The Cop Mentality

[El Calico Loco]

I've known a few police officers over the years. My uncle was a cop. I've spoken to a few on Internet forums like this one.

My uncle once said that being a LEO makes you cynical and suspicious - when you spend long hours every workday dealing with scumbags, you begin to think that everyone is that way. It's difficult not to.

I was mulling over this recently, and it got me to thinking about another common mindstate I've encountered among police: the uncanny ability to ignore all arguments that oppose their current beliefs, no matter how rational or articulate. I've seen it again and again (and on other topics besides drugs), and it baffles me. I've often changed my mind in the past when I realized I was wrong about something.

I wonder if this is also a consequence of the job. Think about it - another thing cops deal with every day is assholes shouting at them, cursing them, insulting them, lying to them, and whining and pleading with them. It seems like one would have to develop extremely thick skin in order to continue doing such a job...perhaps too thick. The ability to ignore the slings and arrows of those they arrest turns into a general ability to ignore anything that anyone says if they don't like it.

Thoughts? Perhaps our good friend Police Officer could comment on this.


ECL
(If he's still talking to me. )

Reputation Comments on this post:

An interesting topic that will doubtless provoke some interesting responses

[Bikelbees]

What is supposed to separate the police from ordinary civilians is that they are trained to deal with these stressful situations and remain professional throughout. I thought it odd that police in the UK have been awarded very substantial damages for the impact of dealing with trauma (as was the case with a disaster at a football ground which was actually the police's fault). This is their job! We all get cynical about many things, but a police officer weeping on duty or acting out of frustration or temper is a flawed officer.

Although the cops get a frequent bashing on this forum, I know that most officers are professionals and deal with situations in a methodical way using their intuition and training well. Others a full of themselves and others that I describe as law "n" order zealots who can be a pain in the arse. I was watching a documentary the other night how the police treated some young lads who had been out for a night on the town in London and who were about to miss their last train (with the result that they would be sleeping rough and as vulnerable adolescents this is definitely not recommended). Anyway, as they trespassed on the track to catch the train the police chased them nearly causing an accident, caught them, split them up - they were desperate to stay together as they were relying on staying at each others houses, some were very roughly arrested and then some were left to fend for themselves all night, and this is a situation where the police are charged with the care of youngsters, and yet it seemed that they couldn't stomach the fact that these lads were a bit pissed and full of bravado. Their actions were unpleasant and irresponsible (this was being shown as a sympathetic documentary to the police about the disorder on our streets, which just shows how good the police propaganda is and how the youth are demonised just for a few high spirits).

[Pondlife]

#1 "because they can"

The police have a position of power, and that tends to affect people. I've seen minor examples of this myself at routine traffic stops where sarcasm and the threat of punishment are used to demonstrate the power and control the person. Most people (myself included) just put up with it and show deference.

#2 Stanford prison experiment

I think the findings of the 1971 Stanford prison experiment, which showed that guards and prisoners rapidly adapt to their roles, is also relevant.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanford_prison_experiment

#3 "canteen culture"

This is mainly used in relation to racism, in particular the Stephen Lawrence inquiry, but I think it's also a factor here. The main elements of this are a shared set of values and resistance to change.

#4 Mutual support

Often known as "closing ranks". The Police tend to support one another in the face of adversity or criticism, even when the criticism is valid or the accused is clearly in the wrong.

[Nature Boy]

Interesting thread idea ECL.

The irrationality of police officers can sometimes be baffling but there are two very distinct reasons behind this:

1) Institution. Police, much like the military, work under a very strict set of codes that cannot be deviated from. Laws can be irrational in certain situations, much like the point I brought up in the Drugged Driving thread about someone who can drive perfectly well one drink over the limit or a bit stoned. To the driver, and to a rational unbiased observer, they know damn well they're not at any risk, but a rule in a book doesn't differentiate in situations like that. A police officer is a rule in a book. Not a rule in a book followed by fifty-seven pages of in-depth discussion and debating. Police officers aren't judges. They don't use discretion. They are simply told to do something and stick by it (much like a lap dog if you will). They can't question their motives or their authority. Essentially they attempt to operate against the principle of human error which is an anomaly of epic proportions. I could imagine the stress and confusion this causes in the psyche of one of these individuals.

