In support of our police.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Here is a great moment in television that explains why police sometimes shoot people when it doesn't seem necessary.

Too Late You're Dead Blue Bloods - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DHUPtWTuJk&t=3s)

[DeanFL]

.
.
I must say - personally I find it so hard to believe what the police and all LEOs are going thru these days. We've all seen the videos from the 'affected cities' - LEOs in an area, sometimes surrounded by "peaceful demonstrators". With bricks, flaming molotov cocktails, stones - you name it - being thrown at them.

I would NEVER want to have a friend or family be a 'Law Enforcement Officer' under these horrible conditions. In most every one of these areas - the Gov, Mayor, Council DOES NOTHING and paralyzes Law & Order. It is truly disgusting. And worse - IF Nov 3rd DOES NOT 'go their way' - our country will probably be ablaze.
.
.
.

[John41]

The police have. tough job. The mob attacking them from the front and politicians stabbing them in the back.

[Red White & Blue]

.
And worse - IF Nov 3rd DOES NOT 'go their way' - our country will probably be ablaze.
.

I honestly don't think so, someone forcefully will not let it happen...

[camaguey48]

The police have. tough job. The mob attacking them from the front and politicians stabbing them in the back.
Thank them every chance you get.

[Stu from NYC]

Horrible they get no backing.

[davem4616]

I suspect that the cities where the rioting has been going on will likely find it far more difficult to recruit police, and they may see existing officers, with minimal seniority, leave to go elsewhere

[Stu from NYC]

I suspect that the cities where the rioting has been going on will likely find it far more difficult to recruit police, and they may see existing officers, with minimal seniority, leave to go elsewhere

Agreed.
In order to attract replacements for the experience ones that leave they will have to offer a higher starting salary and benefits.

[justjim]

I have friends and several relatives who are or have been Policemen. I have sat down with some of them and all of them say the same thing. There are “bad apples” within police departments and the answer is to do a better job of weeding them out during the “vetting process.”. Those are their words. They all agree changes need to be made in the hiring process and also in training. It won’t happen over night but I believe it has already started in some places. Politicians will spin this to suit their constituents both left and right. That’s what they do.

[ajbrown]

One of my favorite scenes, IMO Danny waited too long here:

Blue Bloods: The Greater Good - Grand Jury Testimony | MRCTV (https://www.mrctv.org/videos/blue-bloods-greater-good-grand-jury-testimony)

[jebartle]

Too bad the focus is on some bad apples, so many good ones.

[Two Bills]

I was watching some of the videos of protest and rioting against the police, and one of them literaly had me burst out laughing.
A group were throwing stuff at passing cars, and generally being a pain.
They hit one car, which stopped, turned and came back to them.
First thing one of the girls shouted out was "Call the Police!" "Call the Police!!"

[Stu from NYC]

If these criminals would simply listen to the police. Stop, put their hands up and cooperate. If they run into a cop with an attitude, they’ll be alive and able to handle it with their lawyer later.

Why is this so hard for some people?

[Bucco]

Why is this so hard for some people?

A few things...
Before I respond to your post. I hear nobody on this forum OR anywhere condemning police in general. YET, you folks lay that on everyone as if the were under attack. I have supported the police with money, time, and actions for over 50 years, and still do...certainly much more than those on here who profess such undying support (I am sure many are sincere)... sort of like supporting vets and enabling those who steal from them.

But to respond directly.....you folks speak of the adreline running in a police officer, yet NEVER mention that same fluid in a black man suddenly in the defense. Doesn't mean they don't deserve a lot of what happens, but you folks don't even think if black people as human, having similar or wise fears.

If I am harsh, I apologize, and sincere apology to those who are sincere, but recent events have proven to me beyond a doubt that this forum is infected with so many false and phoney patriots and police supporters.

[Edjkoz]

A few things...
Before I respond to your post. I hear nobody on this forum OR anywhere condemning police in general. YET, you folks lay that on everyone as if the were under attack. I have supported the police with money, time, and actions for over 50 years, and still do...certainly much more than those on here who profess such undying support (I am sure many are sincere)... sort of like supporting vets and enabling those who steal from them.

But to respond directly.....you folks speak of the adreline running in a police officer, yet NEVER mention that same fluid in a black man suddenly in the defense. Doesn't mean they don't deserve a lot of what happens, but you folks don't even think if black people as human, having similar or wise fears.

If I am harsh, I apologize, and sincere apology to those who are sincere, but recent events have proven to me beyond a doubt that this forum is infected with so many false and phoney patriots and police supporters.

While I disagree with you, you’re certainly entitled to your opinion but criminals of all colors cause the same problems for themselves. You can call it an adrenaline rush if you like but it’s still a major cause of what happens during an arrest. No matter what your color, if Fight the officer or you go for a weapon, it’s not going to turn out well

[Bucco]

While I disagree with you, you’re certainly entitled to your opinion but criminals of all colors cause the same problems for themselves. You can call it an adrenaline rush if you like but it’s still a major cause of what happens during an arrest. No matter what your color, if Fight the officer or you go for a weapon, it’s not going to turn out well

You make my point.

