Lew's boat raffle

[fishinwrench]

No not "anti-cop" at all, but I understand why it might seem that way.

Society needs laws AND a team out there whose job is to enforce them, so we do need LEO's.

I am strongly against the way many of them operate however, and if there were truly any good ones that took their oath seriously then the punkass ones couldn't last 2 weeks with any department before being fired.

I'm not cool with the brotherhood crap thing that they have going on, it's not good for anyone and does absolutely nothing to ensure anyone's safety or prevent any crimes. And it costs us (decent people) hard earned money. Lots of it... with no positive results.

The only ones who benefit from todays typical LEO's and their gestapo practices are the lawyers.

Thefts haven't decreased.

Drug use hasn't decreased.

Murders and wrongful assaults haven't decreased.

Traffic accidents haven't decreased.

Hell, fuel drive-offs haven't even decreased.

So what exactly is it that makes them so awesome and highly respected? So much so that the badged ones are themselves above the laws?

Incoming !!!!

[hoglaw]

To be fair, I think it's a pretty widely understood fact that crime has decreased significantly in the last few decades, isn't it? Serious crime - rape, murder, robbery, and assault - has fallen like a rock since the 80's. It's been attributed to lots of things from policing technology to legalized abortion. While the theories for the drop are controversial, I think it's generally agreed by everyone that crime has decreased significantly.

In any event, I hear you on your rant. There are certainly bunches of bad apple cops, and plenty of good ones as well. But we as a society have a healthy respect for public servants, and fundraisers in their name/honor garner a lot of support and attention. You could certainly go about fundraising for those you felt more deserving. That would be a very saintly approach.

[Ketchup]

Wrench, with all due respect, all of things you mentioned, have gone down considerably. Facts are:

Lets take a look from 1993 until 2013 "the time frame i have available":

1993 Violent Offenses 37,191

2013. Violent Offenses. 26,168

Factor in the population rise in those 20 years, and the ratio as a whole would look even more impressive. This is for the state of Mo. only.

Property crimes:

1993 216,944

2013 196,078

These include burglary, theft, motor vehicle thefts, arson, etc.

The country as a whole benefits from honest law enforcement, and even those that dont follow the straight line do good for society, as they answer calls and apprehend criminals on a daily basis, help those in need, save lives when needed, etc.

Unless you "not wrench as a person" has walked in those LEO shoes, its hard to even begin to understand the nature of the job. Trust me, its nothing like you see on TV.

[Ketchup]

On the brotherhood comment:

I worked for the union as a carpenter for several years. Looking at them from the outside, i never understood why they stuck together, went on strike together, voted to pass laws together, and always thought it was silly.

Well, that was until i became one. Then looking at the outside, from a union member, i understood where they were coming from. Im still a strong supporter of unions. I dont go to meetings, vote, etc. anymore, but i believe in what they stand for.

Law Enforcement is the same way. Looking at it from the outside, you will never get it. Especially in these troubled times, its more imperative for LEO to stick together, as a brotherhood. Its the ONLY defense between the bad guys, and yourself.

Most agencies have a ride along program. You go in, sign a release, get briefed on whats expected from you as a civilian in a police car, and enjoy your few hours of learning what it would be like. Those ride alongs have woken alot of peoples eyes.

[fishinwrench]

Oh I would LOVE to do ride-along.

"But officer, that car never crossed the yellow line".

"Excuse me sir, but why did you pull over the car with Colorado plates for not having a license plate light, but none of the other 795 we've seen tonite?"

"Yes she WAS a fox....but was that really a lane violation? Everyone including yourself uses the turn lane to enter traffic too. It was really white of you to make it a verbal warning instead of the way you socked it to the dude in the old truck though".

"Hey, shouldn't we offer to help those folks that are having car trouble?"

"Instead of waiting until the cars leave the bar parking lot why don't we offer them a ride home, since you know they live just around the corner".

"Do you always carry a rock of methamphetamine in your front pocket?".

[5bites]

The guy got hurt sticking his neck out for our safety. That's more than most of us do. I'm glad someone stepped up to help. It they were helping someone else most that are griping about this would gripe about that too.

If you think you can do a better job put yourself in their shoes.

[fishinwrench]

They are highly trained and have all the latest toys to ensure they can stay on top of any possible situation, plus they have oodles of backup at the ready AND they can retreat until backup arrives if things get the slightest bit spooky.

So how anyone can claim their job is so utterly dangerous is beyond me. A job driving a truck or working at a convenience store is more "dangerous" than being a successfully trained LEO armed to the teeth. IMO.

But that's just me thinking out loud. Means nothing. There's a reason why I don't stick my hand in the flywheel of a running engine.

[Ketchup]

Now thats funny stuff right there. ^^^^^^

[fishinwrench]

The guy got hurt sticking his neck out for our safety. That's more than most of us do. I'm glad someone stepped up to help. It they were helping someone else most that are griping about this would gripe about that too.

If you think you can do a better job put yourself in their shoes.

I have saved 7 lives so far. Legitimately. I keep count just for conversations like this one.

What was the guy that killed the cop guilty of .....I mean BEFORE he killed the cop ? Late paying child support, or had he smacked some chick that was too stupid to leave when she shoulda? Just curious what the cop truly gave his life to save us all from.

Apparently he failed to assess the situation fully. You can't just go arresting people and assume they are all gonna go without a fight. And when they DO fight, well that's where you remember how you got your certificate.

You can't serve and protect ANYONE if you're dead.

[Ketchup]

In the early morning hours of Jan. 26, 2015, a Springfield police officer on patrol noticed suspicious activity behind a business that had closed for the evening. He called for back-up, and Officer Aaron Pearson and another police officer arrived at the scene to assist their fellow officer. Police investigators believe Officer Pearson was shot by a man who has four convictions for resisting arrest or assaulting a law enforcement officer. Officer Pearson suffered what Police Chief Paul Williams referred to as "career-ending injuries." He is listed in serious but stable condition at a Springfield hospital and has a long road of rehabilitation ahead of him.

Aaron is 30 years old, married and has two children. Employed by the Springfield Police Department (SPD) for three years, Pearson received a SPD commendation in 2014 for a methamphetamine investigation. Officer Pearson is originally from Blue Springs, MO – east of Kansas City. Both his father and father-in-law were law enforcement officers.