Now ye're talking - to a US police officer Part II

punisher5112

If a bulb goes in the shop, do officers change them out or is there others for that?

What's the most interesting incident you've ever been involved in and what's the most happiest......

I'm a US police officer, AMA

If a bulb goes in the shop, do officers change them out or is there others for that?

Not sure what ya mean here mate…if its’ building maintenance, yep, the maintenance team does that….depending on how many officers it takes to put in a light bulb 😊, the answer is of course, one, but they are never around when you need one!!

What's the most interesting incident you've ever been involved in and what's the most happiest......

Caught a bank robber once, that was pretty cool. Short foot chase, scuffle and got the cuffs on him. This guy had an epic beard, very obvious, yet the only thing the bank teller could tell us was “he had well groomed eyebrows”. Granted she was under stress, but still, this thing looked like a ZZ Top band members beard

I’ve worked with the detectives on larger cases, writing warrants, making calls, gathering evidence. That process never ceases to fascinate me how it all comes together 18 months later in court.

The happiest, rescued a bloke from a flooded river where his car had gotten stuck, grabbed him just as he was being swept away.

Other one was finding a homeless lady, late teens, cold & hungry. We bought her dinner, talked to her for a bit, and she was willing to let us help, so we got her into a shelter and linked her with social services. Always wonder what happened with her, she was a lovely person, just on hard times.

I'll do some digging and see if I can get a redacted report to post up to give an idea of how it all works.

be safe, wear those masks

punisher5112

Shop = cruiser.... Was just watching The Rookie;-)

They refer to the car as a shop and boot for the trainee of course....


Cheers

osarusan

You've mentioned tv shows skewing people's perceptions of the job, and I have read elsewhere that in court, jurors sometimes have unrealistic expectations of what kind of evidence will be offered, based on watching tv shows like CIS.

Are there any tv shows/films that do a particularly good job of portraying the realities of life and work as a police officer?

Larry Bee

Hey thanks for doing another round of questions - very enjoyable and informative.

There was an interesting thread here about what should you do if you were arrested. Opinions varied from if you've nothing to hide, just answer anything you're asked
truthfully and everything will be alright, to do not engage with the police at all - just blank them and stay 100% silent until you have been in contact with your solicitor.

From what I can gather in that thread the laws are probably different in America than here (?) but have you any thoughts on what to do? How much can you trust the cops when you've been brought to the station to help with their enquires?

Thanks,
John

Thoie

I'm a US police officer, AMA wrote: »

it's better to be a good witness, call it in, give good descriptions

I'm a US police officer, AMA wrote: »

This guy had an epic beard, very obvious, yet the only thing the bank teller could tell us was “he had well groomed eyebrows”. Granted she was under stress, but still, this thing looked like a ZZ Top band members beard

I'm always terrified that I'll be asked by the police "what was he wearing/what did she look like?". I'd have difficulty telling you what I'm wearing/look like, let alone anyone else. How "bad" are witnesses in general? Besides missing the giant beard, have you had any other major/funny mismatches between descriptions and reality?

I'm a US police officer, AMA

Shop = cruiser.... Was just watching The Rookie;-)
They refer to the car as a shop and boot for the trainee of course.

Ah, gotcha…missed that one by a mile didn’t I? No, the maintenance section does all the work on the cars. Which, is a chore given how hard we drive those things. Never, ever, ever, buy an ex-police car. While they are generally well maintained, they are driven rough, over cerbs, potholes, etc.

You've mentioned tv shows skewing people's perceptions of the job, and I have read elsewhere that in court, jurors sometimes have unrealistic expectations of what kind of evidence will be offered, based on watching tv shows like CSI.

This is true, even on the street. Victims call us for a broken window and are expecting a full CSI turnout, with all sorts of cool kit, DNA samples, etc. We do have to manage perceptions a bit on that. Juries are the same, they’ll ask “Is there DNA?” or something, not understanding we can’t always get DNA from a scene. Forensic science is advancing, but it’s not the be all, end all of every case.

Likewise with video evidence. With the explosion in use of video doorbells, home cameras, and CCTV in general, there is an expectation we’ll get HD, bold technicolour images of the perp. A surprisingly high number of those systems don’t work, are badly aimed, not recording, or the images are so grainy to be of little use.

As an aside on DNA, you generally need a sample of blood, hair, semen, saliva or other body fluids. If you get a good sample, then you can send it off to the lab, this is a 6-12 month long wait due to workload at the state lab. They are so backed up, we’ve outsourced our sex crimes DNA analysis to a private, certified lab, they only take 3-4 months. Cell phone records are another time hole….the telecoms and internet providers are annoyingly slow with records, takes 9-12 months to get them back. And all this is before it goes to the DA or a grand jury, and eventually a trial. Meanwhile, the victim is just wondering where is justice. Painful.

Are there any tv shows/films that do a particularly good job of portraying the realities of life and work as a police officer?

My personal facourites are The Wire, probably the best cop show ever. It’s a slow start but worth the watch. The first few seasons of Scott & Bailey are good, and Guarding the K was bloody awesome. That Netflix Atlanta Murder Squad series (can’t remember the name offhand, is good too). And of course, i could only dream about being as cool as Jake Peralta in Brooklyn 99 :cool:

I'm a US police officer, AMA

There was an interesting thread here about what should you do if you were arrested. Opinions varied from if you've nothing to hide, just answer anything you're asked truthfully and everything will be alright, to do not engage with the police at all- just blank them and stay 100% silent until you have been in contact with your solicitor.

First off, this is not legal advice, I’m not a lawyer, so take what I say with that in mind. Also, bear in mind, I’m answering from a US legal POV. While the concepts in Irish law are generally the same, I’m answering this from the US side.

Over here, you are arrested or you are not. There is no “helping with enquiries” or “come with us to the station”. If you are arrested, the police had probable cause to believe you committed an offense, so there has to be a more than reasonable suspicion the offense was committed. We can’t arrest people to help us with enquiries, that’s an illegal arrest and a significant civil rights violation. Once you are arrested, you are under no obligation to speak and have the right to counsel. I always suggest, if you have any doubts, just ask for your lawyer. If you say nothing, you can’t get in trouble.

If you are not arrested, you are still under no obligation to talk to us. Granted, we can be persistent & persuasive, and there are plenty of people who openly talk themselves into an arrest. Most people think they understand the law based on TV/movies and what they hear, but realistically they are uninformed, and yes, under US case law, we can use that to our advantage to a point. I can ask you to come to the station to give a statement or voluntary interview, but I can’t compel you unless I arrest you. And I can’t nick you for being uncooperative. If you do come to talk, I have to clearly articulate you are free to go at any time, even to the point of I show you the door to the interview room is unlocked. If you don’t want to talk, I can’t make you. If during the voluntary interview, I develop probable cause because you’ve said something I can corroborate with other evidence, then I can arrest you. At that point, I have to give the Miranda warning if I want to further question you, and of course you have the right to a lawyer. All our interviews are all video recorded, and it has to be all done right or we’ll get it in the neck from the DA or a defense attorney.
If you are ever unsure, then state “I am leaving” and seek legal advice.