I responded to a post that implied " why is this so hard for some people".......for the same darn reason a police officer shoots someone in the back....he knows he should not, but as all the poster on here like to say..."the adrenaline"

You immediately treat a police officer as human and anyone with black skin as something different.

Again, I will always support police officers, but so many are simply keeping this thing alive to demean other skin color.

I hear almost no specific criticism of police, yet all the ranting and raving goes on.

Police do not need defending, but these threads do allow everyone to malign anyone with black skin.

Race relation between police and black is very complex....man, I know that well....not nearly as simple as those of you who enjoy referencing television shows. Rioting is counter productive as is ignorant accusations.

[DeanFL]

.
.

[Northwoods]

You make my point.

I responded to a post that implied " why is this so hard for some people".......for the same darn reason a police officer shoots someone in the back....he knows he should not, but as all the poster on here like to say..."the adrenaline"

You immediately treat a police officer as human and anyone with black skin as something different.

Again, I will always support police officers, but so many are simply keeping this thing alive to demean other skin color.

I hear almost no specific criticism of police, yet all the ranting and raving goes on.

Police do not need defending, but these threads do allow everyone to malign anyone with black skin.

Race relation between police and black is very complex....man, I know that well....not nearly as simple as those of you who enjoy referencing television shows. Rioting is counter productive as is ignorant accusations.

You are wrong in your assertions.
First - A small fraction of police officers make the wrong decision. They shoot a black person in the back, or kneel on the neck of someone for X minutes and cause his death. I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S DELIBERATE, but it's wrong. It's wrong and should be punished.

I understand that a black person is worried if he's pulled over by a cop. He might not get the same treatment as a white person. He has a harder time in many circumstances than his white counterpart. I do get that. I believe that it's true.

But, because I'm white, I'm SO tired of being told I'm racist because I want black people (actually... race is irrelevant to me... I want ALL people) to follow the law.
I want rioters to stop burning down cities and decimating businesses. I want people to stop throwing fireworks or bottles at police.

It's not one or the other. Police need to crack down on the "bad apples" in their ranks. They need to enact some better tactics when dealing with a hostile situation.

But I can't give black people a pass just like I don't give the police a pass. Rioting and looting isn't acceptable. It should be punished just like a cop that wrongly causes the death of a black person should be punished.

[Windguy]

Too bad the focus is on some bad apples, so many good ones.

Sort of like so many people focus on the rioters instead of the peaceful protestors?

[Windguy]

But I can't give black people a pass just like I don't give the police a pass. Rioting and looting isn't acceptable.

I generally agree with you and it would not have come to this if the peaceful protests had been effective. Not only did things like peacefully marching in the streets and taking a knee during the anthem not work, they were also condemned right here in TotV and the right-wing propaganda outlets.

Targeting black people by the police is a serious issue and it must be addressed. Wake up everyone! Black citizens are terrified of the police and they fear they might die any time one comes near. Their fear/flight systems overwhelm the rational parts of their brains. Cops need to be more sensitive to this. Unlike black citizens, police get training and if the training isn’t effective they need to find another line of work. We need to quit protecting those cops who show lack of self control and beat the crap out of terrified citizens or shoot an unarmed, fleeing person in the back who isn’t posing an immediate threat to anyone.

If people want the rioting to stop, then start cleaning up the police force and get rid of the racists. That’s all it takes.

[LoisR]

I have friends and several relatives who are or have been Policemen. I have sat down with some of them and all of them say the same thing. There are “bad apples” within police departments and the answer is to do a better job of weeding them out during the “vetting process.”. Those are their words. They all agree changes need to be made in the hiring process and also in training. It won’t happen over night but I believe it has already started in some places. Politicians will spin this to suit their constituents both left and right. That’s what they do.
Bad apples? So why don't the "good" police turn in the "bad apples?" Remember the movie "Serpico?" Where have all the heroes gone?

A new police culture must be created. Starting with more than just a hs diploma. Better screening to eliminate rascists. More than a few months of a police academy.

[Russp]

All the response’s I would bet are people on both side Monday morning quarter backing. Unless you are a cop or a black person you can only say what you think While siting home and not in the moment While it is happening. But change takes time and can not be done overnight so the burning and rioting with not help at all.

[Skunky1]

Someone that shoots somebody in the back is a coward. Someone that shoots somebody in the back while They hold them is an executioner!

[Tom2172]

Don’t resist arrest! It’s that simple!
Don’t resist arrest
Have your day in court!
Cops have very high stress job - they have to make life (their life) decisions in seconds. Once a cop is murdered, they don’t get a redo!

Only people that need retraining are criminals!
Don’t resist arrest don’t threaten the police!
This racist police nonsense is a hoax!

[Bay Kid]

Such a shame where we are in this country. This has been an increasing problem that somehow started 10 years ago. Now we look like a 3rd world country.

Protest constantly. Don't these people ever work? Where do they get their money? Maybe that is the problem, they don't work and we give them FREE money.

