To Protect and to Serve II

#8,377
#8,377
#8,389
#8,389
Hmmm...I don't know what to make of this development. If someone points a gun at you on the street, I see justification for lethal force. If it were not a cop outside your window, the one shooting into your home should be charged. I just don't know...
 
#8,395
#8,395
NurseGoodVol said:
This i don't agree with, officer safety should not give them the right to trample on your rights. It's an abuse of power.
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Agreed. Not my place to preach. I've made my share of mistakes, but they were honest ones. In 19 years of wearing the badge, I'm a lot older, a lot slower, and hopefully a lot wiser than I was at times. It hurts my heart everytime I read about an LEO who abused, or misused, their authority. They tarnish all of our badges when they tarnish theirs. I take my oath to the public same as I took my oath to God, and to my wife. All are inviolable. I'm not claiming the moral high ground here, but my word is my bond.

That being said, I am reminded of the words of the Chief Deputy at my SO back in 2000. He's gone now, but I still remember some of the lessons he taught me. Among them was this: "You have the power of life or death over everyone you encounter. All you have to do is be able to explain it to a jury of your peers."

Powerful words. In today's world. we (LEO's) have become the enemy to a small, but often vocal and sometimes violent element of society. They don't wear signs to identify them as such, so they always get the first move. And when it comes to a gunfight, the first move is usually the decisive one. It is what it is. I'm more concerned about Sovereign Citizens than I am Al Qaeda.

And with that being said, I have a .40 caliber sidearm, two reloads, a Taser, an ASP, and pepper spray on my duty rig. I have an AR-15 close at hand. I have a Glock .45 as my backup. Because I am a former SRT member, I have enough ammo to fight a small war in my "go-bag", plus hard armor and other neat gadgets in the back of my Tahoe. You get the first move, but if you miss, I would suggest that you have your affairs in order before you confront me with malice aforethought.

In short, "officer safety" is never really a factor with me, nor is it a reason...as if one exists...for me to "trample on your rights". 99% of the people I encounter...be it a traffic stop, service call, 911 call, or whatever....are completely compliant. Those who are not are still given every benefit of the doubt, even if it ends in a custodial arrest. I have nothing to prove. Serve and Protect. That's my mantra, and a central element in the oath I took.

I'm not running for Governor, or Best Guy on VN. I am who I am. I've made my mistakes, and I'm certain that more lie ahead of me. But I make an effort on every shift I work to make a difference, and not count my tickets or arrests. I try to go home at the end of every shift knowing I have honored my oath. In truth, it doesn't always work out that way, but I always try.

There are many others out there just like me, but you never read about them because they don't make the news. Having had my ass beat a couple of times while trying to make an arrest, I can assure you that my ego never gets in the way of me trying to do the right thing anymore. Push come to shove, I'll take the fight, but if you want a fair shake from a cop, I'm probably a good choice.

Don't let the bad apples turn you against the good fruit.

Go Vols.
 
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#8,396
#8,396
You're a good man and I have read Nurse post about cops enough to know she feels the same way that I do : some cops are crap. But that is a small % of them and some are great guys and we would all be better off for knowing them. In my personal experience, the older an officer the cooler and better they are. I think young and stupid wears out its welcome on the force pretty quickly, so by about 30yo or so the overwhelming majority are just good guys trying to do what's right. I have been shown mercy and help when I didnt deserve it by an LEO, and been greatly mistreated and maligned, but I believe the vast majority are good guys and I have raised my children to respect them.

Thanks for what you do
If most people would stop and think about the sorry SOBs most cops have to deal with everyday, they would have more respect for those who have to clean up some serious garbage off the streets. In particular, anything related to the mistreatment of children. I have posted on here for everyone to look in their local sherrifs database for the child molesters. Be amazed at how many live within a couple mile radius of your house. Buy it cheap and stack it deep. Guys like you take guys like that out of society..Good job
 
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#8,400
#8,400
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