# You're a fine example of a cop dude. Really. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [June 2, 2010, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669 "2010-06-02T17:11:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Darth\_Hamsandwich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4bbf92/32.png) [@Darth\_Hamsandwich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Hamsandwich)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/21 "2010-06-02T18:36:34Z")
> [@runner pat](#): > > He could be cited for drunk in public doing that, just not DUI. Every bar, tavern, and speakeasy owner within the country would have a bit of a problem with this, no? ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/22 "2010-06-02T18:50:33Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > I understand what you are trying to get across, but the thing is _other people_ do not have the option to tase you if the whim hits them. I have a friend who is a cop. He has warned me repeatedly to beware of cops. Per him, the entire process selects for assholes. I don’t know what kind of backwater hillbilly shithole you live in, but for any major metropolitan police department, even pulling your X26 in public requires in incident report, and if you actually pop the cartridge you can expect to be News Item #1 on Live At 5 with everyone from the ASPCA to the American Cancer Society demanding your head on a totally justified, in-policy use of force. No officer who likes his pension is going to tase anyone at a whim. And at any case, the o.p. didn’t need to confront him directly; he could have called up the district station/precinct house, asked for the watch commander or shift supervisor, and made a verbal complaint, even anonymously. Yes, some peace officers are real pieces of work, and get into the job because of the opportunity to wield authority over other people. It would be nice to say that the vetting process weeds them out, but this isn’t always the case, _especially_ if no one in the command chain is aware of the behavior. It is pretty rare, though, for such bullying to be tolerated with complete impunity by politically savvy management-level officers who yearn for a captain’s bars or higher. The media is just all too willing to jump on a bully cop and show an example of “the violence inherent in the system.” Stranger ---
**Author:** ![statsman1982](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e79b87/32.png) [@statsman1982](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/statsman1982)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/23 "2010-06-02T18:54:57Z")
> [@Ludovic](#): > > As long as you weren’t in one of those jurisdictions where cops go into establishments where drinks are served and test everyone, and arrest those who are over the limit and have car keys on them, whether or not they actually have a car close and are planning on driving it home. While this certainly isn’t right, it happens. If the cop saw you doing that and the law will let him get away with the above scenario, he certainly would think he could get away with arresting you if he saw you near your actual car. :eek: My understanding of the intricacies of the law is very limited, but how can it be illegal to possess car keys while drinking? What if you keep your car keys on the same ring as your house keys? I must admit, I’m completely floored by this. Where in the U.S. is this “law” enforced, because I’d like to avoid such places if possible? ---
**Author:** ![AClockworkMelon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aclockworkmelon/32/10803_2.png) [@AClockworkMelon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AClockworkMelon)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/24 "2010-06-02T19:02:51Z")
> [@statsman1982](#): > > Disgusting examples of humanity like this guy don’t usually die doing anything heroic. If the shit hits the fan, he won’t go down in a hail of gunfire defending the public. He’ll be hiding behind his squad car pissing his pants and begging for his momma. He’s a bully, a thug, who will, unfortunately, probably have a long, long life. To paraphrase Lewis Black, the good die young, and the pricks live _forever_! > > Yeah, cops are human, “one bad apple,” etc. But when your job is to protect _and serve_ the public, you don’t make your job or that of your organization any easier by giving the people you’re supposed to be protecting a reason to hate you. That seems…counterproductive. > > I’m willing to bet he also waves Old Glory around and thanks troops for securing “our freedom and the American way” even as he pisses all over everything that those brave people died for by his disgusting behavior. Ironically, his attitude is more in line with law enforcement in North Korea or Iran. What are you talking about? ---