[Skunky1]

Suspects resist for many different reasons. There is no need to kill suspects that resist.There is no need to leave a handcuffed naked suspect on the ground covering only his head when the snow is falling. Some cops are just bad that’s all there is to it. The police unions need to step up and help weed them out.

[Swoop]

I generally agree with you and it would not have come to this if the peaceful protests had been effective. Not only did things like peacefully marching in the streets and taking a knee during the anthem not work, they were also condemned right here in TotV and the right-wing propaganda outlets.

Targeting black people by the police is a serious issue and it must be addressed. Wake up everyone! Black citizens are terrified of the police and they fear they might die any time one comes near. Their fear/flight systems overwhelm the rational parts of their brains. Cops need to be more sensitive to this. Unlike black citizens, police get training and if the training isn’t effective they need to find another line of work. We need to quit protecting those cops who show lack of self control and beat the crap out of terrified citizens or shoot an unarmed, fleeing person in the back who isn’t posing an immediate threat to anyone.

If people want the rioting to stop, then start cleaning up the police force and get rid of the racists. That’s all it takes.
Because the news media only chooses to cover stories of blacks being shot by police, you might actually believe it happens disproportionately. However if you look at the demographics of violent criminals vs the general population and the demographics of police shootings, you’ll see that it simply isn’t true.

[Skunky1]

If the police were Doing their job properly there wouldn’t be any protest. Many people had to suffer a great deal in order to use that white only drinking fountain.We need to rid law-enforcement of the judge, jury and executioners!Protests are one of the tools we use to achieve this.

[rlcooper70]

Can we support out police and still criticize when they shoot an unarmed man in the back seven times?

There are 18,000 police departments and just under a million cops in the country ... some will make errors of judgement, some will react in fear and do things that are just plain wrong. Are they accountable?

"A true patriot is a lover of country who rebukes and does not excuse its sins." Frederick Douglas

[BethBowen]

We armed our police for war time after 9/11. We need to provide them with a different weapon. A mentally I'll, naked man runs through the streets. He is spitting, waving his arms and ranting gibberish. The police need units to help them in these situations. Bagging the man's head and kneeling on his neck controls him. But can the police do better. Police need help to handle the mental health crisis in this country.
They are overwhelmed.

[Girlcopper]

Too bad the focus is on some bad apples, so many good ones.
True! And look who is doing the focusing. Uneducated, illiterate, unemployed, entitled people. You have a beef with cops? Instead of looting and burning down your own local businesses, how about you go out and take a law enforcement job. Oh wait! Can you pass the “vetting” process?? I highly doubt it

[ruralgoddess]

that's a sweeping generalization.... you completely ignore the peaceful protesters who, btw, far outnumber the rabid mob.

[Saluce]

All the response’s I would bet are people on both side Monday morning quarter backing. Unless you are a cop or a black person you can only say what you think While siting home and not in the moment While it is happening. But change takes time and can not be done overnight so the burning and rioting with not help at all.

Exactly!!!
I see so many of these posts referring to television shows, like that’s how it happens in real life!!! Do you also refer to TV shows, like Greys Anatomy for how your doctors should act & respond?!?!?!
Ridiculous.......
Bottom line, OBEY THE LAWS no matter who you are!!! I bet then you would see less people being killed by officers!!!
Quit acting like you all could do a better job....no one knows what they would do in any situation!!
Officers are there to uphold the laws, if you are breaking them, you alone are choosing to bring forth consequences of those choices!!! I pray for all of law enforcement and for the families of the CRIMINALS who Choose to make poor choices!!!

[chrissy2231]

[FONT="Arial Black"][/FONT

Finally African Americans, mixed races, Hispanics, Asians, LGBT are being recognized as evidenced by TV programs/commercials. From a straight Caucasian Senior Citizen Woman!

A few things...
Before I respond to your post. I hear nobody on this forum OR anywhere condemning police in general. YET, you folks lay that on everyone as if the were under attack. I have supported the police with money, time, and actions for over 50 years, and still do...certainly much more than those on here who profess such undying support (I am sure many are sincere)... sort of like supporting vets and enabling those who steal from them.

But to respond directly.....you folks speak of the adreline running in a police officer, yet NEVER mention that same fluid in a black man suddenly in the defense. Doesn't mean they don't deserve a lot of what happens, but you folks don't even think if black people as human, having similar or wise fears.

If I am harsh, I apologize, and sincere apology to those who are sincere, but recent events have proven to me beyond a doubt that this forum is infected with so many false and phoney patriots and police supporters.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I understand that a black person is worried if he's pulled over by a cop. He might not get the same treatment as a white person. He has a harder time in many circumstances than his white counterpart. I do get that. I believe that it's true.

Good! It's important to acknowledge what is true. This really does happen sometimes.

But, because I'm white, I'm SO tired of being told I'm racist because I want black people (actually... race is irrelevant to me... I want ALL people) to follow the law.
I want rioters to stop burning down cities and decimating businesses. I want people to stop throwing fireworks or bottles at police.
The wording you choose is unfortunate. By saying "I want black people to follow the law" you are implying a belief that black people don't follow the law. By implying that, you imply that black people - generally speaking - in the majority - as a group - as a whole - do not follow the law.

