From Peace Officers To Law Enforcement

Long ago in a galaxy far away…when I was a child, growing up in North Jersey.

I was taught if you get lost go find a Policeman…the Peace Officers back then, were members of the community, they’d walked a beat, or drove, all the “cops” were like a protective uncle or distance cousin, even if you got pulled over for drinking and driving, they would take yours keys, and drive you home, and tell you to pick up your keys at the station the next day, with your DAD if you were young or under age…

So what happened? Now kids are growing up to not trust the police, never mind go to them in times of trouble…Back in the day, you beat your wife, by the time you got to the station, you “fell down the stairs” and looked that way…

Now the Police will say, that is a civil action and for the court system, DWI is a financial success for many a dept…Don’t get me wrong, drinking and driving IS dangerous, and has killed many an innocent person…But I know a guy that drove next door with his riding mower to cut his elderly neighbor’s lawn, while having a beer in the mowers cup holder, and got popped for open container, and got a DWI ticket…

The saddest part is that he no longer went over to cut his neighbors lawn after that and the neighbor had a stroke while cutting his own lawn shortly after.

Here comes Law Enforcement, tactical helmets, riot gear, shields, batons, and teargas…

Not bad for the local crossing guard.

I know it’s a tough job and they do need our support, but all the cops I have met recently are very rude, talk down to you, and treat you like some crook, and that just when you stop to ask directions.

So what happened?