# What is extremely common in TV or movies but almost never happens in real life? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [February 6, 2021, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311 "2021-02-06T04:16:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 87
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2022, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/1722 "2022-05-15T16:29:09Z")
> [@john\_b\_2](#): > > There used to be a turn of phrase for fear of visiting a doctor (may still be in use), “white coat syndrome” Anthony Hopkins wanted to wear something scary in _Silence of the Lambs_ so his clothes are based on a dentist’s coat. One of my teachers told us of a time he was in seminary and he was visiting patients in a hospital as part of his ministry work. He was in uniform so dressed as a priest and he walked into one room and an old lady screamed at him, “Get out! I’m not dead yet!” ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2022, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/1723 "2022-05-19T19:51:17Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > Strap denominations just tell you how much a bundle is supposed to be worth, they’re not actually tied to bill denomination though, of course, a stack of $10,000 in ones would be far too large to wrap a strap around. Except they’re [color coded.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Currency_strap#ABA_Standard_(United_States)) ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2022, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/1724 "2022-05-19T21:26:51Z")
Our bank has never had a problem accepting a bundle of $5,000 in hundreds wrapped in a brown strap “meant” for 50’s. In practice there’s some wiggle room. Just make sure the total amount of money matches the amount on the strap even if the money is in the “wrong” denomination. ---
**Author:** ![john\_b\_2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a9a28c/32.png) [@john\_b\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/john_b_2)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2022, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/1725 "2022-06-26T21:35:32Z")
Okay, maybe it does happen in real life, but I’ve never seen anyone ever, in real life, when informed that someone he’s just met (anywhere,–bar, train, library, hospital, et al) , begun talking to he doesn’t know, who, after having been asked a question or two, is then informed that the person, normally dressed, is a police officer, then says to the policeman, “I knew you was a flatfoot as soon as you walked through the door” (ESP?), or words to that effect, if a modern TV show or movie the words would likely be different, better grammar, less of a tough guy demeanor, but the same deal. If it does happen I’ve never seen it, and I haven’t lived a pampered life. ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2022, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/1726 "2022-06-27T01:45:05Z")
Is it the grammar you’re objecting to? Because I’ve spotted plaincloithes cop at first sight. They really do have a distinctive look. I have never said anything though. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2022, 11:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/1727 "2022-06-27T11:06:14Z")
> [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](#): > > I’ve spotted plaincloithes cop at first sight. I once noticed a car sitting across the street from a bar I was headed to. Obvious cop was obvious. I walked into the bar, got everyone’s attention, and announced that an undercover cop was watching the bar. We all walked outside to look and point. Officer Friendly drove away. ---
**Author:** ![Peter\_Morris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peter_morris/32/359_2.png) [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2022, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/1728 "2022-06-27T19:54:19Z")
Why? The people under observation were presumably criminal suspects. Maybe by your actions you helped someone commit a crime, or escape detection for it. What did you do that for? ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2022, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/1729 "2022-06-27T20:13:50Z")
> [@john\_b\_2](#): > > Okay, maybe it does happen in real life, but I’ve never seen anyone ever, in real life, when informed that someone he’s just met (anywhere,–bar, train, library, hospital, et al) , begun talking to he doesn’t know, who, after having been asked a question or two, is then informed that the person, normally dressed, is a police officer, then says to the policeman, “I knew you was a flatfoot as soon as you walked through the door” (ESP?), or words to that effect,… I went into a bar once in Hollywood, ordered a drink, and was told “No charge officer”. I did not correct him, but left a large tip. Apparently, back in the day, off duty cops often wore Clarks desert boots, and I did have a 'cop" mustache. ---
**Author:** ![Filbert](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/filbert/32/3433_2.png) [@Filbert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Filbert)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2022, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/1730 "2022-06-27T20:29:36Z")
I’ve been told I have an undercover cop look going on; not sure why, but it does seem to be the case. I lived in Bristol, England, for almost 10, five years of that in one of the more… interesting… areas, and in all that time, only one person tried to sell me drugs, and he had very clearly been testing the merchandise. For context, I have friends who can’t walk down the street there without being mobbed by amateur pharmacists, but they would all sidle off as soon as they saw me. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2022, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/1731 "2022-06-27T20:35:01Z")
