

 

[Skizzo]

Name and shame. Incredibly stupid to feck with police officers like that. Was it a national chain restaurant?

Jersey Joe's

 

[Man of Leisure]

Jersey Joe's

Hmm, never heard of them. Wonder if they're related to Jersey Mike's.

Off-topic question, but do you browse the Caf during work hours? Pretty sure most of us do, except you're not in an office or cubicle. Imagining you on the side of the road browsing the caf, brings a smile to my face.

 

[Skizzo]

Hmm, never heard of them. Wonder if they're related to Jersey Mike's.

Off-topic question, but do you browse the Caf during work hours? Pretty sure most of us do, except you're not in an office or cubicle. Imagining you on the side of the road browsing the caf, brings a smile to my face.

Usually I'll ask some of the arrests what their thoughts are on upcoming line ups and score predictions.

Or have them help me with the latest fantasy draft

And yes, I'm kidding. Before someone takes me seriously and comes in and berates me

I do check in from time to time though when grabbing lunch, or working on reports. Especially as I'm working during all the games. Good thing @GifLord is a beast with the uploads so I don't miss much!

 

[Sweet Square]

 

[Neutral]

Trump has just rescinded Obama admin restrictions on coppers getting Army surplus - I reckon some of our police departments and their tactical teams are better armed than half the armies of the world

 

[The Firestarter]

Trump has just rescinded Obama admin restricts on coppers getting Army surplus - I reckon some of our police departments and their tactical teams are better armed than half the armies of the world

A version of the Wild West with cutting edge firearms and gear. Ordinary cops lacking proper training to use such equipment, but eager to try their new toys. Good times.

 

[SmashedHombre]

Trump has just rescinded Obama admin restricts on coppers getting Army surplus - I reckon some of our police departments and their tactical teams are better armed than half the armies of the world

That doesn't seem funny tbh. It seems terrifying.

 

[Skizzo]

This is how I'm currently stocked
No not really

 

[Adisa]

This is how I'm currently stocked
No not really

Commando.
In all seriousness, what is the need for this?
You going for a war or something?

 

[VorZakone]

Commando.
In all seriousness, what is the need for this?
You going for a war or something?

White text.

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

This is how I'm currently stocked
No not really

No bazooka?

And maybe couple of machetes, a flame thrower and some ninja stars just to add some variety.

 

[barros]

Woman run over by a police car. (Well drop your gun next time)

 

[George Owen]

 

[Neutral]

 

[Skizzo]

DEPUTY MURDERED AND TWO CHP OFFICERS SHOT

Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Robert French was killed this afternoon and two California Highway Patrol officers were injured at a Ramada Inn in Sacramento County after a gunman opened fire on the law enforcement officials. All three officers were part of a task force investigating a stolen vehicle case and had come across the missing car in the parking lot of a Ramada Inn.

Two women in the stolen vehicle led the officers on a chase that ended in suburban Elk Grove, where they were arrested. When the officers went back to the Ramada Inn and knocked on the door to one of the rooms, a male suspect opened fire on them with a high-powered rifle, injuring the two CHP officers.
The gunman then ran out onto the balcony, where he traded fire with sheriff's deputies and shot Deputy French. Sometime thereafter the gunman led police on a brief chase before he was shot by law enforcement officials in another exchange of gunfire and taken into custody.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Robert French’s family, friends, and colleagues. Additionally, we hope and pray for a full and speedy recovery of the two wounded CHP Officers.

 

[utdalltheway]

Was reminded of this thread a while back while watching Spanish cops running towards the gunfire in Cambrills.
Some cops don't get the praise they deserve.

 

[Neutral]

Was reminded of this thread a while back while watching Spanish cops running towards the gunfire in Cambrills.
Some cops don't get the praise they deserve.

Not some. I think for the most part we ignore the day to day dangers they face and the risks they take to keep people safe.

But, thats just human nature isn't it? The bad/negative stuff makes for better news...

 

[Snow]

Not some. I think for the most part we ignore the day to day dangers they face and the risks they take to keep people safe.

But, thats just human nature isn't it? The bad/negative stuff makes for better news...

Read a story yesterday about the police in Rio on the brink of giving up fighting crime because so many of them die in duty. Can't compare what the cops in the US go through to the Western Europe police on a day-to-day basis but you have to wonder how much progress has been made on training new cops and re-educating the old ones considering how many huge mistakes they seem to make with a deadly weapon.

