Web site allows citizens to 'rate their cop'
November 14th, 2008 @ 9:38pm
By Alex Cabrero
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Vote themselves funny and ditto here on KSL.
@Billy_Jack - Since I don't understand me.
HHmm! what about Deputy Lee Morriss!!!!! I wonder J
@Galla900 - Utah department of public safety has a entire investigation team. See cops have to renew their license to be a peace officer like every five years or so which means the State can pull ones license though its done rarely.
I always use to get pulled over for no reason what so ever SLC cop would say out at this hour huh been drinking. DPS informed me there has to be a illegal traffic violation to make a legal stop so ask at first what seems to be the problem. cause of the hour i drive home from work it was "assumed" by these SLC PD idiots i had been drinking. Funny part to it is i don't drink. I poked around and DPS has a whole department to investigate "corrupt cops". Ide file a report with DPS over filing with any agency. DPS takes every report very seriously just be detailed with dates, times, locations, badge number, said reason for being pulled over if cop is non responsive to why he pulled you over document where and what time you asked anything else you get even the cops car model and license plate number which i grabbed before filing my report or your report will get tossed in the trash.
I always use to get pulled over for no reason what so ever SLC cop would say out at this hour huh been drinking. DPS informed me there has to be a illegal traffic violation to make a legal stop so ask at first what seems to be the problem. cause of the hour i drive home from work it was "assumed" by these SLC PD idiots i had been drinking. Funny part to it is i don't drink. I poked around and DPS has a whole department to investigate "corrupt cops". Ide file a report with DPS over filing with any agency. DPS takes every report very seriously just be detailed with dates, times, locations, badge number, said reason for being pulled over if cop is non responsive to why he pulled you over document where and what time you asked anything else you get even the cops car model and license plate number which i grabbed before filing my report or your report will get tossed in the trash.
@I Want The Truth behind Utah - What is justice?
If you get a ticket it usually is a traffic infraction.
You go to court who is paid by the city. You stand before a Judge who is paid by the city. You have been given a ticket by a Cop who is paid by the city. If you live in that city you pay taxes to the city.
My point? It is a racket. This is the only time you get a totally one sided trial. Our judges and court systems are a racket. It is purely a way to collect revenue for the city's funds. It hits our pocket books by way of higher insurance.
Cops are nothing more than a tax man to me. If they are acting as officers of the peace then they are heroes.
I really do appreciate what they do in helping protect and serve the community. Why is it they are the only ones who can act outside the Constitution. I could not take a neighbor a neighbor to court as they do for running a stop sign. (slow and go) I would spend a great deal of money and the judge would just toss the charge in the end.
If you get a ticket it usually is a traffic infraction.
You go to court who is paid by the city. You stand before a Judge who is paid by the city. You have been given a ticket by a Cop who is paid by the city. If you live in that city you pay taxes to the city.
My point? It is a racket. This is the only time you get a totally one sided trial. Our judges and court systems are a racket. It is purely a way to collect revenue for the city's funds. It hits our pocket books by way of higher insurance.
Cops are nothing more than a tax man to me. If they are acting as officers of the peace then they are heroes.
I really do appreciate what they do in helping protect and serve the community. Why is it they are the only ones who can act outside the Constitution. I could not take a neighbor a neighbor to court as they do for running a stop sign. (slow and go) I would spend a great deal of money and the judge would just toss the charge in the end.
@LaBelle - Understand I have a lot of respect for the police for the situations they have to put themselves in but, the police are nothing more than tax collectors. My most recent is when I quickly changed lanes to avoid abruptly stopping traffic ahead of me. He gave me a ticket for no signal.
You better believe they have quotas as much as they deny it. My best friend is an ex-cop and he said their dept just had a different name for it, "contacts". So they are not lying when they say they don't have "quotas".
If the police main job was to protect and serve, wouldn't they reassign more of their police from working class neighborhoods to higher crime neighborhoods? No, they can get money from the working class but they are not going to get money out of the gangbangers. Just watch especially in the mornings as people are going to work how they lie in wait, like a predator, for someone to make a mistake. If they were there to protect, they would position themselves in plain view which would change peoples driving behavior, just as they do on those freeway construction areas.
You better believe they have quotas as much as they deny it. My best friend is an ex-cop and he said their dept just had a different name for it, "contacts". So they are not lying when they say they don't have "quotas".