That is where the problem starts. It starts with the wording. I am assuming you mean otherwise. But that is exactly what your words mean. When you state "I want X to behave like Y" you are implying that it doesn't already.

MOST black people are law abiding - or at the very least - don't get caught. Astoundingly, the exact same thing can be said for MOST white people, MOST brown people, MOST yellow and MOST red people.

The ones you see on the media are the exceptions, not the rule. They make the news because they're more interesting than "random black guy mows his lawn outside his house and nothing happens." Or "random cop stops a random traffic violator without incident."

Other than the unfortunate wording you choose, I agree with the sentiment of your post.

EVERYONE needs to either a) not disobey the law, b) not get caught if they disobey the law, or c) not give sass when they get caught disobeying the law.

That includes police, for whom the law is sometimes subjective and not clear. It should be common sense. No law should need to exist. But perhaps it does. Because even if you're a cop, you don't kill a suspect and then continue keeping your knee on his neck for 3 minutes after he's already dead. It shouldn't NEED to be against the law. But apparently it does.

[mydavid]

I have friends and several relatives who are or have been Policemen. I have sat down with some of them and all of them say the same thing. There are “bad apples” within police departments and the answer is to do a better job of weeding them out during the “vetting process.”. Those are their words. They all agree changes need to be made in the hiring process and also in training. It won’t happen over night but I believe it has already started in some places. Politicians will spin this to suit their constituents both left and right. That’s what they do. I
grew up when police were proud of the fact they never had to draw their gun, now it seems that its the first thing they do, "Sad"

[Bucco]

I
grew up when police were proud of the fact they never had to draw their gun, now it seems that its the first thing they do, "Sad"

Everybody is on edge in our country, so I understand that.

The pot is kept stirring, and no help in peace at all.

[rmd2]

I generally agree with you and it would not have come to this if the peaceful protests had been effective. Not only did things like peacefully marching in the streets and taking a knee during the anthem not work, they were also condemned right here in TotV and the right-wing propaganda outlets.

Targeting black people by the police is a serious issue and it must be addressed. Wake up everyone! Black citizens are terrified of the police and they fear they might die any time one comes near. Their fear/flight systems overwhelm the rational parts of their brains. Cops need to be more sensitive to this. Unlike black citizens, police get training and if the training isn’t effective they need to find another line of work. We need to quit protecting those cops who show lack of self control and beat the crap out of terrified citizens or shoot an unarmed, fleeing person in the back who isn’t posing an immediate threat to anyone.

If people want the rioting to stop, then start cleaning up the police force and get rid of the racists. That’s all it takes.

No. It is not because they are terrified of the police. They are terrified of going to jail. Many of the people we see resisting arrest (black OR white) are 3rd timers and are facing serious jail time which is why they are fleeing and resisting arrest.

[Byte1]

You make my point.

I responded to a post that implied " why is this so hard for some people".......for the same darn reason a police officer shoots someone in the back....he knows he should not, but as all the poster on here like to say..."the adrenaline"

You immediately treat a police officer as human and anyone with black skin as something different.

Again, I will always support police officers, but so many are simply keeping this thing alive to demean other skin color.

I hear almost no specific criticism of police, yet all the ranting and raving goes on.

Police do not need defending, but these threads do allow everyone to malign anyone with black skin.

Race relation between police and black is very complex....man, I know that well....not nearly as simple as those of you who enjoy referencing television shows. Rioting is counter productive as is ignorant accusations.

There are many, many reasons for a police officer to shoot a perp in the back. And it appears that every "uninformed" critic in America feels the need to make it worse for them to do their job to PROTECT.
I have a good friend (Deputy) that responded off duty to an armed robbery. The suspect was fleeing from the scene when he arrived first. As he took up the chase, the suspect started shooting at him while running away. He returned fire, shooting him in the back. JUSTIFIED shooting. Did not kill him, though. Too bad. The perp went down. He had been at the shooting range that day, as do many police officers and still had wad cutters in his revolver. Wad cutters are used at the range to better mark the target. At least they used to be used. They punch a nice round hole in the paper target, where a pointed bullet punches through like a pencil and the hole sometimes closes back up, making it hard to see where one shot entered or another. The wad cutter went in the suspects back and hit a rib, following it around to the front. Put him in the hospital, but he was unable to be a threat to anyone else for a while, ten years I think.
If someone is about to shoot you or is threatening you with a gun and the police are behind him, do you want them to ask the bad guy to turn around so he can shoot him, or do you want him to take action immediately? That is a rhetorical question. Personally, if I see a threat to a victim, I plan to take action regardless of what direction the dirtbag is facing.
An officer shot a teenager that was involved in a felony when the suspect reached into his pocket and brought out an object and pointed it at the officer. It was a cell phone. The officer was justified in shooting him. It happened at night and the officer feared that a gun was pointing at him. This stuff happens and then the Monday morning quarterbacks sit there and criticize these great public servants.
I have no sympathy for ANY of these dirtbags with long records of violent behavior. If the officer made a mistake in the heat of the moment, the subject should not have put himself in that situation. I will always give the officer my support if I am on the jury. One less dirtbag, regardless of rehab is one less threat to society. Most of them should not be out on the street anyway. They get way too many "second chances."

