As I mentioned earlier, I am back! One thing I am dedicated to accomplishing is a redux of my, “ask a cop” column. It was always popular, and some of the questions can be absolutely enlightening. Some others can be, well, deleted!
So comment on this post with your questions – police, law, procedures, or simply, “why did this cop do such and such…”
I cannot speak for all of us, but I will do my best to answer, explain, and engage in the dialogue. I look forward to hearing from you!
The questions are trickling in, so I will do my best to answer them a few at a time. Keep ’em coming!
Goddess: I have not been propositioned by a member of the opposite sex (you assume I am male in the wording of your question…) however I have certainly been “flirted” with. It is good for the self-image, after all!
Susan: Police dogs are buried with some version of “Honors,” especially if killed in the line of duty. I don’t know if they give them a flag, but I will find out. I know the cops cry like babies at those memorials, too. We love our dogs. Something about cops — kids and puppies are our weak points!
Thank you all for the thoughtful questions. Here are my thoughts:
DRC asks if it is okay to flash your high beams at an oncoming car with their high beams on, or if that could lead to trouble if the vehicle is a police car.
I think it is an excellent idea, as your safety is put at risk by the glare and distraction of the oncoming headlights. Just be quick about it, and focus on your driving…
TaxPayingFool asked what sentence I feel is appropriate for drunk drivers who cause fatalities.
I guess it depends on the circumstances. If someone is a law-abiding citizen, with a first DUI, and was just barely above the limit, I am more forgiving. Perhaps take their license away, fine them an extraordinary amount of money, and a minimal prison term.
If, however, this is a repeat offender, and they have had their notice, then their crime is murder. Try and punish them accordingly.
Finally, Sevesteen was curious what type of “help” I would expect in a situation like this one in Boston.
I think my point is this: do something. In that video it took several minutes for a 9-1-1 call to be made! If you are capable, start kicking this guys #*&$&(@$(. If not, maybe scream for help, or attempt to kick him in the nether-regions for me. If you are lawfully carrying a firearm, please don’t pull it out unless you think the cop is about to be killed. It would be tragic for the arriving officers to shoot you because you have a gun in your hand, when all you intended to do was help.
I really enjoy answering your inquiries. It gives me the idea that I should set up a web presence exclusively to answer questions. I wonder if there would be enough interest to keep it going?
The Philosophical Cop Police Blog 