If the police main job was to protect and serve, wouldn't they reassign more of their police from working class neighborhoods to higher crime neighborhoods? No, they can get money from the working class but they are not going to get money out of the gangbangers. Just watch especially in the mornings as people are going to work how they lie in wait, like a predator, for someone to make a mistake. If they were there to protect, they would position themselves in plain view which would change peoples driving behavior, just as they do on those freeway construction areas.
@slamer - They may call them "performance standards" to avoid reprimand by their administrators, but they will not deny their existence.
It is police administrations that set quotas. They are justified along the lines of ensuring an officer is out there enforcing traffic law. Almost any line officer is against quotas because they believe they interfere with discretion and arguably diminish the level of public trust in the overall law enforcement mission.
Understand, like in any job, the guy on the line doesn't make the rules. And he must follow the rules or look for work elsewhere. If citizens overwhelmingly disagree with traffic quotas (performance standards), then it must be changed by their collective voices resonating through the mayor's and chief's offices. An attempt at changing these policies statewide was made last legislative session and was shot down in large part by State Senator/Ogden Chief of Police Jon Greiner.
Just like legitimate complaints against officers, there is a system in place, and if American citizens participate in the process, the system actually works better than anything the world has ever known. In my view, the highest rank of importance and prestige in this country is that of the citizen. Unfortunately, the system will, and is, breaking down without collective, and well-educated participation by our citizenry.
It is police administrations that set quotas. They are justified along the lines of ensuring an officer is out there enforcing traffic law. Almost any line officer is against quotas because they believe they interfere with discretion and arguably diminish the level of public trust in the overall law enforcement mission.
Understand, like in any job, the guy on the line doesn't make the rules. And he must follow the rules or look for work elsewhere. If citizens overwhelmingly disagree with traffic quotas (performance standards), then it must be changed by their collective voices resonating through the mayor's and chief's offices. An attempt at changing these policies statewide was made last legislative session and was shot down in large part by State Senator/Ogden Chief of Police Jon Greiner.
Just like legitimate complaints against officers, there is a system in place, and if American citizens participate in the process, the system actually works better than anything the world has ever known. In my view, the highest rank of importance and prestige in this country is that of the citizen. Unfortunately, the system will, and is, breaking down without collective, and well-educated participation by our citizenry.
@I Want The Truth behind Utah - I think I know why you keep getting pulled over. If you drive like you write the have plenty of PC for the stop
@SE Idaho - Since when did KSL forums become formal publications? Who gives a rats behind if typos, misspelling, or grammar errors occur? Its the content and logic of the posting that counts.
If typos and grammar are all that is wrong with a post then why bother with a critique? Trivial errors do not have a life greater than the posting or the author. On the other hand, ideas do have a greater life.
So how about raising the content of critiques in this forum well above the level of typos, misspellings, and grammar errors and focus on the content, then we won't have to equate living in SE Idaho with errors?
If typos and grammar are all that is wrong with a post then why bother with a critique? Trivial errors do not have a life greater than the posting or the author. On the other hand, ideas do have a greater life.
So how about raising the content of critiques in this forum well above the level of typos, misspellings, and grammar errors and focus on the content, then we won't have to equate living in SE Idaho with errors?
@Beetlejuice - Lets see know. Which Idaho town harbors Mark Fuhrman (LAPD infamy)? Doesn't the convicted Peter "The Wife Beater" Welsh live in Pocatello, that convict FBI agent who was contracted by a filthy Idaho State University administration to threaten a documented whistleblower for reporting illegal distribution of controlled radioactive substances by ISU in clandestine transactions to foreign nationals prior to Aug 4, 1993 and the ISU admin submitted fraudulent documents (18USC1001, felony) as Annual Operating Reports to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to cover it up?
@I Want The Truth behind Utah - It is truly astounding someone who supposedly wants the truth behind Utah and has had so much involvement in whining about graveyard cops could be so utterly misinformed. I hope people don't think they're actually learning something about "how it works" by reading your post. If so, they'll have to do some relearning if they attempt any application of yours.
@Servabo fidem - Post a decent comment, rebuffing a down-right stupid comment, and mysteriously you get a troll vote. Hum...
"All departments we talked to told us if somebody has a legitimate complaint against an officer, they should come in to that department and file a formal complaint."
If you have a legitimate complaint, I would talk to an attorney first, they'll know much more about how to handle the situation, and chances are your complaint is less likely to get swept under the rug.
