Cop Confiscates Cigars.

[DownUnder LLG]

Originally Posted by icehog3

Jason...I PM'ed you...but for the public record...you were NOT the other poster I was referring too....

Tom

Thanks mate, and I look forward to sharing that cigar one day.... well not the same cigar

[Throb]

Originally Posted by RumblePen

You know, I probably do know the cop. He's probably one of my customers. A lot of cops are regulars in my shop (even though the department made them sign a contract forbidding them to smoke or hey loose they're job--what bullshit is that?

[SIZE=3]My Dept has a "No smoking clause" as well for all new hires...I was grandfathered in. If you know the cop or some others in the department ask them about it. If the guys DL and registration were run, there would be a log of the inquiry to NCIC or BCI, whichever warrant and criminal information center the department subscribes to. As such, there should be a report or incident number attached to the traffic stop. Find out the final disposition and post it if you can get it. Some departments are not very cooperative about releasing such info however.[/SIZE]


I do believe the reason for pulling over the guy was that he was thought to have been smoking pot. If it were something else, why would the cop ask to see the cigars?

[SIZE=3]Again, maybe the cop saw something else in the bag.[/SIZE]

My customer isn't the least bit suspicious looking. Just an average working stiff in his 30's. No bling. No bmw with spinnas.

[SIZE=3]Hmmmm. Sounds like Ted Bundy. Nooo, more like Dahmer...Yeah just an average looking stiff. Real bad guys have that tattoo on their forehead that says "Bad Guy". [/SIZE]

I'm not going to thank someone for violating my rights by pulling me over and letting me off with a warning when I haven't done anything wrong in the first place (which happens a lot today) simply because the guy chose a risky job.

[SIZE=3]Where did you get this stat from? The jails and prisons are full of innocent people that had their rights violated..just ask them. There isn't a guilty person inside a jail. Really. Just ask them. [/SIZE]


And about those insane hours you speak of? How much of that do you suppose is voluntary overtime so they can get $40+ an hour to wave traffic on by?

[SIZE=3]I stopped working those OT details (for $25 and hour mind you) because "waving traffic" was a bit to hazardous to my health. Having directed traffic for NYPD in NY f-ing city, I figured directing traffic down here in Florida should be a breeze...until I tried to stop an 82 year old woman from crossing the intersection and I wound up sprawled on the hood of her car looking at her face to face. She was screaming at me to get out of her way because she was late for church. I still work a lot of OT, but its so I can put some food on the table and cover the cost of insurance and gas before hurricane season hits down here.

Voluntary overtime...Hmmmm. Gee why do lawyers do "pro Bono" work and Doctors go off to other countries as teachers, but cops get slack for "voluntary overtime". Just tryin to make ends meet here. [/SIZE]

I wanted to go point by point here. Sorry if the bold is too much.

[Suburbahick]

Originally Posted by CrazyFool

what i have gathered in life so far is simpley not to trust police. i have no choice but to give them the benfit of the doubt and by my own choice i respect the good ones... but i wish there were more.

My experience as well... I dont trust the police, They arent your friend, their job is to take what you say, and prosecute you with it in court. So why cooperate and tell them ANYTHING and make their case for em... When i get pulled over its always yes sir, no sir, very respectful, i dont bullshit the cop sayin i wasnt speeding when I was. Im more responsible than that.

I have been pulled over a lot (maybe 12 times total in my life), most of the time i deserve it (driving stupidly fast mainly.) But there are the occasions that i've gotten pulled over for singing in my car. (thought i was flashing gang signs apparently)... and when i was genuinely confused as to why i was gettin pulled over, he asked me "You got something to say to me boy?!" in a very disrespectful and offensive tone, i've had cops pull their guns out when i told the officer my insurance was in the glove box and that i was gonna reach for it... (same cop, actually) then gave me a ticket cuz my insurance expired the day before... After I let the officer know that I was going to work in Fort Worth at the TCC campus up there, he went to my house, and asked my mother if i was a part of a gang. Mom called me from work, made me leave work, and come talk to this cop at home (20 min away)... Now, tell me you'd trust the police after being un-necessarially singled out like that.


True, i've never been beaten by a cop, or treated just totally unfairly, but I'll be the first one to tell you that younger drivers get messed with a lot by the police.