Police officers get gunned down when making simple traffic stops. Lets give that job to Social Services.
Police officers get shot or stabbed on domestic calls. Give that to Social Services too.
Police officers might make a bad judgement call and shoot someone that is not a bad guy. Give him rubber bullets so he can't kill anyone.
Police officers should not use choke holds. They have been trained to use them for decades and they are used in the Judo tournaments, but we should outlaw them as they might harm someone.
Police are taught to put a violent and resisting subject on the ground and hold him down while attempting to secure/arrest him. Knees are used, but a person died (of drugs) so they should reason with him or maybe call a Social worker instead of being physical.

Some of us get just a bit impatient with those that are safe in their homes at night, that feel the need to criticize HOW the police perform their duty.

[kenoc7]

A few things...
Before I respond to your post. I hear nobody on this forum OR anywhere condemning police in general. YET, you folks lay that on everyone as if the were under attack. I have supported the police with money, time, and actions for over 50 years, and still do...certainly much more than those on here who profess such undying support (I am sure many are sincere)... sort of like supporting vets and enabling those who steal from them.

But to respond directly.....you folks speak of the adreline running in a police officer, yet NEVER mention that same fluid in a black man suddenly in the defense. Doesn't mean they don't deserve a lot of what happens, but you folks don't even think if black people as human, having similar or wise fears.

If I am harsh, I apologize, and sincere apology to those who are sincere, but recent events have proven to me beyond a doubt that this forum is infected with so many false and phoney patriots and police supporters.
Well said. There are far too many people in TV who have blinkered views of race and police issues.

[kenoc7]

Because the news media only chooses to cover stories of blacks being shot by police, you might actually believe it happens disproportionately. However if you look at the demographics of violent criminals vs the general population and the demographics of police shootings, you’ll see that it simply isn’t true.
Actually it is true - black people are killed disproportionally by police.

[Stu from NYC]

There are many, many reasons for a police officer to shoot a perp in the back. And it appears that every "uninformed" critic in America feels the need to make it worse for them to do their job to PROTECT.
I have a good friend (Deputy) that responded off duty to an armed robbery. The suspect was fleeing from the scene when he arrived first. As he took up the chase, the suspect started shooting at him while running away. He returned fire, shooting him in the back. JUSTIFIED shooting. Did not kill him, though. Too bad. The perp went down. He had been at the shooting range that day, as do many police officers and still had wad cutters in his revolver. Wad cutters are used at the range to better mark the target. At least they used to be used. They punch a nice round hole in the paper target, where a pointed bullet punches through like a pencil and the hole sometimes closes back up, making it hard to see where one shot entered or another. The wad cutter went in the suspects back and hit a rib, following it around to the front. Put him in the hospital, but he was unable to be a threat to anyone else for a while, ten years I think.
If someone is about to shoot you or is threatening you with a gun and the police are behind him, do you want them to ask the bad guy to turn around so he can shoot him, or do you want him to take action immediately? That is a rhetorical question. Personally, if I see a threat to a victim, I plan to take action regardless of what direction the dirtbag is facing.
An officer shot a teenager that was involved in a felony when the suspect reached into his pocket and brought out an object and pointed it at the officer. It was a cell phone. The officer was justified in shooting him. It happened at night and the officer feared that a gun was pointing at him. This stuff happens and then the Monday morning quarterbacks sit there and criticize these great public servants.
I have no sympathy for ANY of these dirtbags with long records of violent behavior. If the officer made a mistake in the heat of the moment, the subject should not have put himself in that situation. I will always give the officer my support if I am on the jury. One less dirtbag, regardless of rehab is one less threat to society. Most of them should not be out on the street anyway. They get way too many "second chances."

Police officers get gunned down when making simple traffic stops. Lets give that job to Social Services.
Police officers get shot or stabbed on domestic calls. Give that to Social Services too.
Police officers might make a bad judgement call and shoot someone that is not a bad guy. Give him rubber bullets so he can't kill anyone.
Police officers should not use choke holds. They have been trained to use them for decades and they are used in the Judo tournaments, but we should outlaw them as they might harm someone.
Police are taught to put a violent and resisting subject on the ground and hold him down while attempting to secure/arrest him. Knees are used, but a person died (of drugs) so they should reason with him or maybe call a Social worker instead of being physical.

Some of us get just a bit impatient with those that are safe in their homes at night, that feel the need to criticize HOW the police perform their duty.

Very well said. People so quick to criticize police and have no idea what their professional lives are like.

[Stu from NYC]

Actually it is true - black people are killed disproportionally by police.

And black crime is much higher than the percentage of blacks in our country.

Lower that and will be less interactions with the police.

[Swoop]

Actually it is true - black people are killed disproportionally by police.

No it’s not true. It appears to be true if you look at total population numbers, but not if you look at those actually committing crimes. For example, black males make up roughly 6% of the US population, yet they commit over 50% of the murders in the US. Twice as many whites are killed by police vs blacks, yet whites do not commit twice as many violent crimes as blacks.
Facts not feelings.

