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If you don’t want to get hurt, don’t challenge me.


police beat
8.02.14

“…here is the bottom line: if you don’t want to get shot, tased, pepper-sprayed, struck with a baton or thrown to the ground, just do what I tell you. Don’t argue with me, don’t call me names, don’t tell me that I can’t stop you, don’t say I’m a racist pig, don’t threaten that you’ll sue me and take away my badge. Don’t scream at me that you pay my salary, and don’t even think of aggressively walking towards me.”

In the wake of the events in Ferguson this does not seem like the kind of sentiment any police officer would want to broadcast.

But it gets worse.  How about this:
“But if you believe (or know) that the cop stopping you is violating your rights or is acting like a bully, I guarantee that the situation will not become easier if you show your anger and resentment.”

Or this:
“Do what the officer tells you to and it will end safely for both of you.”

We all know there is zero guarantee of that. You could well do everything you are told and still end up assaulted, raped or dead. The fact is, bad people become cops just like they become doctors, plumbers, teachers and gun rights activists.  That’s life and human nature. And while a lot of good people put on a badge and a cop uniform every day there will always be those who abuse their positions.  That’s why the referenced quotes are so disturbing.

They reflect a level of arrogance and disrespect for the people the police  are sworn to serve. To be told not to “show your anger and resentment” implies that you  are a subject of a civil servant who must be obedient and subservient when being questioned by your “betters.”

The author of this unfortunate piece has played right into the hands of those who believe some police are out of control.