> [@Peter\_Morris](#): > > Maybe by your actions you helped someone commit a crime, or escape detection for it. What did you do that for? It was the bar I hung out at. The people there were my bros. ---
**Author:** ![Asuka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2022, 6:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/1732 "2022-06-28T06:55:23Z")
I bet you also told some friendly guys from Saudi Arabia the best places to learn how to fly cheap. ---
**Author:** ![DrFidelius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drfidelius/32/3447_2.png) [@DrFidelius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrFidelius)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2022, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/1733 "2022-06-28T16:02:28Z")
If the officer has a warrant or probable cause he could announce himself and enter. Otherwise he is infringing on my freedoms by having me (and others) under surveillance. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2022, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/1734 "2022-06-28T16:18:54Z")
Moderating: > [@Asuka](#): > > I bet you also told some friendly guys from Saudi Arabia the best places to learn how to fly cheap. Don’t make personal attacks outside of the pit. Not a warning, but close. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2022, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/1735 "2022-06-28T16:44:39Z")
I see it a little differently. It’s a free country. Officer is free to sit outside bar. **Kayaker** and his friends are free to notice him. If he’s hunting down a murderer or something, he should be more discrete. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2022, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/1736 "2022-06-28T17:12:13Z")
^That was my POV as well. Similarly, a cop I used to live next door to would occasionally stop over to chat. He would yawn, then say something about being tired, and how he wished he weren’t going to be awake all night at the sobriety checkpoint on XYZ road. The minute he left, I’d be texting my friends letting them in on the information. Anytime I saw him struggling with a project in his yard I would go over and offer my assistance. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2022, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/1737 "2022-06-28T17:13:36Z")
> [@Asuka](#): > > I bet you also told some friendly guys from Saudi Arabia the best places to learn how to fly cheap You’d lose that bet. I know nothing about flying, nor the education needed. 😕 ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2022, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/1738 "2022-06-28T19:14:15Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > I went into a bar once in Hollywood, ordered a drink, and was told “No charge officer”. My very first Burning Man a couple narcs came into the camp on Thursday evening and even I, a total newb, spotted them right away.1 Being an Arizona camp, we pointed out the water stand the moment they crossed the threshold. No, they wanted something stronger. We have Tecate to spare if you can stand that. No, no, something _stronger_ and not beer. Gosh – We don’t know what that might be. They got more insistent until the camp daddy stood before them, arms folded. “No, officers. We have no drugs in this camp save for alcohol.”2 They walked off, glancing at each other, most likely trying to figure out how they’d been made. 1 It was a male-female team. Their costumes weren’t quite right and they were far too clean for that late in the week. 2 Narrator: _A statement not entirely true._ ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2022, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/1739 "2022-06-28T19:51:19Z")
> [@DrFidelius](#): > > If the officer has a warrant or probable cause he could announce himself and enter. > Otherwise he is infringing on my freedoms by having me (and others) under surveillance. Not in a public place. A LEO does not need a warrant to enter a bar or a Walmart, etc. > [@DesertDog](#): > > My very first Burning Man a couple narcs came into the camp on Thursday evening and even I, a total newb, spotted them right away.1 Lol. ---
**Author:** ![Asuka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2022, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/1740 "2022-06-29T00:24:03Z")
Sorry I legitimately meant it as a joke. ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2022, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/1741 "2022-07-03T03:20:10Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > ^That was my POV as well. Similarly, a cop I used to live next door to would occasionally stop over to chat. He would yawn, then say something about being tired, and how he wished he weren’t going to be awake all night at the sobriety checkpoint on XYZ road. > > The minute he left, I’d be texting my friends letting them in on the information. Anytime I saw him struggling with a project in his yard I would go over and offer my assistance. So basically a bribe? You and your cop neighbor had an “understanding” where he would give you the location of checkpoints in exchange for you helping with with yard work. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311.md?page=86) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311.md?page=88)