# Calling policemen "assholes" to their face **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [August 31, 2003, 6:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-policemen-assholes-to-their-face/198778 "2003-08-31T06:56:37Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Alereon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecd19e/32.png) [@Alereon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alereon)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2003, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-policemen-assholes-to-their-face/198778/21 "2003-08-31T20:52:20Z")
It is, of course, generally a good idea to be nice and polite to people, especially those that have jobs in which they’ll have to deal with jerks. However, the amount of shit I am going to take from someone is the same whether that someone is a random guy on the street or a police officer. If a cop is being an asshole to you, such as the cop in **Ninjachick** ’s thread, there is no excuse for not calling them out as you would anyone else. Being a police officer does NOT give you the right to be an asshole, under any circumstances. ---
**Author:** ![county](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ce7236/32.png) [@county](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/county)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2003, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-policemen-assholes-to-their-face/198778/22 "2003-08-31T21:16:43Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Alereon \* > \*\*It is, of course, generally a good idea to be nice and polite to people, especially those that have jobs in which they’ll have to deal with jerks. However, the amount of shit I am going to take from someone is the same whether that someone is a random guy on the street or a police officer. If a cop is being an asshole to you, such as the cop in **Ninjachick** ’s thread, there is no excuse for not calling them out as you would anyone else. Being a police officer does NOT give you the right to be an asshole, under any circumstances. \*\* You are absolutely right. But I’m not talking about rights, I’m talking about power, and the wisdom to show a certain deference to power. ---
**Author:** ![Blonde](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3be4f8/32.png) [@Blonde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blonde)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2003, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-policemen-assholes-to-their-face/198778/23 "2003-08-31T21:17:34Z")
Calling police officers (and state troopers) obscene names is a REALLY bad idea in the fine state of Texas. They have incredibly horrible/difficult jobs - I’m not saying a few rogue policeman don’t abuse their power, but I think politeness is the best way to go, IMHO. ---
**Author:** ![robertliguori](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/46a35a/32.png) [@robertliguori](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robertliguori)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2003, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-policemen-assholes-to-their-face/198778/24 "2003-08-31T21:21:04Z")
Well, we (as the voting body) have the power to, e.g., vote for people who will deallocate their funding. But we don’t, because that would suck. Similarly, attempting to extra-legally harass someone who is cop-baiting may well result in large, hungry lawyers sniffing around the police force looking for lawsuits, and that would suck as well. Hell, I could run a fork through the eye of the next cop who hassles me, but I’m not going to, because the consequences of that would suck. It’s not all about power. ---
**Author:** ![county](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ce7236/32.png) [@county](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/county)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2003, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-policemen-assholes-to-their-face/198778/25 "2003-08-31T21:35:48Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by robertliguori \* > [ > It’s not all about power. \*\* Yes it is, that is what my OP is talking about. You can talk about rights, justification, etc. forever - but I am talking about power. ---
**Author:** ![Kinthalis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kinthalis/32/16084_2.png) [@Kinthalis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kinthalis)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2003, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-policemen-assholes-to-their-face/198778/26 "2003-08-31T21:53:27Z")
So what you’re saying **County** is that since police officers have the ‘power’ to be assholes, one should just take it in stride? Bow your head and say 'yes sir, thank you sir, may ahve another? Never. Ever. Don’t you see that by saying that not only are you stating that there is in fact a problem, but that indeed you are resolved to do nothing about it. ---