[Jerry101]

The police have. tough job. The mob attacking them from the front and politicians stabbing them in the back.
Prior to moving to The Villages my wife and I lived in Orlando for 25 years. I knew many ‘cops’ ... still do. The number of times they came into contact with those with no license, ID of any sort, insurance & proper registration ... the strong stench of ‘weed’ ... following a proper stop for a moving violation ... would blow your mind. Some of those ended in non-compliance by the offender. Experience demands their training kick in. A TV show that depicted that type of scenario was ‘Live PD’. (now cancelled) America has become conditioned to seeing over and over, snippets of what are labeled as police brutality. Yet we NEVER (or hardly ever) see the minutes that led to the seriousness of the interaction. Are all cops perfect? Of course not. I support our men & women in Blue. My line to every one of them is: “Thank you for being a COP“!

[Byte1]

Actually it is true - black people are killed disproportionally by police.

Black people are also "disproportionately" killed by other black people. Black people also "disproportionately" commit crimes. That has nothing to do with the rights or wrongs of killing. It has nothing to do with the misconception that the police single out blacks to kill, which they don't. This is an erroneous and politically motivated urban legend that is not backed up by documented statistics.

[me doody]

Very moving...but his hands were behind him, and he said he had a gun...his hands were not handcuffed, nor was he he on the ground with 4 or 5 hundred LB. of law enforcement on his neck...many with video cams that show what brute force does to uncharged, thus innocent citizens.

[jacksonbrown]

Here is a great moment in television that explains why police sometimes shoot people when it doesn't seem necessary.

Here is an insightful article that includes first-hand discussion of above.

My Career.. (https://www.unz.com/article/my-career-as-a-white-police-officer/)

6,300 words but well worth the read.

[JGVillages]

What you see on TV is a huge exaggeration of the violence because TV show what is dramatic. I. think it was Reuters. but it may have been AP stated that well over 90% of the protests have been peaceful.

What you see on TV is a huge exaggeration of most police wrongdoings because TV shows what is dramatic and unsubstantiated by investigation and trial. Far more than 90%, more like 98%+ of police officers perform an exemplary service to all. By the way just in Minnesota over 360 businesses have been looted, vandalized, or damaged, with 66 businesses totally destroyed, mostly by fire. This is your 10% just in Minneapolis. Billions in damage across the nation. If your statement accepts the 10% violence as acceptable, which was my take, I could not disagree more.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Here is an insightful article that includes first-hand discussion of above.

My Career.. (https://www.unz.com/article/my-career-as-a-white-police-officer/)

6,300 words but well worth the read.

Fiction. And not surprising at all, given the source:

The Unz Review has been criticized for promoting anti-semitism, Holocaust denial, conspiracy theories, and white supremacist material. In addition to Unz's own writings, the site has hosted pieces by white supremacist Jared Taylor, among others.

Perhaps you might want to ATTEMPT to at least pretend to hide your bias by finding less extremist sources.

[Number 10 GI]

Sort of like so many people focus on the rioters instead of the peaceful protestors?

Have you ever been trained in mob control and mob dynamics? A peaceful protest can be turned into a mob by just a couple instigators trained to do so. Emotions are already high in a "peaceful demonstration" so it doesn't take much to enflame the demonstrators into acts of destruction that they wouldn't commit outside the demonstration/mob. The mob offers anonymity and a crowd to hide in. The organizers of these demonstrations know this but don't care. They could have the demonstrations in the light of the day in front of city hall instead of at night in business areas. The organizers also know that they are being used by criminals to loot businesses and the scum anarchists who are totally focused on destruction of the government. Yet they still have these "peaceful demonstrations" knowing what will happen. Why do you not understand why people are upset with the demonstrators?

[Mrprez]

Activist critical of police undergoes use of force scenarios - YouTube (https://youtu.be/yfi3Ndh3n-g)

[Number 10 GI]

We armed our police for war time after 9/11. We need to provide them with a different weapon. A mentally I'll, naked man runs through the streets. He is spitting, waving his arms and ranting gibberish. The police need units to help them in these situations. Bagging the man's head and kneeling on his neck controls him. But can the police do better. Police need help to handle the mental health crisis in this country.
They are overwhelmed.

They bag the head because he is spitting and many will try to bite the officer. Do you want someone who may have a nasty disease spitting on or biting you? People get all crazy when someone doesn't wear a mask due to Covid19. How would you like to find out that this crazy guy was infected with the virus and spit on you? Have you ever tried to restrain anyone? I'll answer for you, NO you haven't.

[jimjamuser]

True! And look who is doing the focusing. Uneducated, illiterate, unemployed, entitled people. You have a beef with cops? Instead of looting and burning down your own local businesses, how about you go out and take a law enforcement job. Oh wait! Can you pass the “vetting” process?? I highly doubt it
Yes, and as one famous Police Chief once said, " Flexible thinking leads to universal knowledge".

[Number 10 GI]

Actually it is true - black people are killed disproportionally by police.

