Quote:
Originally Posted by red tail
it was in response of two former law enforcment people saying they have never 'flashed their tin' . got me to wondering why retirees would carry a badge.
|
Speaking personally as to why I carry my police I.D. (typically not a badge) is for identification purposes. It's common for me when I am in an area for an extended period (vacation, visiting relatives, moving to the Villages) I tend to stop in at the local police department and introduce myself, as I still consider these people as family.
I also offer up my assistance at times, like two mornings ago (3:15 a.m. in NJ) when a car crashed into the telephone pole in front of my home and I assisted the operator and with traffic, while waiting for the duty officer to arrive. Anytime that I see an officer in harms way, I will go out of my way to assist. Having my I.D. readily available can be very important at times.
Do active officers and retired officers carry their badge as a means to hopefully "get a break" if they are stopped? Most certainly. Face it, that's just life. Professional courtesy is not limited to the police. I'm sure that a cardiologist needing open heart surgery, will get a much better deal than I will. I'm sure that a dentist doesn't pay full price for a root canal etc.
I also know that many motorists get breaks everyday. It's those who don't that usually feel that cops and the system aren't fair.
Just my two and a half cents. Carry on.
Chief x