Gomig-21
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Speaking from experience - policing is hard work and in hindsight everyone is an expert and can put holes in people's actions.
100% true. It's very easy to sit back in our comfy homes and criticize a difficult job where in reality, these people are putting their lives on the line every day.
But they did choose the job, so it doesn't mean they're allowed to do it half-***, either. Especially when that job gives them a lot of authority over the average citizen.
The other problem (which doesn't necessarily absolve them of all responsibilities) is the training they get at the academy. It really isn't sufficient. If you took a series of let's say 10 questions regarding basic laws of let's say, what are lawful directives and what are not, and others that question lawful ID requests as another example and ask 10 misc. cops the same questions, I guarantee you the majority of them would get nearly all of them wrong. Also, distinguishing policy procedure vs if they are constitutional or not.
For example, mayors or city officials will put up signs in many public areas or federal buildings (which are also public areas) that are deemed "policy" but are unconstitutional. So when there's a problem with let's say a public employee wants a citizen trespassed from a public place or building because the individual is wearing a shirt that has a profanity on it and calls the cops. The cops show up and take that employee's word and posted "policy" as law, while completely dismissing the constitutionality of that policy and employee demand and immediately attempt to trespass the individual instead of knowing that the citizen has certain unalienable rights that trump any unlawful policy. Where is the balanced investigation and understanding of that citizen's constitutional rights? They don't have the ability to decern what is lawful under the constitution vs unlawful policy. This is a major cause of many lawsuits that cost the cities all across the US millions upon millions of dollars. So many issues that need addressing, well beyond the one at hand on this thread lol.
They get great weapons training, lots of time at the range, lots of time with dogs for canine units, lots of training that involve those physical disciplines. But other very important things like basic rights and investigative skills and procedures are very lacking, unfortunately.