GiantHockeyFan wrote:
I used to have an irrational fear of police/authority figures. I even avoided international travel because of it. Not only did my first dealings with Customs go extremely well (she was literally one of the sweetest, kindest girls I have ever met!) but my first major encounter with the police ERT gave me a new respect for them as well. To make a long story short, they believed my every word much to my relief as if they didn't I would have likely been arrested otherwise (a neighbour rightfully called because of my then GF was screaming out of control). They were also extremely respectful and polite and even thought they legally had the right to break down my door they politely explained that they needed to enter and search. I have also been to court (for University) and was impressed by how friendly and professional everyone was and it was nothing like I expected. Even the airport security is nothing short of excellent where I live and have a very pleasant and professional demeanor that's only gotten better over the years, no doubt due to the lack of jobs for young people around here.
I suspect that police, customs, etc are so used to people lying/misleading them and are so well trained to spot it that it's a relief to deal with someone who is both honest and sees them as a human being first. I remember being in a limo once and the driver said "it's so refreshing to deal with you. I'm used to dealing with phony people all day long and it's great I can be myself." I never had good experience with authority growing up (the teachers turned a blind eye and when they didn't it was to blame me) but as an adult I have had zero issues. Let's hope that trend continues....
That's great! I absolutely see what you're talking about but I have to say this depends a lot on the area and the particular police department you are dealing with. I have had very mixed experiences, particularly because I've spent time in Oakland, California and I've seen the other side of law enforcement with good folks up north in Redding, California and lots of good folks in Utah.
Also, I have some family members, mostly cousins, who are currently serving or retired police officers and a number of them even agree with me about cannabis legalization, search and seizure, ridiculous parking fines in San Francisco, and various other issues where they have to just do their job grudgingly. Some parts of the job just suck like that but these folks do a whole lot else for us and things would be a royal mess without them.
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There is no wealth like knowledge, no poverty like ignorance.
Nahj ul-Balāgha by Ali bin Abu-Talib
08 Oct 2014, 6:04 am
I like police and soldiers instinctively. I think I see them as defenders of the rest of us. The military was my life's career. I think the police actually have the toughest job in the world day to day and have a lot of admiration and respect for them. Its only that difficult for the military during an actual war.
) and never had a bad experience then or since with them.