 

[Skizzo]

Read a story yesterday about the police in Rio on the brink of giving up fighting crime because so many of them die in duty. Can't compare what the cops in the US go through to the Western Europe police on a day-to-day basis but you have to wonder how much progress has been made on training new cops and re-educating the old ones considering how many huge mistakes they seem to make with a deadly weapon.

I think it's such a tough job right now as far as training new officers because they need to be trained for the danger that is realistically there, and that's like I posted above. Three officers shot just for going after a stolen vehicle.

It just isn't feasible or realistic in the current climate to train officers to try and find peaceful ways to end every conflict because there's a very real threat and chance I may go to work one day and never come back and see my wife and daughter.

(That's not a sob story, and I don't expect sympathy etc etc, because I understood the risks when I joined. I also get paid well, and the retirement and benefits are better than anything else I'd get elsewhere, so all in all, I can't complain about much)

That being said, there needs to be a complete overhaul in so many policies, training etc, but until there's also a complete overhaul in how armed criminals act and behave, and what they have access to, it's unlikely to be given a green light to change. which is unfortunate, because there does need to be changes.

I do understand the point you're making about the illegal shootings and killings of people, as opposed to the justified ones. As a general theme though, I don't see training able to change in the current climate, just as I don't see the current climate changing with most officers receiving training as they do. Until the majority, or people in charge, or whoever it needs to be to get things done, sit down and figure out how to get both sides to make the necessary changes, I fear things won't get better.

 

[Skizzo]

Not some. I think for the most part we ignore the day to day dangers they face and the risks they take to keep people safe.

But, thats just human nature isn't it? The bad/negative stuff makes for better news...

I don't mind the overlooking of it so much, but there was a discussion i had on here in regards to the dangers of the job, getting shot, car crashes in high speed chases etc, and was just told lumberjacks have it worse because more of them per 100 die every year or something. And that they signed up for it so that's their job and what they're paid for.

That to me, and it's just my personal opinion, is a disgusting attitude to have towards someone who swore an oath to lay down their life for someone else's. To put themselves in a position where they might never see their husband/wife/son/daughter etc ever again, just so you can make it home to see yours. I think every loss of life is tragic, but as a lumberjack you don't have people out specifically trying to execute you as you sit having lunch. Yes there's shitty cops out there, I won't argue that at all, but to downplay the sacrifice that so many have made and to have put their life into a statistic to say "eh, less of you died this year than year X" is worse than just ignoring the contribution. That's my rant on it at least.

On a personal level, I love being out in the community. I'm mostly on highways, and people only usually see me on traffic stops, or when they've had an accident or getting arrested, so not usually the best circumstances. I get flipped off, dirty looks, cursed at. I also get smiles, thank you's, and waves from kids. It's a polarizing position, and it has even more extremes with things how they are these days. I also wouldn't want to do anything else, because that one person that says thank you for wearing the uniform, or the one kid that waves at you from the back seat as you drive by, far outweighs the feeling you get when someone is pissed at you for citing them for going 90 and telling me I should be out arresting a murderer.

I worked sales, and all I ever got there was cursed at anyway, so this is a step up from there at least

 

[afrocentricity]

I have problems with the way that you see all this. I'm not going to bother getting into it though as I can't be arsed trying to explain myself to people who can't and won't get it.

All I will say is if you're hoping for changes to criminal behaviour before you change the way you approach policing, things are not gonna get better any time soon. And if you are gonna take every police criticism personally (which you shouldn't if you can make the distinction between the bad police and yourself) then I wonder if you take the incidents including bad police personally too?

 

[Javi]

@Skizzo are you satisfied with the level of compensation offered? Imo police needs better salaries; where I' coming from (Central Europe) the pay isn't good at all, therefore they can't be that picky in recruitment.

Better pay = better police = upward spirale. Would you agree?

 

[Sky1981]

@Skizzo are you satisfied with the level of compensation offered? Imo police needs better salaries; where I' coming from (Central Europe) the pay isn't good at all, therefore they can't be that picky in recruitment.

Better pay = better police = upward spirale. Would you agree?

It probably is if we're talking about corrupt cops.. This isn't corruption, it's a moral corruption.

Cops who wrongly shoot people to death by intent and planting evidence on the suspect aren't doing it for money

 

[Javi]

It probably is if we're talking about corrupt cops.. This isn't corruption, it's a moral corruption.