2) Education & Power. It must be remembered that an average police officer is a person with very little education with an incredibly unproportioned level of power and authority. Essentially the government would rather have an army of Vin Diesels working for them instead of an army of Einsteins. It suits the ideal they are trying, and often failing, to promote in terms of population control. Outside of basic secondary level education, I can't quite imagine anything on the police training curriculum that inspires a police officer to think outside the box. They have little to no information or experience on science, the liberal arts, social etiquette, differences in opinion, various walks of life, and the countless other aspects one must take in when developing into an intelligent, open-minded and rational young person.

[Harry]

The issue of power with authority does resonate through all aspects life, and certainly the workplace. From the newly advanced junior manager of Burger King, to the beat cop, to the heads of Wall Street finance. It is just a simple trait of human nature, unfortunately.

Does it piss us off in all situations? Usually. I've met and worked with alot of very good police officers, from local cop upwards to every form of government agency, up to and including the U.S.S.S. I would say largely I have respect for them, and that most of them were fair and good at their job. Have I met a few aggressive, power motivated assholes? Of course.

These instances tend to stick out in our minds, because they were negative. For all of the good police i have met, I shall never forget when I was 16 years old and me and some friends were walking down the street, a police cruiser is passing us by on the other side of the road and does a quick U_Turn as if to provoke a response (as likely there was a crime that had just recently occured in the vicinity) and stares us down to see if we will run. I shout out, "Hey, U -turns are illegal!" I'm thinking the rather burly, angry appearing cop didn't have his humor button engaged as he quickly pulled over, stepped out, and asked me if I wanted his flashlight on my nose smashing it all over the place. I of course laughed and said, "Sure! I got 6 witnesses here and could use the lawsuit monies, so go for it!" haha He called me some name as he jumped in his car and they drove off, no biggy.

Yes, he was a tad aggressive, likely stepped over the the line, but overall I would say my dealings with PO's has been fairly positive. Assholes and power hungry people exist in every rung of the ladder, no matter the job.

Reputation Comments on this post:

Very nice post.

[Broshious]

Originally Posted by Harry

The issue of power with authority does resonate through all aspects life, and certainly the workplace. From the newly advanced junior manager of Burger King, to the beat cop, to the heads of Wall Street finance. It is just a simple trait of human nature, unfortunately.

Does it piss us off in all situations? Usually. I've met and worked with alot of very good police officers, from local cop upwards to every form of government agency, up to and including the U.S.S.S. I would say largely I have respect for them, and that most of them were fair and good at their job. Have I met a few aggressive, power motivated assholes? Of course.

These instances tend to stick out in our minds, because they were negative. For all of the good police i have met, I shall never forget when I was 16 years old and me and some friends were walking down the street, a police cruiser is passing us by on the other side of the road and does a quick U_Turn as if to provoke a response (as likely there was a crime that had just recently occured in the vicinity) and stares us down to see if we will run. I shout out, "Hey, U -turns are illegal!" I'm thinking the rather burly, angry appearing cop didn't have his humor button engaged as he quickly pulled over, stepped out, and asked me if I wanted his flashlight on my nose smashing it all over the place. I of course laughed and said, "Sure! I got 6 witnesses here and could use the lawsuit monies, so go for it!" haha He called me some name as he jumped in his car and they drove off, no biggy.

Yes, he was a tad aggressive, likely stepped over the the line, but overall I would say my dealings with PO's has been fairly positive. Assholes and power hungry people exist in every rung of the ladder, no matter the job.

I'll agree with you that most cops are probably decent ones. The problem I think people have is that the bad cops don't really seem to get into any trouble for being bad. Even the "good" cops put up with them simply because they are fellow cops which to me makes no sense at all.

[Police Officer]

Originally Posted by El Calico Loco

I've known a few police officers over the years. My uncle was a cop. I've spoken to a few on Internet forums like this one.

My uncle once said that being a LEO makes you cynical and suspicious - when you spend long hours every workday dealing with scumbags, you begin to think that everyone is that way. It's difficult not to.

I was mulling over this recently, and it got me to thinking about another common mindstate I've encountered among police: the uncanny ability to ignore all arguments that oppose their current beliefs, no matter how rational or articulate. I've seen it again and again (and on other topics besides drugs), and it baffles me. I've often changed my mind in the past when I realized I was wrong about something.

I wonder if this is also a consequence of the job. Think about it - another thing cops deal with every day is assholes shouting at them, cursing them, insulting them, lying to them, and whining and pleading with them. It seems like one would have to develop extremely thick skin in order to continue doing such a job...perhaps too thick. The ability to ignore the slings and arrows of those they arrest turns into a general ability to ignore anything that anyone says if they don't like it.