*Edit* LLG i think he was referring to me about that "other member"

[floydp]

I hear they confiscate donuts too.

[Miami]

Originally Posted by RumblePen

You know, I probably do know the cop. He's probably one of my customers. A lot of cops are regulars in my shop (even though the department made them sign a contract forbidding them to smoke or hey loose they're job--what bullshit is that? I guess they can still drink if they want to, or get as fat as they want to at Mickey D's ).

I wouldn't call the guy crooked. Atleast not for that one act. That's a bit strong. I do believe the reason for pulling over the guy was that he was thought to have been smoking pot. If it were something else, why would the cop ask to see the cigars?

My customer isn't the least bit suspicious looking. Just an average working stiff in his 30's. No bling. No bmw with spinnas. My take was that he got off with a break. He lost $10.50 worth of cigars, would he rather have had got a ticket instead, or a DUI? I even told him this. But I guess it's debatable that he shouldn't have even been pulled over in the first place.

Even though Crazyfool may have put his foot in his mouth and made a pretty gross generalization, remember, it maybe different in your area, but there are some towns where his 1 in 2 ratio is actually more than generous. Cops are human beings. Human nature really hasn't changed much in the last 1000 years, let alone the last 30. Serpico didn't rid the world of corruption in law enforcement in the 70's.




That's just as bad as Crazyfool's generalization. A cop's uniform, a soldier's uniform, or even a fireman's uniform doesn't automatically make someone a hero. There are plenty of heels in the world wearing all three. Me, I judge people on a person to person basis. I'm not going to thank someone for violating my rights by pulling me over and letting me off with a warning when I haven't done anything wrong in the first place (which happens a lot today) simply because the guy chose a risky job. And I firmly believe people shouldn't have to rely on the police to protect them. Until they start administering super serums to the force, they simply aren't able to in most situations when you need them. And about those insane hours you speak of? How much of that do you suppose is voluntary overtime so they can get $40+ an hour to wave traffic on by?

Let me make something clear though. I'm not a "F'CK THA POLEESE" nutjob. Quite the opposite. If I wasn't hardset on being a writer, I'd be working on becoming a detective. I guess if I fail at writing I could become a private investigator (I ALREDY GOT A FEDORA).

I have been a Law Enforcement Officer for about 14 years now. I have worked for several differnt departments some upscale areas and some rough areas. I did choose this job nobody made me do it. It might sound funny but I see it as a calling. I am a firm believer that we as officers should be held to a higher standard and lead by example. We are still humans and make mistakes. I have disagreed with many officers in how they do things. To your remark of how we are not there when people need us. I can tell you that you are just plan wrong. I have been tasked several times not just with TRAFFIC DETAILS as you say but to notify a mother that her 8 year old son just died. I was with her during her most trying time in her life. I am not grateful it happen but felt lucky that God put me there to help her. Maybe that father that I was with while his 9 month old baby girl died on the plane ride over. He might just be thankfull that we are here. I do work for the public above all for those who can not defend themselves. I am not sure when was the last time you spoke to an abuse child or battered wife or had a scum of the earth try to stab you with a rusty pen

Even with your comments and not even knowing you. I am still willing to do my small part to protect you and your family.

[icehog3]

Originally Posted by RumblePen

I guess they can still drink if they want to, or get as fat as they want to at Mickey D's ).

Most of the cops I know are bodybuilders, powerlifters and UFC style fighters...You're probably not in half the shape most of them are...nice f*cking generalization again.



would he rather have had got a ticket instead, or a DUI? I even told him this. But I guess it's debatable that he shouldn't have even been pulled over in the first place.
How do you know it's debatable? Were you there???

but there are some towns where his 1 in 2 ratio is actually more than generous.



That's just as bad as Crazyfool's generalization. A cop's uniform, a soldier's uniform, or even a fireman's uniform doesn't automatically make someone a hero. There are plenty of heels in the world wearing all three. Me, I judge people on a person to person basis. I'm not going to thank someone for violating my rights by pulling me over and letting me off with a warning when I haven't done anything wrong in the first place (which happens a lot today) simply because the guy chose a risky job. And I firmly believe people shouldn't have to rely on the police to protect them. Until they start administering super serums to the force, they simply aren't able to in most situations when you need them. And about those insane hours you speak of? How much of that do you suppose is voluntary overtime so they can get $40+ an hour to wave traffic on by?