How much can you trust the cops when you've been brought to the station to help with their enquires?

I suppose that depends on you knowing what you did/didn’t do, your attitude to the cops, and what do they want. Again, if in doubt, say nothing, leave or get a lawyer. Like in the example about mistaken identity mentioned earlier, the person “lawyered up” and had a positive outcome. Again, we don't have the "assist with enquiries" thing here. I suspect that is a legal grey zone in Ireland where people don't know enough to ask "Am I under arrest officer?" and if not, then say "No thanks, I prefer not to go with you". I appreciate the average citizen doesn't like standing up to the cops, and may feel a degree of obligation to help. Just do so carefully.

I'm always terrified that I'll be asked by the police "what was he wearing/what did she look like?". I'd have difficulty telling you what I'm wearing/look like, let alone anyone else. How "bad" are witnesses in general? Besides missing the giant beard, have you had any other major/funny mismatches between descriptions and reality?

Yeah, eyewitness testimony is notoriously unreliable to be fair. Your point about descriptions is accurate. Party trick: talk to a mate for five minutes, then wait five, then ask him/her to describe you without looking at you. It funny, especially when people can’t clock what their partner is wearing.

If ever asked, I suggest its better to be truthful and say “I just don’t remember” than to think you know. That sort of logic gets innocents in trouble or just buggers a case when we discover the suspect was in fact a 6”4” bearded white male wearing bright blue and you called it as a 5”9” grandad with a cane & a wooden leg wearing hot pink.

jimmycrackcorm

How does health insurance work for police officers and if they retire early, What happens then with that? How does your pension work if you are retiring before 65?

I'm a US police officer, AMA

How does health insurance work for police officers and if they retire early, What happens then with that? How does your pension work if you are retiring before 65?

Well, I'll answer broadly, as by virtue of the US having so many local, state & federal agencies, there is a broad range of answers. Pensions in the US are not centralized like in Ireland. If you work for NYPD, then you fall under their pension plan. If you are a NY State Trooper, then you are under a completely different plan, the NY State plan. And of course if you are a Fed (FBI, DEA, etc.) then you fall under the federal plan.

Very broadly speaking, pensions are generally based on 25-30 years service, and pay out at between 50-80% of your highest base pay. On the plus side, you could start at 20, and be retired at 45 or so, then start something else and work another 20 and be well set at 60. On the down side, most systems won't let you transfer pensions, so if you do transfer agencies, it's starting the clock all over again.

Most of these plans are contributory to one degree or another. I pay 7.5% a month, the agency pays 7.5% into the pension fund, then when I hang it up, I'll get my pension. We don't have a age limit, you can work as long as you want, and generally the longer you work, the better your pension will be. If you leave before you retire, you'll get a payout of your deposits, but no pension.

Some of these smaller agencies don't even have a pension plan at all, most they'll offer is some sort of private fund matching thing. Remember, America is much more of a "sort yourself out" sort of place compared to Europe. A recent survey revealed 70% of Americans aged 50-55 have no retirement or pension arrangement. We will also draw Social Security at 62, which will help, but it's not really a living wage.

Likewise with health insurance, a very sensitive issue over here. Our employer is part of a private health plan, America doesn't have a HSE or NHS, if you don't have insurance, you are fcuked basically. Healthcare is a for profit industry here, so as clunky as the HSE is, at least there is a bare minimum of coverage. Where I work our plan is typical, I pay $350/month for mine & wife's medical, dental & vision. There are some copays & deductibles, that go along with it, and I won't bore you with it. The price of insurance has been creeping up for years, and it's not getting any better, welcome to America, eh?

If we get hurt on the job, that is covered by Workers Comp, essentially my employer pays for any work related injuries, and treatments. I tore my rotator cuff, 75% tear, ouch!, on the job. Surgery, extensive physical therapy & nine months of desk duty, didn't cost me a penny. Would have preferred not to get hurt in the first place, but such is life, eh?

punisher5112

What do you make of the videos showing police and politicians calling for the protesters and opening doors and barriers to allow them inside the capital building.

Would you believe thereto be a lot of corruption in certain forces?

Are domestic calls now some of the more dangerous call outs or would traffic stops be the top for danger.

I'm a US police officer, AMA

What do you make of the videos showing police and politicians calling for the protesters and opening doors and barriers to allow them inside the capital building.

While I have no doubt there are sympathizers/Trump supporters in Capitol Police, I sense they got to a point where they were simply overwhelmed by it all and didn't have the option of fighting them back. I have have seen one video for example, of an officer politely asking people to leave the chamber with all the authority of a lollipop man. it doesn't look good, but then there was one of him and 15 or so of them, what do you do? You can't just shoot them. Yes, there are videos of Capitol PD giving aid/water to protestors, that doesn't look good, but I don't know when that picture was taken, was it before the riot when it was just another protest or after the fact. But, I haven't seen all of it, and mistakes were make.

As for the politicians, well that was some chickens coming home to roost wasn't it? Be kinda funny if the cops said "Senator Cruz, you have some visitors" and locked the door behind him sayin g"It's Ok, they are your supporters, I'm sure you'll be fine" as in reality Senator Cruz (and the rest of them to be fair) were cowering in the chamber, donning gas masks, hoping to fcuk the cops would protect them.

No there is no call for anyone supporting this kind of violence, it was shocking and shameful. I mean there are third world countries where this hasn't happened!!


Would you believe thereto be a lot of corruption in certain forces?

I think I've answered this question three times now on this thread. I really don't understand where it comes from, I don't mind the ask, but its a consistent question all right. Answer, maybe, I can't speak for the 450K (give or take) cops in America, and I'm not naïve enough to say there is no corruption, but I have no personal knowledge of it where I work. Over the years, there has been the odd officer fired & charged over varying degrees of bad behavior, but my experience is most of us are just ordinary people doing what at times can be a difficult job.

I know NYPD used to have a bad rap for that, no idea if they sorted it out or not. And I'm sure smaller forces are more susceptible to corruption/pressure than a larger one. Hope that answers the mail on that.


Are domestic calls now some of the more dangerous call outs or would traffic stops be the top for danger.

Traffic stops and domestic violence vie for the two most deadly type of encounters for us. Traffic stops: you have no idea who or what is in the car, you are generally alone on a road, so its risky all right. Domestic violence: there is already violence occurring/occurred, emotions are high, weapons are often involved, so they are dangerous too. All in a days work.

punisher5112

From what I see on the like of YouTube is how quickly things can go wrong and how dangerous people really are.