**Author:** ![nitroglycerine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/c5a1d2/32.png) [@nitroglycerine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nitroglycerine)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2003, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-policemen-assholes-to-their-face/198778/27 "2003-08-31T21:58:42Z")
I’ve done it. I had a restaurant management job a few years ago, and I had to be at work at 4:00 in the morning. Since I didn’t have a car, I had to walk or ride a bike to work. One morning, I rode past two cops just hanging out in their cars at an intersection at the bottom of a B-I-G hill. Well, I rode past them and pedaled to the top of the hill, when one of them blew a whistle. I looked back and he motioned for me to come here. I rode back down the hill and they asked me where I was going. I said to work. They asked where I worked, I told them. They asked my name, I told them. The asked me for ID and that was the last straw. I let out a big torrent of profanities, and I remember calling them power hungry assholes, and no wonder they get called pigs. You see I was filled with the righteous indignation of someone who has to be up and out of bed by 3:00 AM. The one cop said, Well, just for that, we’re going to make you walk that bike up the hill, to which I replied “Fuck you, I’m 35 years old, I make more money than you (which I probably actually did at the time, I was working 70 Hours a week on the clock), and I pay your fucking salary asshole.”, and I went on my merry way, figuring, if I got arrested, not only was I going to sue, I’d also get a day off work 🙂 They didn’t do anything because, I’m assuming, I was right and they knew it. I don’t like police. I figure they’re one of those necessary evils. I’ll admit, I do have a bit of a problem with people who wave their authority around, but it seems to me, that at least 75% of cops are assholes. One redneck that used to beat me up in 9th grade in '79 for wearing a Ramones shirt is now a proud man in blue. I have a friend whose a weightlifter, who worked out at the same gym as a bunch of local cops, and he used to tell me all kinds of stories. I don’t have a cite, but I remember reading about how spousal abuse is much higher in the police profession than any other line of work, and it makes sense. They have this power and authority thing about them. I’m not saying all cops are pricks, but IMHO a majority of them are. And if you’re reading this, and you’re one of the good cops, then you have all the respect in the world from me, but if you’re one of those authoritarian pricks, well, you can kiss m…well, this isn’t a pit thred so… Just an aside, I’ve been to Texas, and no, I’d never EVER be stupid enough to pull something like that there. Even if I WAS filled with the righteous indignation of sombody who had to be up and out of bed at 3:00 A.M. 🙂 Jon ---
**Author:** ![Daisy\_Mae](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/46a35a/32.png) [@Daisy\_Mae](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Daisy_Mae)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2003, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-policemen-assholes-to-their-face/198778/28 "2003-08-31T21:59:54Z")
I’m a little surprised that someone would need a “cite” to believe that law enforcement attracts people who like to exercise power and control. Why else do you suppose psychological testing is such a big part of the recruitment process? Do we need to cite that it is an important part or can we just agree on that one? Not all police offers are power and control hungry but ENFORCING the law would attract those who like to control. That’s pretty simple to follow. The background checks and psychological testing weeds out most of the bad eggs, but there are always going to be some that slip through. As for not calling a police officer an asshole to his face, why would you? I’ve encountered people in countless professions who are acting like assholes, but that doesn’t mean I have to express that thought. Doing so would make me as ignorant as they are. If a police officer were simply rude to me, that’s easy to overlook as a “sticks and stones” thing. If they harrassed, humiliated, or physically threatened me, I’d contact their precinct and report their behavior. Those reports are reviewed and investigated. Fighting with him about it on the spot will only make things worse since if they are engaging in that behavior, they’re not someone who is going to respond to aggression. You know how the saying goes… never wrestle a pig (no pun intended), you both get dirty and the pig likes it. ---
**Author:** ![nitroglycerine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/c5a1d2/32.png) [@nitroglycerine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nitroglycerine)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2003, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-policemen-assholes-to-their-face/198778/29 "2003-08-31T22:29:22Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Jack Batty \* > \*\*It is important to note that if that rottweiler is well trained, you won’t have a problem. > > I love analogies. \*\* That has to be the best comeback I’ve ever seen. You deserve an award! > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by nitroglycerine \* > \*\* but if you’re one of those authoritarian pricks, well, you can kiss m…_well, this isn’t a pit thread so…_ \*\* :smack: Doh! Jon ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2003, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-policemen-assholes-to-their-face/198778/30 "2003-08-31T22:56:52Z")
An award? Please … my humility prevents me. How about cash? ---