Let me make something clear though. I'm not a "F'CK THA POLEESE" nutjob. Quite the opposite. If I wasn't hardset on being a writer, I'd be working on becoming a detective. I guess if I fail at writing I could become a private investigator (I ALREDY GOT A FEDORA).

Read your second to last paragraph again and tell me you're not a F#ck the Police guy. Pulling people over for doing nothing...yeah, nothing better to do. Aren't able to handle most situations? Voluntary overtime? Try it sometime...see how easy it is. Don't give up the writing career for a detective job, you don't have the ability to see between the lines enough to succeed at it.

[Siamang]

I've encountered a few police officers who were a little overzealous in taking offense, throwing their authority around, and generally being dicks. I went to school with a few guys who wanted to go into law enforcement, and they were jackass bullies too. I think it's myopic to say that every cop is someone who's genuinely concerned about public welfare, but going into a situation with an officer and assuming that they're not going to be civil or giving an anecdote about how they mistreated you is usually more of a reflection of your own character and attitude, not theirs. Every career line attracts its particular share of shitheads, and law enforcement is no exception. My jackass friends probably got weeded out once they got into the force, or learned quickly to change their tune. Most police officers just want to do their job, which is generally a nasty and thankless one, and not get killed for it.

I've been pulled over a lot, arrested a few times on petty charges, and in not one of those situations did the officer act rudely or unprofessionally. I remained calm and showed them respect and cooperation from the get-go, and they did the same throughout the entire encounter. Never had anything confiscated(hell, the one time I had my truck impounded the cop reminded me to not forget to take all my stuff out), never was physically mistreated, never was spoken to condescendingly except for the time I was 15 and being a real prick to my parents. I think a lot of the times the cops who get in someone's face are the ones who are picking up on a person's attitude. Are police officers oversensitive and quick to take offense? Of course, they had better well be if they want to stay alive. Being polite and cooperative doesn't mean you're letting your rights get trampled on, and I think if you deal with cops by being mindful of their own necessarily paranoid perspective things will be a hell of a lot easier. Showing some extra respect to someone in a representative government position, regardless of how the person behind the badge might be acting, takes nothing away from yourself and honestly can make things a hell of a lot easier. It doesn't mean you're weak, or giving up your rights, or that the cop is more of a man than you. Know what you're entitled to when you get pulled over, and stick up for yourself, but be very, very polite about it.

[Da Klugs]

Public servants who perform risky service to us all are to be commended and have my undying respect and admiration. Police, fire and rescue etc. Not a job that many have the courage to perform when necessary. The when necessary is the issue. For every "abuse story" which you have to consider the source before placing too much weight, there are also stories of heroism and courage in performing their duties to keep our system orderly and citizens safe.

Profiling gets big press now. It's pretty common sense to figure if you're a long haired bearded type smoking a cigar that sooner or later your going to be profiled over. Personally I thing they should hire the blind to do this and just rely on the thumping base. But maybe that is profiling of a different nature.

Think that a national referendum on profiling middle eastern looking types for special attention at the airport would have a problem passing? It's not the Swedes we are concerned about. Right or wrong things like this happen every day and if you don't like it conform. If you want to be a banker you're going to have to cut your hair and bathe frequently. Fair or not.


Dis is merica and if you commie pinko faggots don't like it move to commie pinko fag land or whatever that place is called.

It's (the last paragraph) sarcasm Bitches!

[icehog3]

Originally Posted by Da Klugs

Dis is merica and if you commie pinko faggots don't like it move to commie pinko fag land or whatever that place is called.

It's (the last paragraph) sarcasm Bitches!

Are some cops dicks? Yes.

Are all cops dicks? No.

Are 1 out of 2 cops dicks? No.

If you think all cops are dicks, take a look in the mirror...if you're not a dick, you're probably a douche bag.

[Franksmith]

Originally Posted by RumblePen

You know, I probably do know the cop. He's probably one of my customers. A lot of cops are regulars in my shop (even though the department made them sign a contract forbidding them to smoke or hey loose they're job--what bullshit is that? I guess they can still drink if they want to, or get as fat as they want to at Mickey D's ).