Going from just having the chats or getting ambushed sitting in the car.

It really is a crazy world and stay safe.

Sorry that some questions were asked or answered hard to remember them all. Really appreciate the time to answer and the in-depth replies.

One thing I noticed in many cases are the lack of use of shields especially in heated situations such as clearance of a premises or believed to be an armed suspect, could this be something that you could see been utilised more to offer better protection.

the purple tin

If you were going on to be a detective what division would you most like to work in ?
I remember reading a Harry Bosch book and it said being on the homicide squad is the safest; the killer is long gone when you arrive on the scene. Vice and narcotics are the most dangerous, a lot more chance of assaults on police.

IrishZeus

What’s your view on those who join up for SWAT or other roles that would be traditionally considered “riskier”? Are they generally wired different to “normal” cops/people? Is there a certain type that is attracted to these roles? Is it a prestige thing/extra salary thing or is it viewed as just being a normal thing to sign up for?

I'm a US police officer, AMA

So, today I was detailed to help CID with a search warrant. It was a high-risk warrant looking for weapons (rifles & pistols) in a residence where the owner has fired multiple times at his neighbors & passing cars.

Meet at the station at 0400 for briefing. SWAT was serving the warrant due to the risk; sniper team watched the gaff for a few hours & we had the drone up as well. When the suspect exited the residence, they rolled up in the armored truck, took him down, dragged him off. SWAT then cleared the residence, all clear, off we go.

Crime Scene team did the whole thing with the detectives as I mentioned on a previous post. Me, I got lucky, got to spend a few quality hours walking around a 14-acre field in the driving sleet looking for bullet casings or other evidence. Thankfully the suspect has horses, so we go to wander through the poo as well, oh happy days. Somehow, that never seems to make it into the movies.......

Good news is we found the weapons plus an illegally altered rifle (to fire fully auto), so that was worth it and a bad actor is off the street.

It's a useful discussion of "militarizing the police" too. Here we have a known threat from an individual who has access to high powered weapons. The safest way to approach this gaff is in an armored vehicle, and for the SWAT guys to be fully kitted out, helmets, heavy vests, M-4’s, the lot.

When people talk about militarizing the police, it's out of context, and an easy bumper sticker slogan. There are few other options to do some of what we do when the threat is at that level and the reality of some parts of policing is there are some very violent people out there that will happily shoot Officer Friendly.

Having said that, the heavy kit doesn’t need to be used for everyday policing by any means, but there is a continuum of force in policing which goes from officer presence, verbal, to hands, to intermediate force (stick, taser) to deadly force and the situation dictates where we enter on the continuum. It’d be a cheap shot, but I’d be interested to present the problem above to a “demilitarize the police” advocate and ask “so how would you go about it without all this kit?”. Context matters.

And now due to this freezing weather we’ll be run raged with car accidents all weekend, but I’m off, so I’ll be at home drinking coffee and tipping my hat to the guys & gals out there tonight. Stay warm, and remember, those Gardai/firefighters/paramedics out there in this ****ty weather don't get a day off because of the weather, be thankful for them.

rodia77

Feb 1, Rochester, NY: a 9yo girl pepper-sprayed by the police, none of the three thugs in uniforms (I won't call them 'officers') on the scene stopped to think that hey, maybe it's not the best idea to do that?

Last year in Buffalo, 75yo Martin Gugino shoved to the ground by two thugs in uniforms (spent a month in hospital with fractured skull and brain injury) and not only nobody stops to think that hey, maybe it wasn't OK, but the whole unit resigns to protest their suspensions. Today I'm reading the charges against them were dropped.

Three questions:

1. Doesn't your blood boil when you learn about those stories? (I sincerely hope your answer won't be 'I wasn't there, I don't know all the circumstances' etc etc).

2. Have you ever got an impression that law enforcement services in the US draw psychopathic types and not only is there no process in place to filter them out at early stages of their 'service' but the tribal culture inside the forces (the thin blue line, is it?) reinforces psychopathic behaviour?

(What I'm scared to think is that if any of those five thugs from the events I mentioned was here, doing the AMA like you are doing now, they'd likely come across as civilised, balanced and reasonable individuals, like you do).

3. Don't you fear that a day is due when people's frustration reaches a critical point and you start having more Christophers Dorners taking justice in their own hands, and the good guys in the force will pay with their lives along with the bad guys?

Thanks again for talking to us and sorry if my questions strike a disturbing note.

I hope the OP doesn't answer your biased questions.

punisher5112

rodia77 wrote: »

Feb 1, Rochester, NY: a 9yo girl pepper-sprayed by the police, none of the three thugs in uniforms (I won't call them 'officers') on the scene stopped to think that hey, maybe it's not the best idea to do that?

Last year in Buffalo, 75yo Martin Gugino shoved to the ground by two thugs in uniforms (spent a month in hospital with fractured skull and brain injury) and not only nobody stops to think that hey, maybe it wasn't OK, but the whole unit resigns to protest their suspensions. Today I'm reading the charges against them were dropped.

Three questions:

1. Doesn't your blood boil when you learn about those stories? (I sincerely hope your answer won't be 'I wasn't there, I don't know all the circumstances' etc etc).

2. Have you ever got an impression that law enforcement services in the US draw psychopathic types and not only is there no process in place to filter them out at early stages of their 'service' but the tribal culture inside the forces (the thin blue line, is it?) reinforces psychopathic behaviour?

(What I'm scared to think is that if any of those five thugs from the events I mentioned was here, doing the AMA like you are doing now, they'd likely come across as civilised, balanced and reasonable individuals, like you do).

3. Don't you fear that a day is due when people's frustration reaches a critical point and you start having more Christophers Dorners taking justice in their own hands, and the good guys in the force will pay with their lives along with the bad guys?

Thanks again for talking to us and sorry if my questions strike a disturbing note.

Very unfair to be so confrontational.

It's like coming out saying all citizens are rapists, murderers, etc etc.....

Of course things go wrong and one hopes the procedure in place will stop those that do wrong whether officers or not.

This man has come on here and is doing Avery hard job protecting citizens in his area and from what he says and how he portrays himself he sounds very much like a officer you would want in your area.

I'm a US police officer, AMA

From what I see on the like of YouTube is how quickly things can go wrong and how dangerous people really are. Going from just having the chats or getting ambushed sitting in the car. It really is a crazy world and stay safe.

Sorry that some questions were asked or answered hard to remember them all. Really appreciate the time to answer and the in-depth replies.

Ah no bother man, more fascinated by how often it’s come up than anything. Yep, things can go pear shaped fast I this world, but it’s all part of it. I’m not making light of it, but its reality.

One thing I noticed in many cases are the lack of use of shields especially in heated situations such as clearance of a premises or believed to be an armed suspect, could this be something that you could see been utilized more to offer better protection.