Thoughts? Perhaps our good friend Police Officer could comment on this.


ECL
(If he's still talking to me. )

^Barely. I dont ignore arguments that oppose my current beliefs. I just believe what I do for good reasons. As far as being cynical and believing that everyone is a bad guy, its prety easy to do. Its just like any other job though, you have to leave work at work or you'll go nuts.

Originally Posted by Bikelbees

1. What is supposed to separate the police from ordinary civilians is that they are trained to deal with these stressful situations and remain professional throughout. We all get cynical about many things, but a police officer weeping on duty or acting out of frustration or temper is a flawed officer.

2. Although the cops get a frequent bashing on this forum, I know that most officers are professionals and deal with situations in a methodical way using their intuition and training well.

1. Right. lol I never cried or anything like that, but I have seen a couple that did. Usually a guy would bust his buddies chops for something like that. Not the case. It takes alot to make a Police Officer cry. I dont even want to tell you guys the situations because some of my cynicism might seep through the internet and get in you's. Anyway, so if you were to ask a shrink would they tell you to bottle up all those sad feelings or what? What would a shrink tell you the consequences of that are? Just talking about sadness.

2. I certainly didnt expect that from a lawyer. lol Thanks.

Originally Posted by Nature Boy

Interesting thread idea ECL.

The irrationality of police officers can sometimes be baffling but there are two very distinct reasons behind this:

1) Institution. Police, much like the military, work under a very strict set of codes that cannot be deviated from. Laws can be irrational in certain situations, much like the point I brought up in the Drugged Driving thread about someone who can drive perfectly well one drink over the limit or a bit stoned. To the driver, and to a rational unbiased observer, they know damn well they're not at any risk, but a rule in a book doesn't differentiate in situations like that. A police officer is a rule in a book. Not a rule in a book followed by fifty-seven pages of in-depth discussion and debating. Police officers aren't judges. They don't use discretion. They are simply told to do something and stick by it (much like a lap dog if you will). They can't question their motives or their authority. Essentially they attempt to operate against the principle of human error which is an anomaly of epic proportions. I could imagine the stress and confusion this causes in the psyche of one of these individuals.

2) Education & Power. It must be remembered that an average police officer is a person with very little education with an incredibly unproportioned level of power and authority. Essentially the government would rather have an army of Vin Diesels working for them instead of an army of Einsteins. It suits the ideal they are trying, and often failing, to promote in terms of population control. Outside of basic secondary level education, I can't quite imagine anything on the police training curriculum that inspires a police officer to think outside the box. They have little to no information or experience on science, the liberal arts, social etiquette, differences in opinion, various walks of life, and the countless other aspects one must take in when developing into an intelligent, open-minded and rational young person.

Jeez Uzz Christ. I have to ask you where you came up with all of that? I've been around the world, and I'm currently working on my masters degree. I'm not the exception. I'm the norm.

Serious, where do you guys get this from? I dont make specific judgements on people who I arrest based on the snapshots of their life that I see.

[Bananas293]

Originally Posted by Police Officer

Serious, where do you guys get this from?

Well this kind of answers the OPs question.
You have to look at where people are exposed to 'what is percieved' as the Police mentality.

Being a Police Officer then you are the mentality and see it everyday thus a slightly bias opinion of it.
The same goes for the crims who get busted week in week out, someone who breaks the law and gets arrested for it and they are ignorant to why they are being arrested, they are going to have a negative response to police attitudes.

As for the average joe well they go on what they see and hear. Bad news travels faster and further than good news. You are not going to hear a news story how a cop was lenient today as although the law was broken there was no serious infringement. Also Hollywood is not going to make a movie on the previous story, it just would nt sell! Then you have the 'fly on the wall' television where the footage they show you is selected, again people want to see the bravado gun shootin' door kickin' cops cleanin' up the streets.

At the end of the day it is all stereotyping, every sector gets tarred with the same brush. Is every Black kid a gang member? is every mexican a thief? is every clergyman a cash-grabbing paedo? is every soldier gun'ho and trigger happy? is every frenchman a cheese-eating surrender monkey? are all Jews greedy? Do all Brits where bowler hats and have bad teeth? Are all Americans Fat and obnoxious? Are all southerners rednecks? and you know this can go on and on and on.