**Author:** ![statsman1982](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e79b87/32.png) [@statsman1982](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/statsman1982)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/25 "2010-06-02T19:03:06Z")
> [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](#): > > I don’t know what kind of backwater hillbilly shithole you live in, but for any major metropolitan police department, even pulling your X26 in public requires in incident report, and if you actually pop the cartridge you can expect to be News Item #1 on Live At 5 with everyone from the ASPCA to the American Cancer Society demanding your head on a totally justified, in-policy use of force. No officer who likes his pension is going to tase anyone at a whim. And at any case, the o.p. didn’t need to confront him directly; he could have called up the district station/precinct house, asked for the watch commander or shift supervisor, and made a verbal complaint, even anonymously. > > Yes, some peace officers are real pieces of work, and get into the job because of the opportunity to wield authority over other people. It would be nice to say that the vetting process weeds them out, but this isn’t always the case, _especially_ if no one in the command chain is aware of the behavior. It is pretty rare, though, for such bullying to be tolerated with complete impunity by politically savvy management-level officers who yearn for a captain’s bars or higher. The media is just all too willing to jump on a bully cop and show an example of “the violence inherent in the system.” > > Stranger Oh, I don’t know. I live in Lubbock, population 212,000, and I could easily see a tasing not being considered a big deal. It’s a weird town, though, home to a large university and an active alcohol-fueled nightlife, but until last year, by city ordinance, it was a dry city. I’m sure the majority of people here would give the police the benefit of the doubt. ---
**Author:** ![statsman1982](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e79b87/32.png) [@statsman1982](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/statsman1982)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/26 "2010-06-02T19:07:30Z")
> [@AClockworkMelon](#): > > What are you talking about? Can you be more specific? I think most of what I wrote was English. This is the Pit, after all. Vitriol is pretty well expected, no? The OP said “Please die” in reference to the officer in question. I made a sweeping generalization about the cop based on the interaction in the OP. I was letting out frustration, the OP was letting out frustration. Do you think the OP really wants the cop to die? ---
**Author:** ![Lightnin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lightnin/32/180_2.png) [@Lightnin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightnin)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/27 "2010-06-02T19:08:54Z")
> [@PoorYorick](#): > > Were you staggering, slurring your words, have bloodshot eyes, or smell like a brewery? Were you wearing a “I Hate Pigs” badge? Anything? Well, he \*did \*have the **Shakes**. ---
**Author:** ![SmellMyWort](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea5d25/32.png) [@SmellMyWort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmellMyWort)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/28 "2010-06-02T19:10:59Z")
> [@Shakes](#): > > No, the only thing I can think of was that I was being ever so slightly silly with the cashier. I can’t remember exactly what I said to her but it was something to the effect of: " Hey! can’t have fajitas with out a beer. It’s like milk and cookies!" > > No, I’m wearing a button down bowling type shirt with blue jean shorts. > > **lieu** LOL!! Either A) He has a crush on the cashier and thinks you were trying to hit on her, or B) He thought you were Charlie Sheen. ---
**Author:** ![AClockworkMelon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aclockworkmelon/32/10803_2.png) [@AClockworkMelon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AClockworkMelon)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/29 "2010-06-02T19:11:45Z")
> [@statsman1982](#): > > Can you be more specific? I think most of what I wrote was English. > > This is the Pit, after all. Vitriol is pretty well expected, no? The OP said “Please die” in reference to the officer in question. I made a sweeping generalization about the cop based on the interaction in the OP. I was letting out frustration, the OP was letting out frustration. Do you think the OP really wants the cop to die? If your entire post was meant to be taken as seriously as the OP’s stated hope that the police officer die, consider my question retracted. ---
**Author:** ![Bone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bone/32/407_2.png) [@Bone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bone)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/30 "2010-06-02T19:19:51Z")
If you’re in Texas, they could arrest you just for [drinking in a bar:](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Alcoholic_Beverage_Commission) ---
**Author:** ![statsman1982](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e79b87/32.png) [@statsman1982](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/statsman1982)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/31 "2010-06-02T19:32:37Z")
> [@AClockworkMelon](#): > > If your entire post was meant to be taken as seriously as the OP’s stated hope that the police officer die, consider my question retracted. A sincere question: Why would you default, in the PIT, to thinking everything that’s written in a post is gospel? Have you seen what’s said in other threads? [“What the Fuck, Cisco…”](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=565452) (poster 2 probably doesn’t really think that) [“All of those Brazillians are savages…”](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=12516759&postcount=3)(that’s a quote from you) Maybe I used too many words? Or wasn’t trying to be funny or witty? What is the maximum number of words allowed before someone is taken 100% seriously? That would be helpful to know for my dissertation. ---
**Author:** ![Ogre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/ecb155/32.png) [@Ogre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ogre)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/32 "2010-06-02T19:34:27Z")
Jorts, man? JORTS? You’re lucky you’re not in Folsom! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![statsman1982](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e79b87/32.png) [@statsman1982](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/statsman1982)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/33 "2010-06-02T19:39:24Z")