I have a small but solid civil rights case against an officer right now and just over a year to file in Federal Court, The very first thing the department told me to do, was file a complaint, yeah sure, okay. The best part is letting enough time to pass in order to catch this guy (who should not be an officer anyway) off guard, Maybe I will file just in time for Him to get served right before Christmas.
I appreciate and respect the job most Law Enforcement Officers do, but there are some who should never be issued a badge.
Its all about checks and balances.
If you have a legitimate complaint, I would talk to an attorney first, they'll know much more about how to handle the situation, and chances are your complaint is less likely to get swept under the rug.
I have a small but solid civil rights case against an officer right now and just over a year to file in Federal Court, The very first thing the department told me to do, was file a complaint, yeah sure, okay. The best part is letting enough time to pass in order to catch this guy (who should not be an officer anyway) off guard, Maybe I will file just in time for Him to get served right before Christmas.
I appreciate and respect the job most Law Enforcement Officers do, but there are some who should never be issued a badge.
Its all about checks and balances.
@my own direction - and I totally agree with everything you said. If there are bad cops, lets get rid of them. Be smart and do it the right way. Good luck m.o.d.
The operative word in your post is LEGITIMATE when referring to complaints.
The operative word in your post is LEGITIMATE when referring to complaints.
@Some Dude - Is driving a cop car and charging gas to the department on a family vacation considered legitimate? If not, then does driving to the grocery store in a cop car have the same ethical problem? Is stealing gas budget the same as stealing pencils from work? Who is liable when injuries occur as a result of off-duty use of LE vehicles?
At a more serious level, what do we do about prosecuting attornies who drink, drive, and are caught? What do we do as citizens if we know that prosecuting attornies are drinking and driving? What do we do if a prosecuting attorney is caught at the airport with controlled substances?
The answers to the questions above separate the adults from the children. These problems have been common in SL County for the last 30 years of which I have personal witness and are part of the county record. The frequency of occurence is astounding.
At a more serious level, what do we do about prosecuting attornies who drink, drive, and are caught? What do we do as citizens if we know that prosecuting attornies are drinking and driving? What do we do if a prosecuting attorney is caught at the airport with controlled substances?
The answers to the questions above separate the adults from the children. These problems have been common in SL County for the last 30 years of which I have personal witness and are part of the county record. The frequency of occurence is astounding.
@Beetlejuice - but this isn't the place to start an inquiry. There are avenues for addressing these complaints but not one of them starts with posting them on the KSL blog.
@Some Dude - Are you saying that open democratic discussion of these issues is not appropriate? I didn't see one specific complaint involving a named officer or even a named department in the previous post, so I can't possibly imagine that there is any other reference except open democratic discussion.
@Second Opinion - Is asking questions addressing the issues? Wow, it has got to be a real stretch of the imagination to make aan equivalence between asking questions and "addressing these complaints."
@Beetlejuice - it would help your level of understanding in your first complaint if you were aware most local departments allow (and even encourage) officers driving their cop cars to grocery stores. Many employers allow non-work related activities in take-home vehicles, but with law enforcement their use of police vehicles off-duty is still work related.
More police vehicles on the road at any given time is a net benefit to society. This comes in the form of not only criminal and traffic law deterrence, but in extra assistance with traffic related problems and the ability of immediate response to crimes in progress. True, it is also a perk to the officer that chooses to drive his vehicle off-duty, but most officers recognize the liabilities as well and weigh the option individually. I don't suppose you are award the vsst majority of departments in this state also charge their officers money to take their cars home?
Maybe next time, instead of scowling at that officer getting out of his car in plain clothes at the supermarket, walk by and thank him for volunteering his efforts at serving you for such meager wages.
More police vehicles on the road at any given time is a net benefit to society. This comes in the form of not only criminal and traffic law deterrence, but in extra assistance with traffic related problems and the ability of immediate response to crimes in progress. True, it is also a perk to the officer that chooses to drive his vehicle off-duty, but most officers recognize the liabilities as well and weigh the option individually. I don't suppose you are award the vsst majority of departments in this state also charge their officers money to take their cars home?
Maybe next time, instead of scowling at that officer getting out of his car in plain clothes at the supermarket, walk by and thank him for volunteering his efforts at serving you for such meager wages.
@Servabo fidem - there are several filings (SL County Atty Office Litigation Division is investigating) for workman's comp while off duty driving of LE vehicles. Then there are those filings aginst the County for off-duty injuries.