The few SWAT teams I’ve interacted with do have shields, they will do a risk assessment, and like any other tool or weapons, decide what best fits the mission. I know from personal experience, using them inside a house is difficult as they are big & awkward. Ballistic shields are actually heavy, so the shield holder is effectively “out of the fight”, and they are very difficult to carry and try and shoot with any degree of accuracy. Some agencies have issued them on a limited basis to patrol units, but we don’t. They require a degree of training and use too to be effective, so it’s a horses for courses sort of thing, but they are out there.

As an aside, all the ballistic kit, vests, helmets, shields, etc., all have an expiration date, beyond which, the manufacturer won’t guarantee ballistic performance. So, most agencies just replace them due to liability. The standard soft vest we wear under our uniforms are good for four years, then they are replaced. A patrol vest costs about $400, a SWAT vest system is nearer $5000, so multiply that times (in my case) nearly 2000 officers, and you can see where the money goes fast.

If you were going on to be a detective what division would you most like to work in? I remember reading a Harry Bosch book and it said being on the homicide squad is the safest; the killer is long gone when you arrive on the scene. Vice and narcotics are the most dangerous, a lot more chance of assaults on police.

I think I’d like to work homicide; it’s the ultimate crime really isn’t it? I’ve been detailed to CID here and there over they years and it is interesting to see how the process works. I’d be more attracted by the mental challenge than the fact its safer than patrol work. Yes, vice & narcotics true undercover work is dangerous all right, especially the feds who do the long-term infiltration of the drug & biker gangs. Those guys would kill you in a second. However, that is a very, very small part of LE work, most investigations are done by detectives following the leads.

If I wanted a “safe” job, I’d become an accountant, but that’s boring. We all know the inherent danger in the profession, but it’s a great job. My wife is a firefighter, personally I’d consider that a dangerous job, but there ya have it.

I'm a US police officer, AMA

What’s your view on those who join up for SWAT or other roles that would be traditionally considered “riskier”? Are they generally wired different to “normal” cops/people? Is there a certain type that is attracted to these roles? Is it a prestige thing/extra salary thing or is it viewed as just being a normal thing to sign up for?

Ah SWAT…the question “Where’s SWAT?”, Answer “Half of them are in the gym getting another set in, the rest are finishing up with their hair gel & adding more Velcro to their kit”

I served on our SWAT team for a few years when I was younger. I don’t know that they are wired to a different degree as such. From personal observation I’d say it attracts those who like a challenge, like a degree of action, high level of fitness, and want to practice the craft in a different manner. You get access to all sorts of amazing training, near endless ammo and range time, and opportunity to do some cool things & missions.

Some agencies will pay a specialty pay, some don’t. Its not a promotion, its an assignment, so it’s not really a money thing. Yeah, they’ll get extra OT for a call out, but then there is the hassle of being on call and having your home life interrupted routinely. Where I am, you have to have four years post probation patrol time, then there is a series of interviews, file reviews, fitness & shooting tests to get selected. We don’t have a limit to specialty assignments, some lads will stay on it for years (I did five) because they thrive on the team dynamic, fitness and the mission.

It’s really just a normal career path, sure, some people roll their eyes at them as the glory boys, no more than any other specialized unit. It does help your CV in the department, shows dedication & a willingness to go above & beyond. I enjoyed my time there, other than the day one of my friends was killed on a mission.

I'm a US police officer, AMA

Gang,

I'll get to that question hopefully tomorrow, got things to do today.

Stay safe.

I'm a US police officer, AMA

Feb 1, Rochester, NY: a 9 yo girl pepper-sprayed by the police, none of the three thugs in uniforms (I won't call them 'officers') on the scene stopped to think that hey, maybe it's not the best idea to do that?

Three questions:

(What I'm scared to think is that if any of those five thugs from the events I mentioned was here, doing the AMA like you are doing now, they'd likely come across as civilized, balanced and reasonable individuals, like you do).


Ok team, will make an attempt at answering your questions, and they are very fair questions that should be asked. As with all things, there usually more to the story as I have only seen what’s in the news. And no, I don’t work for Rochester PD, I’m in Texas.

1. Doesn't your blood boil when you learn about those stories? (I sincerely hope your answer won't be 'I wasn't there, I don't know all the circumstances' etc. etc.).

Yes, this sort of thing pisses me off, as we are all tarred with the same brush. Based on the video footage in the news, I can’t articulate a reason to pepper spray the girl just to get her into the car. That’s just dumb. Despite her being nine, if she needed to be restrained for her or others safety, we only have handcuffs, we don’t carry soft restraints. If she was acting up/out and running all over the place, whatever, a restraint may have been called for. Likewise getting her into the car. Rochester is Baltic cold, and if she was contributing to the chaos in a residence, it’s not unreasonable to put her in the car, she’s contained & out of the weather.

The police can use pain or pressure points to gain compliance, that is a legitimate use of force under law. But there were three of you, and a nine-year-old. Again, I just can’t see any reason to do that. From the video, a failure I saw was to de-escalate the child despite being cuffed, get her calmed down, make take a while, then get her in the car. If that fails, she’s nine FFS, just gently but firmly pick her up and get her in there.
To me this speaks to a cultural norm in Rochester PD. The fact it even crosses the officers mind to do that says a lot about their attitude. This was a failure, pure and simple, and outside any other compelling information, indefensible.

2. Have you ever got an impression that law enforcement services in the US draw psychopathic types and not only is there no process in place to filter them out at early stages of their 'service' but the tribal culture inside the forces (the thin blue line, is it?) reinforces psychopathic behavior?

Having been in the career field for over two decades, my observation is most of us are pretty average balanced people, more conservative in outlook, service oriented and a bit jaded to be fair. Most respectable agencies have various psych. tests as part of the hiring process, but I can’t speak to how good, bad or indifferent those are at determining a persons psychology. I suggest that is an unfair assertion, there are over 450K cops in the US, so law of numbers says there will be bad apples. Sure, we're human too, but that's not a carte blanche to do what we want.

I agree there is a thin blue line culture and how firm that line is depends agency to agency. Some are more entrenched than others, NYPD for example, those guys are living in the past with their attitude IMHO. As Peter Drucker supposedly said, “culture eats strategy for breakfast” and it’s true. I would submit, most people who become cops are probably pretty reasonable people to begin with, then, when exposed to a relentless “us vs. them” attitude, and the “don’t worry, they deserved it anyhow”, become subsumed by the cultural norm. Based on what I saw about Rochester PD, I’d say that attitude is alive & well there. I don’t agree with it, and ultimately, it’s going to hurt us as a career. Because we won’t police our own, we’ll lose that power to someone else.

