# 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:** 3
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/41 "2010-06-02T20:20:40Z")
> [@statsman1982](#): > > [Holy shit!](http://www.jorts.com/) Let **Shakes** drink all the beer he wants, [this](http://www.jorts.com/index.cfm?go=photos.display&photo_id=75#p) is who the cop needs to arrest. Those aren’t jorts, they a tourniquet for your grundle. ---
**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, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/42 "2010-06-02T20:22:20Z")
> [@Rhythmdvl](#): > > What the fuck is a fajita taco? Is that anything like a soup sandwich or a cake pie? If the OP is anywhere in my neck of the woods, it’s probably something like [this](http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://blogs.houstonpress.com/eating/el%2520charro.jpg&imgrefurl=http://blogs.houstonpress.com/eating/2009/11/el_charro_fajita_taco.php&h=480&w=640&sz=118&tbnid=SklJxNeA67Y-uM:&tbnh=103&tbnw=137&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dfajita%2Btaco&hl=en&usg=__kPwFC41M7FRNpe9KzR8NmM-k9E4=&sa=X&ei=sLwGTLeZEIKC8gaX2K34Cw&ved=0CBoQ9QEwAg). Basically, a taco with fajita meat and vegetables in it, rather than ground beef, cheese, and lettuce. As to why it’s not just called “a fajita,” you got me. Although, being a native of this part of the country, I have never seen the singular “fajita” (without an s) used as a noun. ---
**Author:** ![SteveG1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bb73d2/32.png) [@SteveG1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SteveG1)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/43 "2010-06-02T20:28:19Z")
> [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](#): > > … 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. … > > 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 I’m not exactly “pro cop”. But I’m not “anti cop” either. But, you said something here that bears repeating. The “system” has no way of dealing with an asshole, unless “it” is aware of the asshole. You have to know about the problem, before you can fix the problem. ---
**Author:** ![Shark\_Sandwich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f04885/32.png) [@Shark\_Sandwich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shark_Sandwich)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/44 "2010-06-02T20:29:49Z")
And everyone knows that margaritas go with fajita tacos. Beer goes with pizza and chicken wings. Maybe that’s what his gripe was. Like putting ketchup on a hot dog. ---
**Author:** ![SteveG1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bb73d2/32.png) [@SteveG1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SteveG1)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/45 "2010-06-02T20:32:46Z")
> [@Shark\_Sandwich](#): > > Like putting ketchup on a hot dog. No. For that, you get an ass kicking too 😃 ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/46 "2010-06-02T20:38:13Z")
> [@Shark\_Sandwich](#): > > Like putting ketchup on a hot dog. Eww! Hey, put that disgusting weiner back in your jorts. ---
**Author:** ![Chessic\_Sense](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7c8e57/32.png) [@Chessic\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chessic_Sense)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/47 "2010-06-02T20:40:36Z")
> [@SteveG1](#): > > You have to know about the problem, before you can fix the problem. In that case: You suck at commas. ---
**Author:** ![Lanzy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/74df32/32.png) [@Lanzy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lanzy)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/48 "2010-06-02T20:41:24Z")
I think I would have had the beer and sit and watch him and see who had to go back to work first. ---
**Author:** ![Dallas\_Jones](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dallas_jones/32/3277_2.png) [@Dallas\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dallas_Jones)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/49 "2010-06-02T20:52:29Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > 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. Yes, his supervisor will know who was at that location, the officer had to call in before going on break with his location. Call and complain. They may do nothing about it, probably not. But it will get mentioned and noted. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/50 "2010-06-02T21:01:32Z")
> [@Rhythmdvl](#): > > What the fuck is a fajita taco? Is that anything like a soup sandwich or a cake pie? Fajita refers to the cut of meat, specifically, skirt steak. The term has come to generally mean marinated skirt steak served on a toritilla with various condiments, but it can be used alone to mean skirt steak/arrachera. ---
**Author:** ![Green\_Bean](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/green_bean/32/1760_2.png) [@Green\_Bean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Bean)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/51 "2010-06-02T21:03:55Z")
> [@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. So let me get this straight. I live in downtown Westfield, NJ. Let’s say I wander the 2 blocks to the Jolley Trolley and hoist a few Blue Moons, planning to walk home afterwards. My car keys would be on me because they’re on my key ring. So what you’re saying is that if I lived in one of these jurisdictions, an officer could come in and arrest me if I were over the limit? Even if my drivers license shows my address is a couple of blocks away and my car is parked on the street outside my building? That makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. Hate to ask you for a cite in the Pit, but would you mind giving some further explanation or backup for this? ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/52 "2010-06-02T21:10:20Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > Fajita refers to the cut of meat, specifically, skirt steak. The Force is strong within this one. He Fights Ignorance well! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/53 "2010-06-02T21:15:06Z")
> [@Green\_Bean](#): > > Hate to ask you for a cite in the Pit, but would you mind giving some further explanation or backup for this? Yeah, I don’t feel like Googling at the moment, and journalists aren’t 100% accurate anyway, but I’ve read that it has happened in Alexandria VA. Also check out Bone’s link. I thought that sort of thing also happened in Texas, but I didn’t think it didn’t even need to involve car keys (it talks about being arrested simply for being drunk in a bar!) ---