When one group commits nearly 50% of all homicides and 60% of other crime, who do you think the police are going to be interacting with the most? When you are committing the bulk of the crime it stands to reason who is liable to get shot more often.

[jimjamuser]

There are many, many reasons for a police officer to shoot a perp in the back. And it appears that every "uninformed" critic in America feels the need to make it worse for them to do their job to PROTECT.
I have a good friend (Deputy) that responded off duty to an armed robbery. The suspect was fleeing from the scene when he arrived first. As he took up the chase, the suspect started shooting at him while running away. He returned fire, shooting him in the back. JUSTIFIED shooting. Did not kill him, though. Too bad. The perp went down. He had been at the shooting range that day, as do many police officers and still had wad cutters in his revolver. Wad cutters are used at the range to better mark the target. At least they used to be used. They punch a nice round hole in the paper target, where a pointed bullet punches through like a pencil and the hole sometimes closes back up, making it hard to see where one shot entered or another. The wad cutter went in the suspects back and hit a rib, following it around to the front. Put him in the hospital, but he was unable to be a threat to anyone else for a while, ten years I think.
If someone is about to shoot you or is threatening you with a gun and the police are behind him, do you want them to ask the bad guy to turn around so he can shoot him, or do you want him to take action immediately? That is a rhetorical question. Personally, if I see a threat to a victim, I plan to take action regardless of what direction the dirtbag is facing.
An officer shot a teenager that was involved in a felony when the suspect reached into his pocket and brought out an object and pointed it at the officer. It was a cell phone. The officer was justified in shooting him. It happened at night and the officer feared that a gun was pointing at him. This stuff happens and then the Monday morning quarterbacks sit there and criticize these great public servants.
I have no sympathy for ANY of these dirtbags with long records of violent behavior. If the officer made a mistake in the heat of the moment, the subject should not have put himself in that situation. I will always give the officer my support if I am on the jury. One less dirtbag, regardless of rehab is one less threat to society. Most of them should not be out on the street anyway. They get way too many "second chances."

Police officers get gunned down when making simple traffic stops. Lets give that job to Social Services.
Police officers get shot or stabbed on domestic calls. Give that to Social Services too.
Police officers might make a bad judgement call and shoot someone that is not a bad guy. Give him rubber bullets so he can't kill anyone.
Police officers should not use choke holds. They have been trained to use them for decades and they are used in the Judo tournaments, but we should outlaw them as they might harm someone.
Police are taught to put a violent and resisting subject on the ground and hold him down while attempting to secure/arrest him. Knees are used, but a person died (of drugs) so they should reason with him or maybe call a Social worker instead of being physical.

Some of us get just a bit impatient with those that are safe in their homes at night, that feel the need to criticize HOW the police perform their duty.
A light weight gun firing rubber bullets in ADDITION to the regular one firing lead bullets. That gives the Police Offiicer one more option. Options are USUALLY considered GOOD not BAD. Why not consider something different? AFRAID to try something new - or because of tradition? What is lost with a new experiment?

[Number 10 GI]

A light weight gun firing rubber bullets in ADDITION to the regular one firing lead bullets. That gives the Police Offiicer one more option. Options are USUALLY considered GOOD not BAD. Why not consider something different? AFRAID to try something new - or because of tradition? What is lost with a new experiment?

What do you think a rubber bullet would be good for? Name a few examples.

[jimjamuser]

Not true. The bad guys are the dirbags that have a long record of criminal activity. I don't give a rats @** about the loss of another dirbag that wishes to put a Cop's life or anyone else's in jeopardy. These STUPID protesters are making fools of themselves with the concurrence of a bunch of ignorant liberals that miss the MJ smoke filled, flowery painted VW vans of the '60s. Why in the world would anyone make a martyr out of a dirbag criminal? FOR THE MONEY, period. That is the only value the dirtbag's lives have to anyone.
Cops are not acting as judge and jury, but they do have to make life and death decisions on any given day. If they make a good decision 364 days a year, but a mistake on the one day, they are ostracized and vilified. I have known hundreds of police officers and never have I ever met one that thought he/she were judge and jury, or even acted like it. I did know of one very good officer that was demoted for one mistake he made. It was night and he received a call that a suspect in a rape was being chased toward him in a car chase. He mistakenly shot the radiator of a car speeding toward him to stop the car. It was the wrong car and they sued the county. He was demoted as a result. He made a bad judgement call and paid for it.
Police making mistakes DO pay for it, and ARE punished for their mistakes. Some police Depts require a "use of force" report filled out whenever an officer has to use force to perform an arrest. These are investigated to see if they are justified and the report is recorded in their personnel file. When an officer is given their periodic evaluation, these incidents are taken into consideration.
Nice rant, but probably dirtbag is spelled with a "t" in it. I don't know, for sure, because I rarely use that word for fellow HUMAN beings that GOD loves. I make spelling errors also, so I am trying not to be judgemental. As far as MJ smoke goes - I remember in 1973 in Miami, that a Policeman often smoked with a group behind a bar that I went to. He was a good guy - A credit to his uniform in my opinion.