I wouldn't call the guy crooked. Atleast not for that one act. That's a bit strong. I do believe the reason for pulling over the guy was that he was thought to have been smoking pot. If it were something else, why would the cop ask to see the cigars?

My customer isn't the least bit suspicious looking. Just an average working stiff in his 30's. No bling. No bmw with spinnas. My take was that he got off with a break. He lost $10.50 worth of cigars, would he rather have had got a ticket instead, or a DUI? I even told him this. But I guess it's debatable that he shouldn't have even been pulled over in the first place.

Even though Crazyfool may have put his foot in his mouth and made a pretty gross generalization, remember, it maybe different in your area, but there are some towns where his 1 in 2 ratio is actually more than generous. Cops are human beings. Human nature really hasn't changed much in the last 1000 years, let alone the last 30. Serpico didn't rid the world of corruption in law enforcement in the 70's.




That's just as bad as Crazyfool's generalization. A cop's uniform, a soldier's uniform, or even a fireman's uniform doesn't automatically make someone a hero. There are plenty of heels in the world wearing all three. Me, I judge people on a person to person basis. I'm not going to thank someone for violating my rights by pulling me over and letting me off with a warning when I haven't done anything wrong in the first place (which happens a lot today) simply because the guy chose a risky job. And I firmly believe people shouldn't have to rely on the police to protect them. Until they start administering super serums to the force, they simply aren't able to in most situations when you need them. And about those insane hours you speak of? How much of that do you suppose is voluntary overtime so they can get $40+ an hour to wave traffic on by?

Let me make something clear though. I'm not a "F'CK THA POLEESE" nutjob. Quite the opposite. If I wasn't hardset on being a writer, I'd be working on becoming a detective. I guess if I fail at writing I could become a private investigator (I ALREDY GOT A FEDORA).

What would you do?

[Throb]

Originally Posted by Suburbahick

My experience as well... I dont trust the police, They arent your friend, their job is to take what you say, and prosecute you with it in court. So why cooperate and tell them ANYTHING and make their case for em... When i get pulled over its always yes sir, no sir, very respectful, i dont bullshit the cop sayin i wasnt speeding when I was. Im more responsible than that.

Suburbahick: I agree with you that the police aren't your friends. I am not out there to make friends. I stopped caring if people "like" me or not while I'm doing my job. Yes, my job is to have people prosecuted (State Attorney does the prosecuting). I want you to understand, I am out there to make a case...Not twist peoples words around and make stuff up...

I can appreciate someone who doesn't want to incriminate themselves, but another pet peeve of mine is lying. It frosts my ass when I have people lie to me. I always give people the opportunity to tell me the truth. Assuming they don't fess up to a homicide, I'll try to keep them out of jail. (Tickets, notice to appear in court etc). When I ask a guy if he has any drugs on him and he says no, then I find a baggie in his pocket and he says, "These aren't my pants" (anyone that has been a cop has heard this one, am I right?) well ...you're getting an e-ticket ride to jail, with full privileges like vehicle impound, seat-belt tickets, window tint tickets, etc.

In my business I can't afford to make friends. That is left for my leisure time. Again, I treat people with respect if they start that way. If I get attitude, I can give it back ten-fold. If the attitude subsides, I can reel it back in too. That last trait comes from years of being a cop. Newbies are newbies. A rookie cop spends his first few years racing to every call hoping there's a fight. More seasons cops know, not everything needs to be solved with brute force. Some cops get over-seasoned and bitter. Its no excuse to be abusive, but it is the reason they are.

Do young kids get more police attention? For some things, sure. Younger adults have an "invincibility complex" going on. I'll never get hurt racing down the street with another car.

Who is more likely to be driving down the road with a tricked out Honda Accord, 2 LCD screens and PLAYING an XBOX WHILE DRIVING in rush hour traffic doing 45mph without his seatbelt on: a 17 year old male or a 45 year old male? (Yes, this is a true story)

Now, who is more likely to be arrested or DUI while driving a Land Rover, with an 8ball of powder coke in his Italian Suit pocket. The young kid fresh out of high school or the 40 year old investment banker after a Christmas party with the overdosed and dying hooker in the back seat? (again...true story).