**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, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/54 "2010-06-02T21:16:19Z")
> [@ghardester](#): > > Yes, his supervisor will know who was at that location, the officer had to call in before going on break with his location. Call and complain. They may do nothing about it, probably not. But it will get mentioned and noted. You’re right, they might do nothing about it this time…they might do nothing about it next time, but when the supervisor is getting one or two calls a month about it, they’ll do something. OTOH, your call might be the third call that day about him. If you want, you can even do it anonymously (when they ask for your name, just say “I want to keep this anonymous, I don’t want my name on the report” and leave it at that). Keep in mind though that anonymous complaints don’t carry as much weight. But a complaint is a complaint. ---
**Author:** ![Al\_Bundy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e79b87/32.png) [@Al\_Bundy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al_Bundy)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/55 "2010-06-02T21:17:14Z")
You were fortunate enough to have warning. I have no idea why he gave you a heads-up. Sounds like he has added mental issues to the normal cop mental issues. Where I live, police routinely issue completely bogus tickets. I mean they stop the next car passing after writing a ticket and write another ticket making up the reason for said ticket. The money gets split between the jurisdiction, court, and the state. The judges are supporting themselves and will always side with the officer. One defendant dared to ask if the radar had been calibrated. I thought the judge was going to blow a head gasket. He threw the book at the poor guy. Most of the fake tickets are not radar though. It’s just the officer’s word. One officer admitted on Topix that if we paid more taxes and officer salary, he would write fewer tickets. It’s all about revenue, not safety. ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/56 "2010-06-02T21:32:56Z")
> [@ghardester](#): > > Yes, his supervisor will know who was at that location, the officer had to call in before going on break with his location. Call and complain. They may do nothing about it, probably not. But it will get mentioned and noted. I would do this. His supervisor probably has a pretty good idea of who this is. Terrorizing people for fun is not acceptable. I’m guessing he was picking on you because you were having a beer for lunch and this offended his sense of drinking hours propriety. ---
**Author:** ![Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slow_moving_vehicle/32/291_2.png) [@Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slow_Moving_Vehicle)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/57 "2010-06-02T21:37:17Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > 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. > [@Scumpup](#): > > Based on being the child of a cop, the nephew of two others, and having worked as a deputy sheriff, I’d say that is correct. The job, historically, doesn’t pay well. Further, it’s guaranteed that most of your interactions with people will be unpleasant. You’ll either be dealing with them when something bad has just happened to them or you will be enforcing the law “against” them. A significant portion of the public will regard you with outright hate and hostility. Bottom line? You just about have to be something of an asshole to want to be a cop anyway. For many, the assholishness does run toward enjoying being in a position of authority over others. For others, it gets even less wholesome. > That said, there are still good cops. Based on watching way too many episodes of _COPS_, I think **Scumpup** is exactly right. But also, think about what a cop _does_, when you get right down to the nitty-gritty: He or she goes into a chaotic situation - people fighting, yelling, screaming, whatever - and restores order by _taking control_. The cop, to do this sucessfully, must be a dominant personality who can impose himself and his will. He or she must be something of a control freak; or, in other words, an asshole. Not only does the process select for assholes, it _requires_ them. But for what it’s worth, and _pace_ **Scumpup** ’s last comment, I got a speeding ticket a few years ago from a North Carolina State Trooper who was very friendly and nice - gave me my ticket without any peckerflexing or attitude. I paid my fine cheerfully. ---
**Author:** ![NDP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ndp/32/55_2.png) [@NDP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NDP)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/58 "2010-06-02T21:42:45Z")
> [@Ludovic](#): > > Also check out Bone’s link. I thought that sort of thing also happened in Texas, but I didn’t think it didn’t even need to involve car keys (it talks about being arrested simply for being drunk in a bar!) Not just being drunk in a bar but drunk in a _hotel_ bar where, when you leave, you’re just returning to a room in the same building. I recall a BBQ thread here a few years ago when the crackdown occurred. Some Texas Dopers suggested this was an obvious attempt by the TABC to shake down out-of-staters for revenue since it was more than likely they’d simply pay the fine rather than fly back to Texas later to defend themselves against some pissant infraction for public intoxication. ---
**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, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/59 "2010-06-02T21:42:50Z")
> [@astro](#): > > I would do this. His supervisor probably has a pretty good idea of who this is. Terrorizing people for fun is not acceptable. I’m guessing he was picking on you because you were having a beer for lunch and this offended his sense of drinking hours propriety. This makes a lot of sense. He probably thought “Beer in the early afternoon? Guy must be an alcoholic. Better let him know I ain’t gonna tolerate no drunks on my beat.” Of course I think the cop’s wrong in this case, but as you say, people have a sense of propriety when it comes to drinking. I was always taught that drinking anytime before noon was “weird,” but in the afternoon, no problem. This cop might think drinking anytime before 5-6 is wrong. He’s still a douche, but maybe not a crazy douche. ---
**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, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669/60 "2010-06-02T21:48:02Z")
> [@NDP](#): > > Not just being drunk in a bar but drunk in a _hotel_ bar where, when you leave, you’re just returning to a room in the same building. > > I recall a BBQ thread here a few years ago when the crackdown occurred. Some Texas Dopers suggested this was an obvious attempt by the TABC to shake down out-of-staters for revenue since it was more than likely they’d simply pay the fine rather than fly back to Texas later to defend themselves against some pissant infraction for public intoxication. I would say that it probably was at least 50% a shakedown, and 50% enforcement of some weird conservative values. I think the shakedown idea holds water because, at least where I live, there is a palpable sense of “us versus them” (Texans versus people from other states). Probably not as much in the big cities, but the feeling is definitely there in the smaller ones. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-fine-example-of-a-cop-dude-really/541669.md?page=4)