3. Don't you fear that a day is due when people's frustration reaches a critical point and you start having more Christopher Dorners taking justice in their own hands, and the good guys in the force will pay with their lives along with the bad guys?

I don’t fear a day is due, I’ve been hearing that since I joined the force. I suspect if you went back to the original Bow Street Runners, they were probably saying the same thing. We’ve plenty on our plate right now with the Proud Boys, Antifa, Oath Keepers and all the other loonies out there who seem to think the world is ending. Taking the law into your own hands never ends well, for anyone, be it the cops or the public.

What I do fear, to a degree, is the absolute blindness of some police unions to what’s going on around us in society. They are relentlessly hunkering down, have made some dubious political alliances and making poor strategic choices. Unions have never been popular in the US, and they have been under serious attack politically in the last ten years. The positions some of these unions are taking on defending inherently bad cops very publicly feeds into he narrative that unions must be busted, they are bad for all of us. Then we’ll lose the right to negotiate decent wages, pensions and so on. Sure, bad cops like the ones in the George Floyd case and Rochester are union members I’m sure. And their union should be prepared to defend them. However, when your client is clearly in violation of a policy/law/statute, there has to be a point where the union says “look, they have a solid case, you are clearly wrong, they did everything properly, now all we can do is minimize damage”. But no, they’ll go to the wall on every single thing and create an adversarial situation. That’s what I worry about TBH.
Hope this gives some clarity to your good questions.

I'm a US police officer, AMA

I hope to answer this tomorrow. Just notified I'm on standby due to an ice storm, may get called in. And dammit, I was just about to open a nice beer. Bloody work :mad:

Be safe, keep washing those hands.

dulpit

I'm a US police officer, AMA wrote: »

I hope to answer this tomorrow. Just notified I'm on standby due to an ice storm, may get called in. And dammit, I was just about to open a nice beer. Bloody work :mad:

Be safe, keep washing those hands.

If you had opened that beer (or beers) would you have stood down? Or were you on call anyway?

the purple tin

Speaking of beer. Do you have a 'cop bar' where all the officers go for a few jars or is that just in the movies.

I'm a US police officer, AMA

Last year in Buffalo, 75yo Martin Gugino shoved to the ground by two thugs in uniforms (spent a month in hospital with fractured skull and brain injury) and not only nobody stops to think that hey, maybe it wasn't OK, but the whole unit resigns to protest their suspensions. Today I'm reading the charges against them were dropped.

I’ll use this example to talk about the Use of Force (UOF) and the grand jury process. Note: I’m not defending this incident, again, I wasn’t there. I watched as a few of the videos to get a better feel for the incident.

Background: The city had declared a local curfew, and after various announcements, the order was given to clear the area. In my patch, that is a lawful order to vacate the area, so if you don’t, you can be arrested. It will be argued, Gugino was breaking the law, he given multiple opportunities to vacate the area and failed to comply with a lawful order. The officer did shove him, and yes, he fell & was badly injured. Now, ask the question “Who created this situation, the police or Gugino?” I assure you, it will be strongly argued Gugino was afforded every opportunity to depart the area and he willingly refused, therefore he could be considered a proximate cause to the event. Without knowing Buffalo PD’s UOF policies, I can’t speak to their rules, but as an informed observer, I can offer it was a shove, not a strike, baton strike or anything else. Gugiono’s age won’t factor into this, in the video he doesn’t appear infirm, moved well and walked directly to the officers. Clearly he was intent on some sort of engagement, be it verbal or otherwise.

As for he rest of the Buffalo PD stepping down in solidarity, I suggest that was a bit much. Again, like my earlier post about unions, while that may have felt good to “stick it to the suits” it’ll only hurt them in the long run. In the court of public opinion, they are now painted with one brush of “we’ll support anything a cop does right or wrong” as opposed to taking a wait & see what the courts say. As cops, that, in my mind would have played out better.

As to the charges being dropped, grand juries are secret, and only the prosecutors present evidence & witnesses, so we don’t know what was said. I’m willing to bet the legal point centered around “did the officers use excessive force when they shoved the man?”. Watching the video, the officer appears to shove the man open handed, no strike or blow, no weapons were used. The shove was the cause of the fall where Gugino subsequently sustained the head injuries, certainly. Remember, the law splits hairs like scientists split atoms. The shove was the likely center of debate, not the subsequent injuries. It is unlikely the officer intended any further harm than a shove to move the Gugino along, and watching the video can support that argument. The officer was walking, not charging, used an open hand to his shoulder, not his head or neck. When the officer shoved, him, he had no idea Gugino would sustain a head injury. So, it could be argued, it wasn’t an unreasonable thing to do in the circumstances.

A grand jury is made up of 12 citizens, and regardless of how good a case was presented, it was the jury who refused to indict, not the DA. While this may seem one sided, & callous, after all, Gugino did get seriously injured, but if the jury won’t indict, the DA’s hands are tied. No more than we disagree with other court indictments or verdicts, the law is not about popularity, it’s about the law.

Use of force.
Police are trained on a Use of Force continuum. It starts with officer presence, verbal commands, intermediate force, open/closed hands pain compliance and deadly force. The nature of the incident will determine where you enter on the force continuum. Sometimes a loud command from a uniformed officer is all it takes to gain compliance. Intermediate force is hand on, grabbing, holds, open handed shoves/pushes and open-handed strikes/blows. There are also blows with the baton, taser shots or taser drive-stun (held against the body), pepper spray and pain compliance. Pain compliance is typically pressure points used to gain compliance. And of course, deadly force is usually a firearm.

The concept is use minimum UOF to gain compliance and match the threat. The situation drives where on the continuum the officer enters. If you are being shot at, well no need to get your stick out, its match the deadly force. The use of any given degree of force will be viewed through the lens of “was it appropriate, proportionate, and reasonable to achieve the objective”. This will be context driven and consider the totality of the circumstances which may include things like, size of the subject vs. the officer (i.e. 65kg officer vs. 150kg former wrestler or vice versa), was the officer alone and in a crowd, what has the subject done (did he/she just murder someone or steal a pack of cigarettes), was the subject intoxicated on drugs or alcohol, did the subject have a tactical advantage over the officer (approached from behind & grabbed him/her), what weapon did the subject have or be perceived to have or have access to and so on.

In my agency, all uses of force other than verbal are documented, subject is evaluated by EMS, photographed, then the incident is reviewed by supervisors, internal affairs & our training branch to determine was it in compliance with dept. policy, the law and training.

Long way round I know, but it’s a complex subject and not one prone to a simple answer. I hope this helps shed some better understanding on UOF and how it is picked apart.

I'm a US police officer, AMA

If you had opened that beer (or beers) would you have stood down? Or were you on call anyway?