**Author:** ![Waverly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/57b2e6/32.png) [@Waverly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Waverly)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2003, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-policemen-assholes-to-their-face/198778/31 "2003-08-31T23:33:27Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Monty \* > \*\*What about those people whose basic premise regarding police is that _all_ police officers are assholes? \*\* I’m hoping you have a point that goes with this rhetorical question. Did you forget to include it? ---
**Author:** ![Ringo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/779978/32.png) [@Ringo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ringo)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2003, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-policemen-assholes-to-their-face/198778/32 "2003-08-31T23:57:16Z")
From [here](http://bucknerlaw.wld.com/isitlegal7.htm), for Texas: > [@](#): > > “a person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly uses an abusive, indecent, profane, or vulgar language in a public place, and the language by its very utterance stands to incite an immediate breach of the peace…” And: > [@](#): > > So, I guess giving somebody a good cussing out **can** get you convicted if: 1) the prosecutor wants to prosecute and 2) if the jury wants to convict and if 3) the trial judge wants to follow the case law instead of the statutes! And here’s a bit on the Supremes take on it: > [@](#): > > Even when profanity is directed against a police officer, it is constitutionally protected. For example, in _Lewis v. City of New Orleans, 415 U.S. 130 (1974)_, the Supreme Court considered a New Orleans ordinance that made it a crime “for any person wantonly to curse or revile or to use obscene or opprobrious language toward or with reference to any member of the city police while in the actual performance of his duty.” _Id. at 132_. The Court held that the ordinance was unconstitutionally overbroad because its prohibitions were not limited to what have been called “fighting words,” which are words that “by their very utterance inflict injury or tend to incite an immediate breach of the peace.” _Id. at 133_; see also _Gooding v. Wilson, 405 U.S. 518 (1972)_ (invalidating statute banning “opprobrious language”). IANAL, and am thus way out of my depth trying to research case law. And, of course, that’s all from the Internet. Generally though, it’s just plain stupid to cuss at a cop. Even an asshole cop. Most of the (sadly) many incidents I’ve witnessed that involved people swearing at cops have been the result of their own overreactions to average everyday cop procedures. But not always. Cops _do_ go overboard sometimes. If I’ve got a beef with a cop, I’m not going to even think about settling it with the cop on the street. I’m going to use a lawyer. If it’s not enough of a beef to fire up an attorney, then it’s not enough of a beef to get upset about, IMHO. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2003, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-policemen-assholes-to-their-face/198778/33 "2003-09-01T01:00:53Z")
Oh, c’mon, Waverly. The point’s pretty obvious, isn’t it? ISTM that there are people who may have had no experience whatsoever with the police but yet still decide that the police are “pigs.” ---
**Author:** ![unclviny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/e274bd/32.png) [@unclviny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/unclviny)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2003, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-policemen-assholes-to-their-face/198778/34 "2003-09-01T01:09:57Z")
I know my rights on the side of the road, I have the right to shut up, I have the right to bleed, I get the feeling that most of the folks “asserting my rights” in this thread are dumb college aged guys. remember: You might beat the rap, but you can’t beat the ride. unclviny (who was born and raised in Texas) ---
**Author:** ![Blonde](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3be4f8/32.png) [@Blonde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blonde)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2003, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-policemen-assholes-to-their-face/198778/35 "2003-09-01T01:15:01Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Monty \* > \*\*Oh, c’mon, Waverly. The point’s pretty obvious, isn’t it? ISTM that there are people who may have had no experience whatsoever with the police but yet still decide that the police are “pigs.” \*\* Those folks will be getting a big 'ol Texas welcome if they display that attitude around here. I think we’ll all agree that we need police protection, and that a few of those officers abuse their power. But, all in all - put yourself in their shoes for a day. I’m married to a firefighter, and I can assure you that our protective civil servants are underpaid, overworked – and you shouldn’t cuss at them. IMHO, of course. ---
**Author:** ![Waverly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/57b2e6/32.png) [@Waverly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Waverly)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2003, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-policemen-assholes-to-their-face/198778/36 "2003-09-01T01:30:19Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Monty \* > \*\*Oh, c’mon, Waverly. The point’s pretty obvious, isn’t it? ISTM that there are people who may have had no experience whatsoever with the police but yet still decide that the police are “pigs.” \*\* And this factoid fits into what I said how? ---
**Author:** ![Scruloose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e68b1a/32.png) [@Scruloose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scruloose)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2003, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-policemen-assholes-to-their-face/198778/37 "2003-09-01T01:58:44Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by unclviny \* > **I know my rights on the side of the road, > I have the right to shut up, > I have the right to bleed, > I get the feeling that most of the folks “asserting my rights” in this thread are dumb college aged guys.