[Byte1]

A light weight gun firing rubber bullets in ADDITION to the regular one firing lead bullets. That gives the Police Offiicer one more option. Options are USUALLY considered GOOD not BAD. Why not consider something different? AFRAID to try something new - or because of tradition? What is lost with a new experiment?

I suppose that another gun, along with the stun gun/taser and their mace, flashlight, handcuffs, extra ammo pouch, and baton, etc. is just what they need. Amazing how many "neat" ideas folks come up with that have no experience in law enforcement. Personally, I do not think that rubber bullets against firearms works anywhere except in Batman movies. I have heard of rubber bullets and bean bags used in crowd control/riots, but I don't know if they worked very well. A good old fire hose works. That is what has been used to repel protesters attempting to board ships.

[Number 10 GI]

I suppose that another gun, along with the stun gun/taser and their mace, flashlight, handcuffs, extra ammo pouch, and baton, etc. is just what they need. Amazing how many "neat" ideas folks come up with that have no experience in law enforcement. Personally, I do not think that rubber bullets against firearms works anywhere except in Batman movies. I have heard of rubber bullets and bean bags used in crowd control/riots, but I don't know if they worked very well. A good old fire hose works. That is what has been used to repel protesters attempting to board ships.

I think someone has been watching too many Star Trek shows besides Batman movies. Set phasers on stun! Rubber bullets can be extremely dangerous, a lot of people have been seriously injured by them.

[jimjamuser]

What do you think a rubber bullet would be good for? Name a few examples.
Flexible, more human law enforcement, for one!!!!

[jimjamuser]

I suppose that another gun, along with the stun gun/taser and their mace, flashlight, handcuffs, extra ammo pouch, and baton, etc. is just what they need. Amazing how many "neat" ideas folks come up with that have no experience in law enforcement. Personally, I do not think that rubber bullets against firearms works anywhere except in Batman movies. I have heard of rubber bullets and bean bags used in crowd control/riots, but I don't know if they worked very well. A good old fire hose works. That is what has been used to repel protesters attempting to board ships.
Swedish commercial vessels, in modern times, used stainless steel bows and arrows to repell boarders. I do not know any further details, but I have seen those bows.

[Swoop]

The racism problem did NOT start because of an election approaching. It was some video EVIDENCE of SEVERAL Police over-reactions and over-zealousness that lead to the deaths of SEVERAL Black men and women. It has been happening for 100s of years, but now it comes by video cell phone camera into people's TVs and living rooms. Empathy sets in and most people feel SYSTEMIC social guilt. You might be vaccinated against that social guilt, but is it NOT reasonable for MANY others to have that empathy / guilt ?
And because the news media only reports on these incidents when the person involved is black, you are lead to believe that it is happening predominantly to blacks. That is simply not true. Twice as many whites are killed by police as blacks. If Floyd had been white, the national news media would not have even covered his story.

[Number 10 GI]

Flexible, more human law enforcement, for one!!!!

Those aren't examples, just meaningless cliches, what situation would a rubber bullet be used in.

[Number 10 GI]

Here is a link to an article pertaining to rubber bullet usage.

What are rubber bullets? Weapons used on George Floyd protesters can maim and kill (https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/what-are-rubber-bullets-weapons-used-george-floyd-protesters-can-n1223581)

[Get real]

They bag the head because he is spitting and many will try to bite the officer. Do you want someone who may have a nasty disease spitting on or biting you? People get all crazy when someone doesn't wear a mask due to Covid19. How would you like to find out that this crazy guy was infected with the virus and spit on you? Have you ever tried to restrain anyone? I'll answer for you, NO you haven't.

Oh man, now some mutt will try to put a mask on me when I go to Publix and then some on this board will condemn me. But, but, but.....it is loosely the reverse of what happened.

[DeanFL]

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1. Am I the only one who is sick and tired of all this gobiligook and diatribe and yada-yada over this topic???

2. Is ANYONE'S mind changed after all of this?

3. Does any POSTER feel better now that they got their opinion across?

4. I know, you do no need to tell me - well don't read it then. Go back to first statement for my answer.
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[jimjamuser]

Here is a link to an article pertaining to rubber bullet usage.

What are rubber bullets? Weapons used on George Floyd protesters can maim and kill (https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/what-are-rubber-bullets-weapons-used-george-floyd-protesters-can-n1223581)
I read it right till the end - where the article ended with - rubber bullets are less harmful that either physical force or lead bullets. So, they confirmed my thinking - no system of LESS force than lead bullets is going to be perfect - there will be some injuries. It beats trigger-happy BAD police shooting 7 lead rounds into a suspects back. ANYTHING to avoid that. How about a suggestion for the US to study and adopt European Policing training and methods.How about NOT allowing the NRA to saturate America with semi-auto military rifles. How about single-shot rifles. I could hunt squirrels successfully with my single-shot 22 when I was in 7th grade. I did not need a semi-auto. I could do EVERYTHING that I need for hunting today and home defense with a single-shot rifle or even pistol. That system would be WAY better than the Wild-West killing field streets that we have in the US cities today. And the NRA is very responsible!