I wasn't on call, they rang and asked was I available. If I'd even had a sip, I would have said no of course. Ended up no call, so all good. The only people on call are usually SWAT, the duty detectives, Crisis Negotiation team and the Crime Lab gang. They are on a rota, usually week at a time. If you are on call, then you have to be available within one hour of notification, so no beer of course. Those on call get $2.00/hour to be on call and OT once alerted. I did it on SWAT, it can be a nuisance, makes spontaneous plans challenging and requires a tolerant partner & family.

Rest of us, they can ring & ask but we're under no obligation as we're not on call or at work. Only ever happens with things like this ice storm, flooding or some sort of event that will go on for a long time.

Speaking of beer. Do you have a 'cop bar' where all the officers go for a few jars or is that just in the movies.

We don't for whatever reason, just not part of the agency personality. For us, we went hard against any kind of alcohol related issues 25 years ago. That behavior has become a bright line most of us won't touch. Its more common in other cities, especially the older forces like NYPD, Chicago etc. But then those agencies seem to be more tolerant of some degree of misbehavior than we are.

At a conference some years back, talking to a few lads from a "large, traditional, north eastern agency" shall we say. When asked how we'd handle a stop where it was one of our own, they were aghast that we'd call the SGT, make the arrest and so on. Seriously. they were gobsmacked. Their response was "we'd give him/her a lift home in the cruiser, tow their car and check their keys in the drain for the inconveniencing". It was our turn to be gobsmacked!!!
As the saying goes, "actual mileage varies with use", eh?

There is a part of me which says we are missing a unique camaraderie & fellowship opportunity by not having a watering hole like that. All part of bonding & team building on the squad, but we do have our get togethers, but not at a specific spot.

More ice & snow forecast, and not to be morose, but an officer in the Dallas area was killed yesterday while responding to a ice related traffic incident. It's not always fun at work is it?

punisher5112

Please don't hit me with the night stick but do the vehicles get fitted with winter tyres and in real bad areas would chains be used.

How much abuse can the crash bar on the front take?

Very sad to hear the officer was hit, I believe he was outside the car at the time, I seen the man was laughing as he was led away.

Very sad that life is worth so little to some.

I honestly think the government and law makers are letting genuine hard working citizens down and imo criminals are to well looked after. That goes here in Ireland too.

I believe there should be more done for those in such positions you are as all the horrible things that happen and are seen.

On the part of not to buy an ex cop car I'm sure there are ones you all would know about that had a much easier life and would have been well looked after.

Would many buy them and try to pass off as unmarked.

Damien360

I won’t quote your whole post but at $2/hour on call rate, who would bother ? How long can you be on call for ? Is it one shift (12 hours or 8). For one hour notice and the lack of sleep, disruption of home life, why would you volunteer? Do you even get thanks if you turn up (as you said you are on OT then).

I'm a US police officer, AMA

Please don't hit me with the night stick but do the vehicles get fitted with winter tyres and in real bad areas would chains be used.

It depends on where you are. We have so little snow & ice here, we don't have any of the kit really. This storm in Texas is a aberration, happens every 20 years or so. Its not worth having the chains and tyres. In the northern, more rural areas of the US, I would imagine they have that kit. However, snow tyres and especially chains mean you can only drive so fast, so that might be a complication. Texans don't do well in this stuff, and certainly can't drive in it. Fair question, no need for the stick

How much abuse can the crash bar on the front take?

It's attached to the chassis, and its pretty solid. They are not designed for crash protection as it is an after market installation. We used them to slowly push damaged cars out of a junction after a crash while waiting for a tow-truck, they protect the grille & lights from branches on some of the country roads too. That's about it

Very sad to hear the officer was hit, I believe he was outside the car at the time, I seen the man was laughing as he was led away.

Yes, the driver is alleged to have been intoxicated, officer was one year into the job. Bloody shame. Haven't seen footage of him laughing, but if he was intoxicated and just in a wreck, his head wasn't right. That footage won't help him in court, a jury will love that. The likely charge will be intoxication manslaughter, be difficult to prove assault on a public servant.

On the part of not to buy an ex cop car I'm sure there are ones you all would know about that had a much easier life and would have been well looked after.

Yeah, the CID cars are probably fine as they don't get hammered like a patrol unit, and they are maintained per manufacturers instructions. But they end up with serious high mileage, so I'd still pass.

Would many buy them and try to pass off as unmarked.
look like like a weird zebra.

I won’t quote your whole post but at $2/hour on call rate, who would bother ? How long can you be on call for ? Is it one shift (12 hours or 8). For one hour notice and the lack of sleep, disruption of home life, why would you volunteer? Do you even get thanks if you turn up (as you said you are on OT then).

The $2/hour is the on call pay, you get that for being on call regardless of whether you get called in or not. OT starts once you are activated. When I did it, it was for a week at a time, every 6-8 weeks and you can trade your on call off to someone else. Its part of being on a special team, terms & conditions sort of thing. Don't want to carry a pager, then don't be on SWAT or whatever.

Under US labour laws, if an employee is subject to call back with associated restrictions (one hour standby etc.) then the employee has to be compensated for the restriction. As I'm currently not on call, I'm under no obligation to even answer the phone, let alone come in. With the storm, they were calling around just in case. Ended up not being needed, not a big deal.

I'm a US police officer, AMA

Cut & paste error here....

It has happened that old units have been tried to pass off as a cop car. It won't fool us, we know what we're looking for and can run plates. A new state law requires the cars be "rendered so as to not apparently be a police car" before auction. The mechanics now spray a bright orange stripe all round it. Looks like a weird zebra that was graffitied.

punisher5112

I'm a US police officer, AMA wrote: »

Cut & paste error here....

It has happened that old units have been tried to pass off as a cop car. It won't fool us, we know what we're looking for and can run plates. A new state law requires the cars be "rendered so as to not apparently be a police car" before auction. The mechanics now spray a bright orange stripe all round it. Looks like a weird zebra that was graffitied.

That's hilarious....
Only thing is I suppose they could just use spirits to clean it off.

I remember they were at this with ex buses where I work, they even got creative and turned some into the hot wheels with flames and all down the sides.

rodia77

I just want to thank you for so extensively addressing my 'Rochester and Buffalo' questions -- I know they weren't phrased in the most neutral way possible and probably not a great pleasure to deal with, so I appreciate your insight all the more.

(BTW, I'm also a fan of The Wire, finished binge-watching all five seasons a couple of weeks ago).

punisher5112

Would you like to have your kids follow your footsteps?

Can you throw up some pics if allowed on what you feel it's like to be an officer, understand nothing personal but say the car and kit and how you remember where everything is as I believe you or most would have a huge amount of kit in the vehicles.


Really really appreciate all the time you have taken out of your time and I sincerely hope you motor on formant years to come.

Are you into motorcycles?

Would you like to be a motorcycle cop?