Who got treated better. The 17 year old. HE at least said he was being stupid. The older guy said, he will have my job, I'll be sorry for stopping him, can't we just forget about this and be friends, I pay your salary, I'm ruining his life, I was almost home, Here is my Rolex and some cash etc.

As for the gang thing...All I can tell you is we got an e-mail from the FBI and FLDE stating "kill a cop day" was coming up. Local gang chapter in our area was sponsoring it and to get in to the gang you had to kill a cop. They supplied the gun. It was a very violent and known gang that has now gotten away from the tattoos and clothing to more "blend in" and not get harassed by "the pigs".

We have also had four of our deputies home shot at and into in drive by all within a 5 mile radius. Coincidence? You may think so, but we sure don't.

Now, lets get back to the business of CIGARS. Its my damn weekend and I wanna smoke not talk shop!

[floydp]

Originally Posted by icehog3

Are some cops dicks? Yes.

Are all cops dicks? No.

Are 1 out of 2 cops dicks? No.

If you think all cops are dicks, take a look in the mirror...if you're not a dick, you're probably a douche bag.

Hey some of my best friends are douche bags.

[RumblePen]

Originally Posted by Throb

"Again, maybe the cop saw something else in the bag."

So, he kept that something else for himself and let the guy go?

Originally Posted by Throb

Where did you get this stat from? The jails and prisons are full of innocent people that had their rights violated..just ask them. There isn't a guilty person inside a jail. Really. Just ask them."

I wasn't talking about convicted criminals. And what stat? I didn't post any statistics, just something that I know happens quite a lot. Has happened to me and nearly every living person I know.

I wasn't criticizing cops for voluntary overtime. Just pointing out that those insane hours FrankSmith was commending them for are often a matter of choice and are well rewarded monetarily. But maybe I'm wrong on that?

Originally Posted by Miami

"To your remark of how we are not there when people need us."

I didn't mean it that way. Cops are not superheros. They can not be everywhere at all times. That is what I meant. In no way did I mean cops are never there when you need them. Just usually after a crime has been comitted. How else could it work?

Originally Posted by icehog3

"Most of the cops I know are bodybuilders, powerlifters and UFC style fighters...You're probably not in half the shape most of them are...nice f*cking generalization again."

Shit! It didn't even enter my mind that my comment could come off as a you took it. Honestly, that wasn't a COPS ARE FAT PIGS rag. I was criticizing whatever bureaucracy is responsible for forbidding cops to smoke, but not forbidding them from other 'unhealthy' habits. More than half of my Ju Jitsu class were cops in kickass shape.

"How do you know it's debatable? Were you there???"

That's why it's debatable. I wasn't there. If everything did happen as the guy told me, then where's the debate? The cop pulled him over for smoking a cigar and took his cigars. If that is what happened to a T, how can you argue in favor of the cop?

"Read your second to last paragraph again and tell me you're not a F#ck the Police guy. Pulling people over for doing nothing...yeah, nothing better to do. Aren't able to handle most situations? Voluntary overtime?"

Cops never pull anyone over for reasons that exist in their heads only? That never happens? I in no way stated that all cops do this 100% of the time. And I never said cops aren't able to handle most situations. I said they can't be there when you need them most of the time. They are chiefly available to help you after a crime has been committed. And if you're the victim and think the cops are going to protect you from every situation, you are shit out of luck. Okay, maybe I got a skewed view on the overtime, but you can just blame my friends for that for all those times they bragged about how much money they made for simply standing in the rain on some holiday weekend at their own request.

Originally Posted by FrankSmith

link

"What would you do with a witty remark if you had one? OH BURN!

[APFPilot1985]

Originally Posted by RumblePen

That's why it's debatable. I wasn't there. If everything did happen as the guy told me, then where's the debate? The cop pulled him over for smoking a cigar and took his cigars. If that is what happened to a T, how can you argue in favor of the cop?

It is debatable because you weren't. To turn it around, if that isn't what happened to a T, how can you argue in favor of your guy?

[moki]

People complaining about cops in the USA really need to take a trip down south of the border and see what real corruption is all about. Say hi to the Federales, and bring lots of pesos!