And you still didn't address the ethics of stealing gas budget for personal use. If any of the rest of us do that we have to spend some time in the pokey. I don't care if it is authorized or not. Just see what Ken Lay was facing when he used authorized funds from Enron, then there is Tyco and Worldcom. It doesn't matter at all whether it is authorized. It is a matter of whether it is legal to use public funds for purposed other than for what they were authorized by the budgeting authority, not the Sheriff or the Chief.
BTW, those are references to facts surrounding actual cases that are now being reviewed for criminal charges. I'm the authority making the calls. The District Attorney (or Asst) is the one(s). But I think the public should know what is going on, since it is their business after all.
And you still didn't address the ethics of stealing gas budget for personal use. If any of the rest of us do that we have to spend some time in the pokey. I don't care if it is authorized or not. Just see what Ken Lay was facing when he used authorized funds from Enron, then there is Tyco and Worldcom. It doesn't matter at all whether it is authorized. It is a matter of whether it is legal to use public funds for purposed other than for what they were authorized by the budgeting authority, not the Sheriff or the Chief.
BTW, those are references to facts surrounding actual cases that are now being reviewed for criminal charges. I'm the authority making the calls. The District Attorney (or Asst) is the one(s). But I think the public should know what is going on, since it is their business after all.
@Beetlejuice - to SL County because I do not work for Sl County, nor am I in a position to have real insight into that particular complaint.
However, if clearly defined criminal theft occurred, then I am all for criminal prosecution and sentencing for those truly responsible. We all know the justice system is grinding down to a halt in many areas. The only thing I can do is strongly promote truth and justice within my area of control. I advocate every citizen do the same without losing faith in the principles that originally made our country the land of the free to begin with.
However, if clearly defined criminal theft occurred, then I am all for criminal prosecution and sentencing for those truly responsible. We all know the justice system is grinding down to a halt in many areas. The only thing I can do is strongly promote truth and justice within my area of control. I advocate every citizen do the same without losing faith in the principles that originally made our country the land of the free to begin with.
@Beetlejuice - You can research news accounts on what happens to Senators and Representatives, as members of budget authorizing bodies, when they use travel money for discretionary purposes. Junkets are scrutinized for anything that deviates from declared a priori public business. Even political campaigns re scrutinized for use of public funds.
So yeah, any use of public money for private purposes is considered a crime. Thats the law all of us peons have to live by.
So if a cop files for disability or compensation for injuries sustained in private activities, then I guess we have insurance fraud. So why do cops think that gasoline and LE vehicle use is any different?
So yeah, any use of public money for private purposes is considered a crime. Thats the law all of us peons have to live by.
So if a cop files for disability or compensation for injuries sustained in private activities, then I guess we have insurance fraud. So why do cops think that gasoline and LE vehicle use is any different?
@Second Opinion - ..complaining about cops driving their cars while off-duty? I'm trying to wade through unrelated stories of Enron, Senators, worker's comp, etc. What the heel are you talking about with all that crap??
If you don't like cops driving while off-duty, then contact their department and voice a concern. How does this equate to "stealing."
If you don't like cops driving while off-duty, then contact their department and voice a concern. How does this equate to "stealing."
nuff said. Hope your leg falls off.
@bloger - it will LAND ON YOUR FACE.
@MyOpinion4U - shurflees the stuhntman. boy there are some serious rating on this blog!? whats going on? someone's been taken seriously here?
the part i love about this is..... if you have a legitimate complaint and you go to the station and complain and they dont feel that its a legitimate complaint they can put you in jail for complaining about an officer you cannot complain annonoumously
@John M. - John M, are you serious? Do you really think that is true? Stop believing the 'truths' that you've heard and do some serious research of your own.
You can complain anonymously. Will the weight of the complaint be less? Naturally, it will but that doesn't automatically mean that nothing is done.
I dare you to cite a specific incident where someone went to a a station to file a LEGITIMATE complaint and was put in jail for complaining. It hasn't happened and will not happen because it's not against the law to complain.
It is against the law to lie and file a false report but you said it was a legit complaint.
You can complain anonymously. Will the weight of the complaint be less? Naturally, it will but that doesn't automatically mean that nothing is done.
I dare you to cite a specific incident where someone went to a a station to file a LEGITIMATE complaint and was put in jail for complaining. It hasn't happened and will not happen because it's not against the law to complain.
It is against the law to lie and file a false report but you said it was a legit complaint.
@Some Dude - You see, John M heard about it in an email that said "forward this to everyone in your address book".
All kidding aside, I await John M's proof of his silly accusation.