Oh and by the way does smoking pot make you public enemy number 1 after all you are a dope-fiend destroying the integrity and fabric of society? answers on a postcard to:
I can not think by myself at
Public perception is solely my opinion.....and not yours and Sterotypes are the truth.

[Bananas293]

rant over...sorry!
I picked a bad day to quit smokin'

[Police Officer]

Originally Posted by hh339

So what, there are good cops too right? Yeah well, that's a lame argument, it doesn't justify a corrupt world of psychopath cops feeding on freedom-seeking humans, trying to beat the devil (or drugs) out of them.

Yes, I am very bitter.

It appears so. I hope you find resolution.

Originally Posted by eltimmy

Most institutions however, across the country, still have no such requirement and the majority of police officers have no more than a high school education.

All states have requirements for Police Officers, aka standards. If you want Cops with more education then I suggest that you contact your city council/county commissioners and suggest that we stop getting paid $20k a year. Imagine that you go to a university, get a bachelors degree, and then get a job paying you poverty level wages. Dosent make sense, does it? If you told anyone whos got a bachelors degree that you plan on doing that, plan on getting this response: "What the hell would you do that for?"

Originally Posted by Nature Boy

With all due respect, the average masters degree obtained on US soil isn't even recognised as effective toilet paper over here.

Well, I'm sure if you told me where you were from I could spit out a dozen little quips. I dont know...what I do know is that it will mean alot to me.

Originally Posted by Bananas293

As for the average joe well they go on what they see and hear. Bad news travels faster and further than good news.

You are not going to hear a news story how a cop was lenient today as although the law was broken there was no serious infringement. Also Hollywood is not going to make a movie on the previous story, it just would nt sell! Then you have the 'fly on the wall' television where the footage they show you is selected, again people want to see the bravado gun shootin' door kickin' cops cleanin' up the streets.

Oh and by the way does smoking pot make you public enemy number 1 after all you are a dope-fiend destroying the integrity and fabric of society?

I saw a study once. A person will tell like 1.5 people about something good, and roughly 4 million about something bad.

My job is not all that glamorous. I've never worked with Jackie Chan to solve a mystery, and undercovers dont drive exotic cars like Tubbs and Crockett.

Pot smokers aren't public enemy number 1. Pot dealers, aka drug dealers, ARE public enemy number 1. Additionally, then NEVER just sell pot. Smoking pot DOES make you a criminal. Why? If you break the law and commit a crime that makes you a criminal. That answers you question and opens a whole nother can of worms that probably dosent belong in this thread.

Guys, I would be more than happy to answer questions-valid non-insulting/non-argument-starting questions. I've picked yalls brains, heres you chance to pick mine. (wince)

[Woodman]

Originally Posted by Police Officer

... I dont ignore arguments that oppose my current beliefs.

Oh, really?

Well, in as much as this statement applies to discussions in forum (and as long as you don't count deflection tactics like expounding on irrelevant peripheral elements, addressing the person instead of the post, or in any number of other ways obfuscating the issue of discussion), then I agree that you do not "ignore" arguments and issues that oppose your beliefs, but it is painfully apparent that you have absolutely no intention of addressing any of these issues with any respectable degree of sincerity.

Originally Posted by Police Officer

... I just believe what I do for good reasons.

Hmmmm!

Let's read through this thread and see if we can find evidence of "good reason", because I think it goes a long way to show the REAL cop mentality.

http://www.drugs-forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36403

[Nature Boy]

Originally Posted by Police Officer

Jeez Uzz Christ. I have to ask you where you came up with all of that? I've been around the world, and I'm currently working on my masters degree. I'm not the exception. I'm the norm.

With all due respect, the average masters degree obtained on US soil isn't even recognised as effective toilet paper over here.

Reputation Comments on this post:

	Your snark on higher ed in the US is not only off-topic, it's downright offensive to quite a few members other than PO.
	toliet paper, a little bit nasty, with all do respect

[Joe Duffy]

This thread reminded me of this story:

'Dumb cop' rule really smarts
A federal court has determined that in New London, Connecticut, the police were justified in denying employment to an applicant who was too smart to be a policeman.
Yep, he was too smart for the New London police force.
The Atlanta Mobile Register writes "Police throughout the country should be enraged, because the policy at issue in this case feeds the unfortunate stereotype of the "dumb cop." For that matter, the citizens of New London, Conn., should be enraged, too, because it is their police department that is ensuring that the officers who serve the public are of only average intelligence. The policy is inane.
"The case began when Robert Jordan, a 49-year-old college graduate, applied for the New London police force. When he took the entrance exam, he scored 33 points - which indicates an IQ of about 125. But the department only considers candidates who score between 20 and 27, with 20 representing an IQ of about 100, which is supposed to be average.
"The department's theory is that those who score too high could get bored with police work and leave soon after receiving costly training.
"Mr. Jordan sued, saying that he was the victim of illegal discrimination. Two federal courts have now refused to uphold his claim, though, saying that because the same standards were applied to all applicants, no illegal discrimination occurred. The courts also ruled that even though the policy might be unwise - we would say flat-out stupid - it was at least arguably a rational way to reduce expensive job turnover."

(Based on the story in the Atlanta Mobile Register 09/11/00)

[Nature Boy]

^^^

Now that's quite bizarre. Who's to suggest that a very smart cop would get bored anyway? Some of the smartest people I know work very mundane jobs. An IQ of 125 isn't exactly freakishly high either.

[Woodman]

Originally Posted by El Calico Loco

...one would have to develop extremely thick skin ...perhaps too thick. ...to ignore the slings and arrows of those they arrest turns into a general ability to ignore anything that anyone says if they don't like it.

You forgot to mention ignoring basic civil rights to the point of wanting to trash the constitution in order to make it easier for cops to do their job.

[coffeeorsomething]

When I was in highschool two of my friends once got a ticket for jaywalking in front of the school at lunch. The officer's comment to them was: "Was it worth breaking the law??" ...No joke. Some LE take it way too far.

[eltimmy]

>I'm currently working on my masters degree. I'm not the exception. I'm the norm.

BZZZRT! Actually there's been a shitload of study on this, and it doesn't fit the gut reactions with which you plumb the world. My fair New York instituted a college education requirement in 1996. In 1999 New York, officers with no college education still made up 71 percent of the force, but accounted for 81 percent of civilian complaints. Officers with a full college degree made up 17 percent of the department, but only 11 percent of complaints. Police enforcement has been getting better in New York ever since. Numerous studies directly link college education to better policing (reduced use of coercive force, less disciplinary actions incurred, etc.)

Most institutions however, across the country, still have no such requirement and the majority of police officers have no more than a high school education. Get a failed jock, put him through five months of academy, give him a gun and hit the streets -- to run wild in his prejudices and ignorance and enforce a model of a world he doesn't understand.

"Listen kid, forget all that shit you learned in college. It won't help ya out here."

[Broshious]

Originally Posted by eltimmy

>I'm currently working on my masters degree. I'm not the exception. I'm the norm.

BZZZRT! Actually there's been a shitload of study on this, and it doesn't fit the gut reactions with which you plumb the world. My fair New York instituted a college education requirement in 1996. In 1999 New York, officers with no college education still made up 71 percent of the force, but accounted for 81 percent of civilian complaints. Officers with a full college degree made up 17 percent of the department, but only 11 percent of complaints. Police enforcement has been getting better in New York ever since. Numerous studies directly link college education to better policing (reduced use of coercive force, less disciplinary actions incurred, etc.)

Most institutions however, across the country, still have no such requirement and the majority of police officers have no more than a high school education. Get a failed jock, put him through five months of academy, give him a gun and hit the streets -- to run wild in his prejudices and ignorance and enforce a model of a world he doesn't understand.

"Listen kid, forget all that shit you learned in college. It won't help ya out here."

To be fair as with the drugs and crime go hand in hand thread, correlation is not causation. The people who went to college and became cops may have less complaints because the type of person who goes to college voluntarily and becomes a police officer is less likely to abuse their power.

Originally Posted by Police Officer

My job is not all that glamorous. I've never worked with Jackie Chan to solve a mystery

You should work on that so you can tell us about it.

[Police Officer]

Originally Posted by Broshious

You should work on that so you can tell us about it.

I know buddy. I keep calling his guy and I cant get a return call. It'd be sweet if Jackie could come and help me solve some copper thefts.

[eltimmy]

>It takes alot to make a Police Officer cry.

+

>Anyway, so if you were to ask a shrink would they tell you to bottle up all those sad feelings or what? What would a shrink tell you the consequences of that are?

Repressed, angry, violent, self-righteous and over-masculine law enforcement officers?