I'm a US police officer, AMA

Gang...epic weather over here...slammed, be back at this in a day or so....

dulpit

I'm a US police officer, AMA wrote: »

Gang...epic weather over here...slammed, be back at this in a day or so....

Jaysus, I saw the snow. Stay safe and warm!

punisher5112

dulpit wrote: »

Jaysus, I saw the snow. Stay safe and warm!

That in itself is something I'm sure Texans never hear :-)

teediddlyeye

Have you seen "Inside the k" on rte?
I'd be interested to hear how US police would react to some of the characters on there getting up in the face of the gardai in a very threatening manner. I'd bet a lot of viewers would be delighted to see the gaurds a bit more heavy handed.

On a kind of similar note how do you think the justice system as a whole compares between Ireland and the US? The incarceration rates in the US are shocking but at the same time the situation here is equally ridiculous with lads wandering the street with hundreds of convictions to their name. Would you say Ireland can be too soft in policing and sentencing?

Thanks

I'm a US police officer, AMA

Finally, a few minutes.....needless to say, work has been mental for the past few days. Tomorrow will be bad as well, it's freezing hard tonight, so all the morons will be trying to drive tomorrow and the resultant crashes....normally we'd do 6-10 traffic accidents/day, we did nearly 60 day before yesterday.

Most of us lost power to our houses as well, so our ever tolerant families have been dealing with that (self included, we went 39 hours with no power) as well. if things settle down, I'll answer the last round of questions.

punisher5112

Some shots of the weather and crashes would be great, it's extremely interesting for me anyway and love anything with an engine in it....

Why is it that people are so stupid they continue to drive at speed even with the snow and ice.... It's mind dumbing howstupid.

punisher5112

Is that a charger in the photo, hear they're quick.

auspicious

Do you agree with critics that the U.S. police force has become too militarised or do you believe it is necessary to deal with the current and especially future society?

I'm a US police officer, AMA

Would you like to have your kids follow your footsteps?

I’d been fine with it, they both have good personalities that would suit LE, not overly aggressive, and are inherently curious people. But they choose different paths, teacher & rancher, which I’m fine with, just want them to be happy. We have a few family teams on the force here all right though. And a noticeable number of cops are married to other cops FWIW.

Can you throw up some pics if allowed on what you feel it's like to be an officer, understand nothing personal but say the car and kit and how you remember where everything is as I believe you or most would have a huge amount of kit in the vehicles.

Now that life has returned back to normal, I’ll throw a few pics up of the inside of the cars, be in a day or so. My current focus is fixing two water leaks (well, dealing with plumbers) and trying to return the house back to normal.

Really, really appreciate all the time you have taken out of your time and I sincerely hope you motor on for many years to come.

Cheers man, I’m enjoying the questions!

Is that a charger in the photo, hear they're quick.
Yep, great pic of one of our traffic units isn't it? And yes, the Chargers are fast!!! Drove one during the drivers training refresher a few years back, that was fun!!!

Are you into motorcycles?

Not me, never got into them. Herself is the speed demon, she rode bikes before we met, was driving a sports car for the first few years of our time together. I’m more of an old truck guy myself.

Would you like to be a motorcycle cop?

Not really, but that’s because I don’t ride bikes. Those who do love it. They get paid to ride high speed bikes every day. We currently use BMW’s (can’t remember what type), but they are nice. The livery is white, with decals and the usual panniers for the radio, kits, radar, computer, ticket writer etc. Our motors team are 100% focused on traffic policing.

Have you seen "Inside the K" on RTE?

Yes, bloody brilliant TV. Really cast a light on the reality of daily police work in Ireland. I wish the Gardai did more of this sort of thing. It demonstrates to the public the daily grind, frustrations, danger and hassle inherent in policing. Also showed how viscous some of the criminal element are too. That is up there with The Wire on my list of all time best TV shows.

I'd be interested to hear how US police would react to some of the characters on there getting up in the face of the gardai in a very threatening manner. I'd bet a lot of viewers would be delighted to see the Guards a bit heavier handed.

I suppose it would depend on the agency & the officer to a degree. Talk is cheap, for me, so long as you keep your distance and don’t become a threat, I really don’t care. Heard it all before mate. If they were getting up in our faces, and I can articulate the threat, then yes, you’re getting arrested. Pretty simple really. Going heavy, while it might look & feel good doesn’t help in the long run. We’ll get them, it’s only a matter of time, most crims aren’t really that bright. Besides its not against the law to be an arsehole is it?

On a kind of similar note how do you think the justice system as a whole compare between Ireland and the US? The incarceration rates in the US are shocking but at the same time the situation here is equally ridiculous with lads wandering the street with hundreds of convictions to their name. Would you say Ireland can be too soft in policing and sentencing?

I wrote about this earlier in the thread. Can’t speak to Irish law, but in the US, in a court, the accused is only tried on the offense at hand. A previous criminal record cannot be introduced as it has been ruled it could taint a jury’s perception of the accused. I don’t know if that’s the same back home. I will say, Irish judges do have some weird things to say. I don't get the "donation to the poor box in lieu of conviction". What is that, from Charles Dickens? I especially love how they get into the whole "defendant was remorseful" thing. No s**t, really?

As for policing, Ireland has the police Ireland wants. If they didn’t, they’d change it. People complain about the Guards not doing anything, right up until they get pulled for speeding, then it’s the “yous should be out chasing criminals” speech. I think the Guards approach seems to suit Ireland to be fair, although I’d submit, the gardai are about 30 years behind in use of technology. If I could change something, I’d look at that and simplifying processes by going paperless.

Some shots of the weather and crashes would be great, it's extremely interesting for me anyway and love anything with an engine in it....


Plenty of shots online 😊 I don’t take pics at work unless its for evidence. We have a firm policy about that. If I use a personal device at work, it could be subject to an Open Records request.

Why is it that people are so stupid they continue to drive at speed even with the snow and ice...? Its mind dumbing how stupid.

Man, I wish I knew. Every time it freezes this happens. This is why police/fire/EMS are so jaded, we confront this stupidity daily. All last week I was at car accidents, mostly minor stuff, no serious injuries. I’d ask…” where were you going” “Oh, just wanted to get out and see the snow, I didn’t think it would be that bad”. I mean, what do you say to that? It WAS that bad…. astronauts on the space shuttle could see it was that bad…I got nothing.

Do you agree with critics that the U.S. police force has become too militarized or do you believe it is necessary to deal with the current and especially future society?

Militarizing the police….it’s a good slogan/bumper sticker, and like most of those, a gross simplification of a more complex issue. Yes, the police do carry more military grade equipment than before. When I started officers carried a pistol, nightstick & shotgun in the car. Now we carry pistol, tazer, stick (ASP), OC Spray, with shotgun & M-4 rifle in the car. I also carry a ballistic helmet & an outer vest with rifle plates. Times have changed.