As far as this website goes: it's as stupid as all of the other websites KSL has given free promotion to. Didn't they recently publicize the dangerous site that allowed bullies to report "bullies" anonymously and cause trouble for them?
All kidding aside, I await John M's proof of his silly accusation.
As far as this website goes: it's as stupid as all of the other websites KSL has given free promotion to. Didn't they recently publicize the dangerous site that allowed bullies to report "bullies" anonymously and cause trouble for them?
@Layton Mom - Ya had me fooled for a second. I thought you may be referring to the present gov'na (with a different spelling). It reminded me of what happened to former Gov'na Leavitt's kids when they were caught blatantly breaking the laws (underage drinking, disturbing the peace, etc). I guess there is a system of priviledge around here, if you are a public servant.
..what they should do is just combine the website ratemypoo.com and ratemycop.com because basically they are synonymous. 95% of what cops do is generate income for the government by pulling over responsible and law abiding citizens who stay out of trouble. Meantime when I report a break in to my car, they do nothing about it, why? because that doesn't bring the city any money to hunt down scum bag, drug addict thugs so they just sit in their hiding spot and pull over soccer moms going 8 over the speed limit and hand out fines. Oh and it always humors me when they act like they're concerned about your safety..ha ha just like the news anchor cares about the person who died in the house fire right? Yeah..Right! But hey, don't you love all that power officers?!
@Adrock1 - I know many police officers and assuming that 95% of them only generate income is grossly inaccurate. You might be surprised at what they actually do in any given shift. Educate yourself before spewing assumptions.
I have to ask, what should they do when someone breaks into your car? You say that they 'do nothing about it' and want to know why. What would make you happy?
I'm fairly certain that the average street cop doesn't give a darn about how much money he makes for the city. It doesn't affect him personally. If he's arresting drug dealers or citing 'soccer moms', it's all the same. You crack me up Adrock...you got it all figured out!
I have to ask, what should they do when someone breaks into your car? You say that they 'do nothing about it' and want to know why. What would make you happy?
I'm fairly certain that the average street cop doesn't give a darn about how much money he makes for the city. It doesn't affect him personally. If he's arresting drug dealers or citing 'soccer moms', it's all the same. You crack me up Adrock...you got it all figured out!
I guess all the dirt bags that are in prison for murder sexual assault, rape and other serious crimes just willingly walk into prison? Cops have one the highest stressed jobs out there, why do you think most have heart attacks and die by the time they are 50? Oh and they make a great 30,000 a year.
@Mustang281 - The ones that complain about cops make me chuckle. In a dangerous situation with personal safety at risk, who is the first person they'll scream for?!
Silly.
Silly.
@Antenna Girl - I had to laugh last week when notorious Bill Ayers was confronted by a reporter in front of his house. He called the cops on the reporter. Ayers is the guy behind the bombing of the PD in New York in the 70's. Either you support them or you dont, You cant have it both ways.
@Marc H. - If life were really this simple ("support them or you don't") then I could sell a black box to LE that would alarm whenever the sensor is pointed at a perpitrator. I'm glad the premise of this assertion (life is so simple that everything is either only black or white) is faulty, making the black box proposal a really bad idea.
@Antenna Girl - is that the majority of folks that go to it take issue with police in general. The ability for them to spout off anonymously provides them a cathartic means to address their own pent up powerless frustration.
It is true police officers are granted a lot of power by the State directly (indirectly the power really comes from society as a whole). Officers have the ability and discretion in determining when a citizen receives an expensive fine, or a criminal loses his liberty and is put behind bars. Naturally, this causes a segment of our society to resent them with fervor as it is a basic and underdeveloped human response to resist and resent correction. Those of us in the business can all acknowledge there are those officers out there that take themselves a little too seriously. But they are far in the minority.
Departments deal with frivolous complaints on a daily basis. They are looked into in a similar manner to any other criminal complaint a citizen might report. Those that show no validity are usually dismissed. Those that are found substantiated, are usually dealt with internally and have a substantial impact on the officer. Those in which are investigated to be false police reports, are often prosecuted as such- just as is done for citizens. Should we handle them any other way? Should our officers be allowed the same protections a citizen is allowed when falsely accused of misconduct? After all, we do run them through a litany of tests before hiring them, train them to a standard set forth by the State of Utah, give them guns and the authority to use them, and then ask them to go out into society everyday and wade amongst the dregs often risking their own lives through their service.
