I was pulled over in Johnson City TN for driving with my lights off by accident. The very same scenario you mentioned played out. Once it was obvious I was compliant, the environment changed. It was a pleasant exchange and I was let off with a warning. Cops are up against anything. You have to put yourselves in their shoes
I've had familiy in LE for years. I've done citizen's academies for that reason, and two, they're kinda fun. I've done the K9 challenge with both the new pups and the veteran dogs that will take your arm off (bite sleeve of course). I didn't do the taser mainly due to heart issues in my family. I've fired weapons, done the shoot or no shoot trainings. It's all informative, interesting, and fun.
All that being said, cops have my respect. However, from family being in LE at one time or another, I know second hand there are very shitty cops. I have sadly dealt first hand with a shitty cop. I did comply and got out with a warning. Yet, I didn't feel any less like a major criminal over a very minor moving violation and I did have to also wonder if my skin color did play a factor. Some people just shouldn't be LEOs, period. And if you need proof of that, look at that horrible beating of a handcuffed man in a NY jail.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news...ooks-fatal-beating-prison-probed/77350183007/
I'm a supporter of LEOs. However, I support the Constitution and law above ANY human. No man in this country is above the law, period. Badge or not. And in fact, in my book, LEOs should be MORE upstanding than the average citizen, not less. I believe in increased penalties for cops that knowingly break the law. They are supposed to be moral and upstanding. Part of the problem with our issues with police these days are the "us vs them" mentality. Don't get me wrong, LEOs must be vigilant and ready if the need arises. But if you start approaching every person as an absolute threat/criminal, guess what happens? You start becoming extremely paranoid and fearful and you see every person as a threat to your life. 1) That's not a very effective way to be a LEO and 2) that's not a very good way to live. Officers used to be seen, for the most part, as protectors and public servants. Now we see a lot of them as overhanded government enforcers. Part of that is due to increased crime and the need for police to be properly armed. But the other part is just the way laws are being enforced. You see too much ticky-tack enforcement on things while people arrested for their fourth DUIs go home or government officials caught breaking the law get specil treatment. People don't feel like there equality under the law. And that extends down to the perception of LEOs, whether they are good or crap.
Bottom line, some people have NO business being officers. Whether due to personality, mental issues, health, or just plain incompetence.
Support the good ones. Throw the book at the bad ones. Put real criminals behind bars and keep them there.
Policing will improve. Community relations with police will improve. Our society will improve. But only if we are all truly equal under the law.