Why? The threat has evolved and officers face suspects armed with rifles and other heavy weapons. The effective range of a good pistol shooter is 25 meters. In a mass shooting scenario like a school, an officer needs a rifle to be able to engage a suspect at a greater distance. In the 2016 Dallas shooting which killed five officers, the Police Chief directed the officers working that event to not carry their patrol rifles, wear helmets or rifle plates. The intent was to not show a militarized image. All the officers who died, were killed as a result of rifle bullets piercing their standard body armor. It is worthy of mention, there were a noticeable number of protestors legally and openly carrying rifles further complicating the issue of what should the police be carrying in response. The suspect in that shooting was carrying an AK-47 type rifle & two pistols. During the gunfight, he was firing from beyond effective pistol range.

More and more protestors are showing up carrying rifles, clubs, ball bats, etc. So, what options do the police have to deal with this? While we always want to be officer friendly and use minimal force, it’s not always that simple.
Our SWAT team have two Bearcat armored vehicles which they use as needed. We used on last Friday to serve a warrant on a person who had repeatedly shot at his neighbors. They drove right up on him and safely took him down, no shots fired. It was the right tool for the job at the time. Do they use it every time, no, its based on risk assessment. But when you don’t have one, you don’t have much else to counter the threat.

So, when there is talk of militarized police, its not as simple as “demilitarize the cops”. Does a patrol officer need to walk around carrying a rifle & be geared up like it’s Fallujah in 2006, generally no. But does he/she need to have the kit available, I would submit yes. Police using military kit, are doing so as a response to a threat. I will say, it’s a sad state when a patrol officer has to carry that kit every day, but that’s the reality we are faced with.

I'm a US police officer, AMA

This is a Bearcat....intimidating, yes? But it stops anything up to a .50 cal round, is fitted for four stretchers, full night vision & infra red. Best friend in a gunfight though.

punisher5112

Great feedback, hope the leaks get sorted, seen the big thing now is electrical bills going up to just shy of $20k that's beyond ridiculous it's criminal.

Feel terrible for those affected and sadly some have lost their lives, anyone going out on that weather definitely needs sectioning.....


As it Texas it could be 10s of years before this happens again which I'm sure you all will be glad of.


The charger is one muscle car I'd absolutely love a shot in. Amazing looking car.

I seen the new Tahoe police spec on YouTube the other day, looks well and some new toys.
You were saying they are getting more fords so I'd say you will miss the Tahoe as you were saying the ford is cramped.

Use to watch chuck Norris years ago as kid as the Texas ranger, would there be many actual rangers like that anymore?


Stay safe.

punisher5112

I'm a US police officer, AMA wrote: »

This is a Bearcat....intimidating, yes? But it stops anything up to a .50 cal round, is fitted for four stretchers, full night vision & infra red. Best friend in a gunfight though.

Is there any reason why it's left military style, usually see them in black with swat on it or police. Looks like something that would and does safe lives.
What would these be like for getting to the scene, they wouldn't be the quickest I'm sure.

I'm a US police officer, AMA

Great feedback, hope the leaks get sorted, seen the big thing now is electrical bills going up to just shy of $20k that's beyond ridiculous its criminal.

Well yes, no one deserves a huge bill, however, and I don’t want to get any more into this, these consumers agreed to pay a going rate for electricity as opposed to a fixed rate. When electric is cheap, it’s great, you save, when its scarce, it gets expensive. Read the fine print!!!

I see the new Tahoe police spec on YouTube the other day, looks well and some new toys. You were saying they are getting more Fords so I'd say you will miss the Tahoe as you were saying the Ford is cramped.

Yeah, the Tahoe is a little roomier up front, but hey, they didn’t ask me. We’re also trialing a few hybrid Explorers to see how they hold up. Saves fuel & less pollution.

Use to watch Chuck Norris years ago as kid as the Texas Ranger, would there be many actual Rangers like that anymore?

The Texas Rangers are a part of the State Police (or strictly speaking the Department of Public Safety). The Rangers are the investigative arm of the state police, their remit is generally complex, trans-jurisdictional (inside the state) cases, cases beyond the capability of the smaller agencies and organized crime. They work very closely with the feds. The Rangers not undercover do dress in “Western formal” like Chuck Norris, no kidding. It’s almost a uniform to see them in their pressed western wear, chrome .45, western hat and boots. Very traditional

Is there any reason why it's left military style, usually see them in black with SWAT on it or police. Looks like something that would and does safe lives. What would these be like for getting to the scene, they wouldn't be the quickest I'm sure.

Most of the green & tan Bearcats (or similar) are ones acquired from the US Military through a program where agencies can apply for surplus military equipment which would otherwise be destroyed or rendered useless. This program ranges from the mundane like office furniture, uniforms, and binoculars to M-4 rifles, tactical vehicles and even helicopters.

Agencies who participate must accept the item as is and are responsible for any subsequent repair, maintenance and operating costs. As it’s a loan, the US govt can request the items back, and they must be returned in the same or better shape than when received. Agencies can do whatever they want, paint, decals, lights, but that all comes off when it goes back. The paint on these things is a unique, rough camouflage paint which is expensive, so it’s easier to just leave them as is and save money. Our trucks have both seen 10 plus years of active military service, and need ongoing maintenance. If an agency buys one new from the manufacturer, they can paint it however they like.

These are not first response emergency response vehicles, top speed is about 50 MPH and they are a bit top heavy. Our SWAT team generally works during the day and after hours have to be called out. Very few agencies can afford a standing 24/7 SWAT team, no one in Texas has one. When they are activated, designated members will go get the Bearcat if needed. It requires a HGV driver’s license.

I'm a US police officer, AMA

Someone asked about this a few pages back and I think I overlooked it.

There are no “No-go” areas here, and not really anywhere in the US. It a western country, not Iraq. Sure there are some rougher parts of the area just like anywhere else, but nowhere we are afraid to go. We’re the police, we don’t have the option of saying “I’m too scared to go there”.

Sure, some spots we’ll roll heavy with a few officers, especially if it’s a hot call (assault/burglary in progress, shooting, stabbing sort of thing), but nowhere we won’t go. I know places in LA, NY and even DC had some very dodgy areas but the cops never didn’t go there.

Look what happened in Portland when a group declared a “Portland Autonomous Zone” and the cops left them to their own devices for about a week. (Which, I submit, was an incredibly short sighted idea by the City of Portland) There was, I think, 5 homicides and multiple sexual and other assaults.

wandererz

Just wondering about something bugging me from years back.
Is there such an offence as "exhibition of speed"?
Was accused of this while sitting at traffic lights one morning for "revving" the engine. Which I wasn't, and was in an automatic to boot.

Also, is one obliged to change ones driver licence address when moving home? Is this a ticket able offence?