Cops who wrongly shoot people to death by intent and planting evidence on the suspect aren't doing it for money

But better pay = bigger pool of people applying. So the police only hires the best people, which would lead to a better assessment of situations etc. Corrpution aside, how does it not work?

 

[Neutral]

@Skizzo are you satisfied with the level of compensation offered? Imo police needs better salaries; where I' coming from (Central Europe) the pay isn't good at all, therefore they can't be that picky in recruitment.

Better pay = better police = upward spirale. Would you agree?

Just to give you an idea 10 best and 10 worst states - take into account other benefits and money isn't THAT bad.

https://www.cheatsheet.com/culture/...icers-highest-lowest-salaries.html/?a=viewall

But, it comes down to how many people actually want to do this sort of work? I know even if I was paid $150k I wouldn't be interested in being a cop.

 

[Sky1981]

But better pay = bigger pool of people applying. So the police only hires the best people, which would lead to a better assessment of situations etc. Corrpution aside, how does it not work?

Not really. The culprit is usually a ranked officer and it really has nothing to do with not getting paid enough.

Psychotic things they did isn't financially motivated. If it's dirty cop then yes more remuneration is a helpful solution. Not in this case.

This sort of crime isn't because of poor education and aptitude. Most of the coppers who did all these evil things aren't stupid or lacking in education.

 

[Skizzo]

I have problems with the way that you see all this. I'm not going to bother getting into it though as I can't be arsed trying to explain myself to people who can't and won't get it.

All I will say is if you're hoping for changes to criminal behaviour before you change the way you approach policing, things are not gonna get better any time soon. And if you are gonna take every police criticism personally (which you shouldn't if you can make the distinction between the bad police and yourself) then I wonder if you take the incidents including bad police personally too?

I said there's needs to be an overhaul in the way police operate. I also said it's hard to do that when gun laws, among other things, are how they are. If you take offense to everything I say, I have no issue with you keeping quiet and not trying to explain your viewpoint anymore. I don't want to waste my time trying to talk with someone who can't grasp more than their own opinion of things. You criticize my post no matter what it is. We already established that last week was it?

 

[Skizzo]

@Skizzo are you satisfied with the level of compensation offered? Imo police needs better salaries; where I' coming from (Central Europe) the pay isn't good at all, therefore they can't be that picky in recruitment.

Better pay = better police = upward spirale. Would you agree?

Personally I'm happy with it, although different departments, different pay and benefits etc. As others said above though, it's not so much a money issue I don't think, and I certainly wouldn't want someone to do the job solely because of the money. I think that would lead to having more people who wouldn't necessarily want to put themselves into crappy spots, they're just showing up for a check.

 

[utdalltheway]

Not some. I think for the most part we ignore the day to day dangers they face and the risks they take to keep people safe.

But, thats just human nature isn't it? The bad/negative stuff makes for better news...

Then none?
Not all cops are brave and good, just the same way not all are bad and cowardly. So it is "some".

 

[afrocentricity]

I said there's needs to be an overhaul in the way police operate. I also said it's hard to do that when gun laws, among other things, are how they are. If you take offense to everything I say, I have no issue with you keeping quiet and not trying to explain your viewpoint anymore. I don't want to waste my time trying to talk with someone who can't grasp more than their own opinion of things. You criticize my post no matter what it is. We already established that last week was it?

Weren't taking offence it's just a difference of opinion. I'm allowed to post that we have a difference of opinion right? We don't need to agree about everything or be quiet.

I made a few comments on your post. It's not an attack or slight on your character even if that's how you see it.

 

[ivaldo]

I said there's needs to be an overhaul in the way police operate. I also said it's hard to do that when gun laws, among other things, are how they are. If you take offense to everything I say, I have no issue with you keeping quiet and not trying to explain your viewpoint anymore. I don't want to waste my time trying to talk with someone who can't grasp more than their own opinion of things. You criticize my post no matter what it is. We already established that last week was it?

You've given him more than enough of your time mate. His general opinion and view on police officers is abhorrent. You and the vast majority of your colleagues know you're doing the best you can, that all that matters.

 

[Skizzo]

You've given him more than enough of your time mate. His general opinion and view on police officers is abhorrent. You and the vast majority of your colleagues know you're doing the best you can, that all that matters.

Cheers mate, appreciate that. I don't think I've been unfair in my postings in general, but can't please everyone I suppose