[hh339]

I have had to deal with a lot of police officers, almost every time as the suspect. I have been beaten, I have watched friends get beaten, when they were FIFTEEN FUCKING YEARS OLD. I have spoken to officers and found only one true fact, either they are dumb or just plain evil assholes on a power-trip. I don't know which is worse.

Yes, I have met polite cops. Does that matter? No. Polite and kind are very different things.

So what, there are good cops too right? Yeah well, that's a lame argument, it doesn't justify a corrupt world of psychopath cops feeding on freedom-seeking humans, trying to beat the devil (or drugs) out of them.

Yes, I am very bitter.

[Bikelbees]

Police Officer; Is it not a fairly basic jurisprudential point to be able to justify law-breaking in certain circumstances? Being gay was a crime in the UK not long ago, do you consider that those persons engaged in clandestine relationships should be considered past criminals?

You say pot-dealers ALWAYS deal hard drugs - certainly in the UK the phenomena of being a cannabis-only supplier seems very commonplace - many growers and distributors doing risky work for example wouldn't usually be selling other drugs.

[Police Officer]

Originally Posted by Bikelbees

Police Officer; Is it not a fairly basic jurisprudential point to be able to justify law-breaking in certain circumstances?

You say pot-dealers ALWAYS deal hard drugs - certainly in the UK the phenomena of being a cannabis-only supplier seems very commonplace - many growers and distributors doing risky work for example wouldn't usually be selling other drugs.

Sure it is. I'm pretty sure its call an Affirmative Defense. It is a type of defense allowed, albeit rarely, to be offered as a defense to commiting a crime. For those of you who arent lawyers and arent familiar with this term its like claiming self defense in a murder trial.

So you can tell me that SWIY's pot dealer has never sold anything other than pot, and he has never mentioned hooking SWIY up with something harder? If thats true then that drug dealer is probably the exception to the rule. Remember, I'm speaking from my experience only.

[hh339]

Originally Posted by Police Officer

So you can tell me that you pot dealer has never sold anthing other than pot, and he has never mentioned hooking you up with something harder? If thats true then that drug dealer is probably the exception to the rule. Remember, I'm speaking from my experience only.

What experience? You seem to be talking out of your ass quite frankly. Most of SWiM's hash dealers have nothing to do with other drugs. Maybe there's a reason for you always finding cannabis along with harder drugs when you harass dealers at work, maybe people dealing hard drugs ALSO deal cannabis, and not the other way around. Confusing?

Reputation Comments on this post:

very true

[Pino]

Originally Posted by hh339

What experience? You seem to be talking out of your ass quite frankly. Most of SWiM's hash dealers have nothing to do with other drugs. Maybe there's a reason for you always finding cannabis along with harder drugs when you harass dealers at work, maybe people dealing hard drugs ALSO deal cannabis, and not the other way around. Confusing?

Maybe the average pot dealer doesn't cause problems in his neighbourhoods, so this group stays fairly invisible. Cannabis doesn't require much organisation to produce or at least a lot less than producing mdma. So I can imagine mostly fairly adjusted people are involved. No hardcore criminals.

Originally Posted by Police Officer

If you break the law and commit a crime that makes you a criminal.

This is a dangerous thing to say. The law is not suited for all situations. It is not a static entity, it is a dynamical thing. The judge decides, whether you are an criminal or not. Judges can decide against the law and thereby change it. A too absolute view on the law can have some unseen consequences. Like cynical jokes:

Why should you drive over someone again, if you hit someone with your car? Well, it is cheaper to hit reverse than settling it in court.

Personally I find most police officers acting quite professional. They aren't maybe rocket scientists, but they have had proper training. Some of them are a total ass, but that is not a general property of a police officer. Just of the human being behind it.

I also think police officers can't be blamed for the law. Their job is to execute it not to write it. Some police officers would like to see drugs legalized, but they cannot act on it. It can cost them their job. So what?, the bitter man asks, Then he at least stood for his principles. Maybe there is a higher principle here. The police has a function in society. Drugs laws aren't the only laws involved in policing work. It protect the people, who are unable to do it themselfs.

Politics is more to blame. Some politicians have made their carriere out of the drugs problematics. And they need to feed the children too, don't they? So it is good, if the problem stay a problem. The American war on drugs is a monster. It does society a lot more damage than it helps it and than I am only thinking about the econimical consequences. It costs enormous amounts of money. Money which you could spend on better goals. Like social welfare, more money and better education for police officers etc.

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Well considerred contrbution