> [@Bone](#): > > If you’re in Texas, they could arrest you just for [drinking in a bar:](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Alcoholic_Beverage_Commission) From the linked article: > [@](#): > > In 2006, the Commission led [Operation Last Call](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Last_Call), in which persons in bars and other alcohol serving establishments were arrested for being intoxicated. Said Captain David Alexander, head of the Operation Last Call Task Force, “Going to a bar is not an opportunity to go get drunk…It’s to have a good time, but not to get drunk.” In my town, I think that statement would come as a shock to 90% of the people who go to bars. [URL=“[Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission - Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Alcoholic_Beverage_Commission#cite_note-1)”] ---
**Author:** ![statsman1982](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e79b87/32.png) [@statsman1982](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/statsman1982)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/34 "2010-06-02T19:40:39Z")
> [@Ogre](#): > > Jorts, man? JORTS? You’re lucky you’re not in Folsom! 😃 Yeah, that’s only slightly less serious than shooting someone in Reno. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/35 "2010-06-02T19:44:41Z")
I don’t see why you couldn’t call the station now. Just ask for the supervisor (chief?), if you tell them what restaurant you where at and at what time, they’ll probably know who it was. Then you can let them know that you where threatened with arrest just like you told us in the OP. You might also want to talk to the owner of the restaurant and see if that’s the first time this has happened. They might say “Yeah, that was really strange, he’s usually really nice” or “Yeah, he does that a lot” in which case you might want to suggest they report him when he’s threatening their customers. ---
**Author:** ![DianaG](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7ab992/32.png) [@DianaG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DianaG)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/36 "2010-06-02T19:46:41Z")
> [@statsman1982](#): > > Yeah, that’s only slightly less serious than shooting someone in Reno. Jorts are potentially MUCH worse than murder, some people need killin’, but nobody needs to be seeing jorts. ---
**Author:** ![statsman1982](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e79b87/32.png) [@statsman1982](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/statsman1982)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/37 "2010-06-02T19:57:10Z")
> [@DianaG](#): > > Jorts are potentially MUCH worse than murder, some people need killin’, but nobody needs to be seeing jorts. (Googling “Jorts” to see exactly what people are talking about) [Holy shit!](http://www.jorts.com/) Well, I think we figured out why the cop was angry 😉 ---
**Author:** ![AClockworkMelon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aclockworkmelon/32/10803_2.png) [@AClockworkMelon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AClockworkMelon)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/38 "2010-06-02T19:58:32Z")
> [@statsman1982](#): > > Can you be more specific? I think most of what I wrote was English. > > This is the Pit, after all. Vitriol is pretty well expected, no? The OP said “Please die” in reference to the officer in question. I made a sweeping generalization about the cop based on the interaction in the OP. I was letting out frustration, the OP was letting out frustration. Do you think the OP really wants the cop to die? > [@statsman1982](#): > > A sincere question: Why would you default, in the PIT, to thinking everything that’s written in a post is gospel? Have you seen what’s said in other threads? > [“What the Fuck, Cisco…”](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=565452) (poster 2 probably doesn’t really think that) > > [“All of those Brazillians are savages…”](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=12516759&postcount=3)(that’s a quote from you) > > Maybe I used too many words? Or wasn’t trying to be funny or witty? What is the maximum number of words allowed before someone is taken 100% seriously? That would be helpful to know for my dissertation. The difference between my post and yours is mine was sarcastic. ---
**Author:** ![statsman1982](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e79b87/32.png) [@statsman1982](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/statsman1982)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/39 "2010-06-02T20:11:14Z")
And mine was hyperbolic. ---
**Author:** ![Rhythmdvl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/85f322/32.png) [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/40 "2010-06-02T20:15:27Z")
What the fuck is a fajita taco? Is that anything like a soup sandwich or a cake pie? (Ok, and Clockwork, I don’t get what you were initially objecting to. I thought Statsman’s post made some good points, generalized as it was, about the stereotypical cop-for-power. Since neither of you are on my batshit-crazy-skim-their-posts-only list, I figure you must have an interesting point with a different point of view that I’m not seeing. What specifically made you go hmmm?) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669.md?page=3)