I saw that dash cam video....discussed it with my dad. Pop said this is the story he's getting from younger cops (retired but active in mentoring through the union). It was obvious to him this woman was challenging the cops authority. As Pop put it....if he's in that situation he's thinking is this person crazy, hiding something? Therefore from a safety perspective, this person in now a suspect and must be detained and separated from the vehicle. The longer the cop has to "ask", the greater the danger and thus a weapon pointed at the face generally causes reality to snap back into focus and the suspect becomes compliant. Ever since the war vs police starting with Ferguson, blacks have become belligerent and antagonistic towards cops...some risking a lot for a possible pay day. We'll never know this woman's state of mind that led to complete irrational behavior. For all we know the suicide was an attempt stunt that went wrong. Needless to say, if she wasn't a fucking jerk to the cop, she could have hung herself anywhere she pleased, and used her ticket to write a " farewell cruel world" note.
...tote, if I had the power I'd pay both cops and teachers what they're worth...with hopes of attracting even better cops and teachers. ...plain and simple, cops and teachers have nearly impossible jobs. But regardless, to me, whenever a cop gives you an order you need to follow his instructions and if you want to say something, there's a right way and a wrong way to do it. Same with teachers to a degree, because unfortunately many parents are looking to the school system to raise their kids for them instead of actually spending "quality" time with their own children...and no, appeasing/occupying them with a new smart phone or other appliance is not spending quality time with them. ...part of what's wrong with our education system as opposed to many other countries in the world is that in many of those countries the people who graduate near the top of their class, in turn become instructors/teachers themselves and are compensated accordingly. ...and as far as cops, don't get me wrong, I know there are a very few who are ill-suited for the job and some that may go over the top with their authority and some that are racists and yadda yadda yadda...but again, if we start paying them well, we will begin attracting a much better class of people to become a better class of cops and things will improve exponentially.
Back in '05 I was in one of the between jobs installing computers in Tampa Bay Schools of various grade levels. Here in Florida summer vacations end in August and I got some glimpses of the then students. Talk about inmates running the asylum. As far as law enforcement goes I've always found that a little respect and courtesy go a long way. Dealing with some of the assholes cops have to deal with its no small wonder that they are not locking, loading and opening fire more often.
...^^^ to all the above...... No job, I mean NO job, pays well enough to have to dodge bullets for a living....... Thank God, there's still enough Patriots, coming up thru the ranks, to defend and protect, regardless of bad conditions (in every aspect).... I could never imagine fighting in the Mid East, in a fox hole, in 130 degree heat, with (approx) 70 lbs on my back of equipment, several layers of clothes, and in a fire fight, .......that takes big balls by our Servicemen and Women. In Urban Wars, on these fkd up streets, a Cop rarely knows what He/She is walking carefully into? An Ambush of shooters, or otherwise.... as you stated Tote: "The longer the cop has to "ask", the greater the danger and thus a weapon pointed at the face." Me, I'd make for a fkd up Cop, cuz I'd shoot first and ask questions later, (if those Fergy asswipes thought Officer D. Wilson was bad, they'd have to re-think)...... Yes, I know, I've watched too many Lethal Weapon, Rambo, and Terminator movies.......
Interestingly, they raised cop salaries too fast. Got a glut of college grads that had no idea about conflict resolution in the real world. It's normalizing now. If you comply with the cops, you will survive to be able to sue the bad ones.
...cops salaries are still pathetic as compared to what they are asked to do...and college grads is a subjective term. Most of the cops down here are ex-college jocks who got a free ride tuition but while they certainly had every opportunity to further their education, they never bothered to learn very much while in college and still can barely speak intelligently and were "given" a criminal justice degree. Just because that was their "major" in college doesn't by default make them qualified to be quality cop material...and many of them are not.
In CA cops are making 6 figures, same in NJ according to my dad. But I realize in lower population states its a major issue. Out here its tough to find a cop that isn't a Vet. In my town, cops where black uniforms and rock tac gear (body armor over the uni), and are very well armed.
...I think the average salary in Georgia is about $40K...but hell, out there on the left coast where anything goes, I wouldn't be surprised if even you made 6 figures. HA !
Los Angeles County Sheriff Deputies, have always made very good money, and always have the opportunity to work double shifts, tons of overtime (OT)****... in all levels, from entry novices, to Veteran Commanders, their pay scales are similar to High End Aerospace Jobs..... Still IMO not enough to dodge bullets for a living. A glaring and real problem with our P.D. force's are Workmen's Compensation. Disabled Deputies, receive worse Medical care, than those on Welfare, and that is not even open for debate. I've seen too damn many LASD, LAPD, and LA-Fire Dept, or LA. Co. FD's, go down with injuries, they will never recover from. In such cases, the shit hits the fan big time, while their once great to very good benefits; go from great to Shit at its best; much more than Society comprehends..... A lifetime survivor Law Enforcement Person, gets a very nice retirement, in pay and benefits. Those injured along the way, are left to stay or stray. Our Marines would be ashamed of, how these Agencies, tend to leave the fallen men and women down, for the vultures to feed off of, meaning having to use Surgeon's who Welfare won't even hire. (Always retired Drs. in their mid 70s, who don't have a fkn clue, their prime mentality expired 20 yrs prior). It's like watching the Son of Frankenstein, for real, tho........ ****a even bigger perk is being licensed to work Private Security for Hollywood CEO's, like Ron Pearlman of Revlon, and His beauties more-so. The pay is off the charts, esp when working the Grammy's, Academy Awards, or running a 5K alongside Cindy Crawford. Riding in the Limo with Mick Jagger, to Alanis Morrisette, and tons of other peeps, who run Tinsel Town.....its nice to have a CCW for Life; and an AR-15 to keep one warm ('happiness is a warm gun').....!!!