** It’s a shame that more folks don’t assert their rights. That type of apathy is precisely the reason why some cops abuse their power. Apparently that’s a problem in Texas? And **Daisy Mae** , this board is dedicated to fighting ignorance. When someone such as **county** comes along making sweeping generalizations that are unfounded opinions, and presents them as fact, they’re gonna get called on it. At this point, I haven’t seen one single cite that suggests that most Americans anywhere in the country are at risk of bodily harm and unlawful arrest for engaging in a situation akin to **Ninjachick’s** in the other thread. I’ve been doing law enforcement for this country for over 12 years, so I’m somewhat qualified to speak on what brings alot folks into this type of work. Believe it or not, some folks actually want to serve the public. Crazy, huh? They want to do something that’s meaningful to them. They don’t want to be caught up in the rat race of business. They want to feel that in some small way, they can make a difference in their communities. Oftentimes, it’s a family tradition, and that’s what they’re comfortable and familiar with. But you’re right, some folks get a little trippy with power, and they slip through the cracks. So, until someone assertive comes along and throws the bullshit flag when they cross the line, they’re just gonna keep on acting like an asshole. > [@](#): > > If a police officer were simply rude to me, that’s easy to overlook as a “sticks and stones” thing. If you’ve done nothing wrong, then that’s a shame that you’d accept that type of behavior from someone who serves _you_, without calling them on it. That is not to say you should call them an asshole, but you shouldn’t just roll over, either. _“They will always keep in mind that their countrymen are freemen, and, as such, are impatient of everything that bears the least mark of a domineering spirit. They will, therefore, refrain, with the most guarded circumspection, from whatever has the semblance of haughtiness, rudeness, or insult.”_ - Alexander Hamilton It’s a shame that so many disregard our history. ---
**Author:** ![Blonde](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3be4f8/32.png) [@Blonde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blonde)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2003, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-policemen-assholes-to-their-face/198778/38 "2003-09-01T02:14:10Z")
Yep, there is a problem in Texas (Dallas police chief was just fired) - but I still believe it’s best not to cuss at a police officer, they have difficult jobs. **unclviny** , much as I’d like to be the age of a “dumb aged college guy” (eh, chick), I am 39. I thought this thread was started by the OP to debate whether one should berate a police officer. If we’re moving on to racial issues, I can chip in with some hideous Texas stories. I’d rather not, though. ---
**Author:** ![county](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ce7236/32.png) [@county](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/county)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2003, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-policemen-assholes-to-their-face/198778/39 "2003-09-01T02:35:41Z")
[QUOTE] \*Originally posted by Chandeleur \* \*\*It’s a shame that more folks don’t assert their rights. That type of apathy is precisely the reason why some cops abuse their power. And **Daisy Mae** , this board is dedicated to fighting ignorance. When someone such as **county** comes along making sweeping generalizations that are unfounded opinions, and presents them as fact, they’re gonna get called on it. At this point, I haven’t seen one single cite that suggests that most Americans anywhere in the country are at risk of bodily harm and unlawful arrest for engaging in a situation akin to **Ninjachick’s** in the other thread. If you’ve done nothing wrong, then that’s a shame that you’d accept that type of behavior from someone who serves _you_, without calling them on it. That is not to say you should call them an asshole, but you shouldn’t just roll over, either. First, read the OP, this ain’t the Ninjachick thread. Second, read your first paragraph, where you admit that some cops abuse their power. Third, you say you shouldn’t call a cop an asshole - which is exactly what I am saying. Sweeping generalization my ass. I say if it’s you and a policeman, you are best served remaining polite even when the policeman is being an ass. Policeman beat people up (sometimes) and it isn’t always justified. I say you are a fool to uphold your constitutional right to free speech on the street with a cop. I further say that it is nonsensical to imply that maintaining freedom in our country necessitates “calling” an armed asshole on his being an asshole when he has every advantage going for him (to include being an officer of the court). ---
**Author:** ![Bosstone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/22d042/32.png) [@Bosstone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosstone)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2003, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-policemen-assholes-to-their-face/198778/40 "2003-09-01T02:52:08Z")
> [@](#): > > I say you are a fool to uphold your constitutional right to free speech on the street with a cop. Oh my. We’ve been so stupid. How _dare_ we act like free citizens? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-policemen-assholes-to-their-face/198778.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-policemen-assholes-to-their-face/198778.md?page=3)