This website is not something cops will fear on any level because the nature of its design. It will be a place where embittered criminals and jaded traffic ticket recipients go to anonymously air their sour grapes. If you have a LEGITIMATE complaint against an officer, stand up for yourself, come into the station, and fill out the forms and attach your name along with your integrity. An officer operating beyond the fringe will certainly be dealt with in time.
It is true police officers are granted a lot of power by the State directly (indirectly the power really comes from society as a whole). Officers have the ability and discretion in determining when a citizen receives an expensive fine, or a criminal loses his liberty and is put behind bars. Naturally, this causes a segment of our society to resent them with fervor as it is a basic and underdeveloped human response to resist and resent correction. Those of us in the business can all acknowledge there are those officers out there that take themselves a little too seriously. But they are far in the minority.
Departments deal with frivolous complaints on a daily basis. They are looked into in a similar manner to any other criminal complaint a citizen might report. Those that show no validity are usually dismissed. Those that are found substantiated, are usually dealt with internally and have a substantial impact on the officer. Those in which are investigated to be false police reports, are often prosecuted as such- just as is done for citizens. Should we handle them any other way? Should our officers be allowed the same protections a citizen is allowed when falsely accused of misconduct? After all, we do run them through a litany of tests before hiring them, train them to a standard set forth by the State of Utah, give them guns and the authority to use them, and then ask them to go out into society everyday and wade amongst the dregs often risking their own lives through their service.
This website is not something cops will fear on any level because the nature of its design. It will be a place where embittered criminals and jaded traffic ticket recipients go to anonymously air their sour grapes. If you have a LEGITIMATE complaint against an officer, stand up for yourself, come into the station, and fill out the forms and attach your name along with your integrity. An officer operating beyond the fringe will certainly be dealt with in time.
@Servabo fidem - There is a lot of truth in what you say, but your conclusions are not always accurate. I won't describe what I agree with because it is in the majority, but I will point out a few disagreements.
I am an alumnus of a US military service academy. We are correctly trained that tolerance of dishonorable acts is equivalent being a primary perp. Likewise, "honest" cops who tolerate the scarce minority (some would debate scarce) are just as guilty as the primary perps. Cops know what is going on in their own departments because they constantly walk in the same shoes as their colleagues and have close contact. The integrity of the whole system is compromised when a scarce minority cannot be trusted.
That is why it is so vital to completely stamp out dishonorable inclinations in LE.
Also, while I have no illusions about the lack of honor among the general public cops should be held to a higher standard. They are trained and should know better. The general public, to the discredit of our secondary level education system, is not trained in honor, ethics, or professionalism, and therefore cannot be held to the higher standard. Until the low quality of secondary education is upgraded to cover these issues, I have to disagree that cops should be held to the lower general public standard.
I am an alumnus of a US military service academy. We are correctly trained that tolerance of dishonorable acts is equivalent being a primary perp. Likewise, "honest" cops who tolerate the scarce minority (some would debate scarce) are just as guilty as the primary perps. Cops know what is going on in their own departments because they constantly walk in the same shoes as their colleagues and have close contact. The integrity of the whole system is compromised when a scarce minority cannot be trusted.
That is why it is so vital to completely stamp out dishonorable inclinations in LE.
Also, while I have no illusions about the lack of honor among the general public cops should be held to a higher standard. They are trained and should know better. The general public, to the discredit of our secondary level education system, is not trained in honor, ethics, or professionalism, and therefore cannot be held to the higher standard. Until the low quality of secondary education is upgraded to cover these issues, I have to disagree that cops should be held to the lower general public standard.
@Beetlejuice - Perhaps I miscommunicated to some extent. Officers ARE held accountable for their conduct and answer to citizen complaints concerning behavior. Citizens are held only accountable for criminal conduct. There is a huge distinction between the two. Believe me, officers in the U.S. ARE held to a much higher standard and should be. However, when a citizen violates the law by filing a false police report against an officer, it is only just that consequences follow. And that is the LEAST we can do for those that volunteer their service.
I also agree with you about peer tolerance of dishonorable conduct is unacceptable. Police officers operate under peer pressure as any in a social group. As long as the whole of the department maintains high ethical standards the occasional deviant will be well regulated by his peers. This group phenomenon has both good and bad components, but that is a whole other topic.
Unfortunately there is a misperception by some in the public that all cops are good ol' boys willing to back each other at ANY situation. This is less true today than ever before even to the point it has passed over to the side of being detrimental to good officers (sometimes politics weakens spinal columns). If an officer operates within the scope his authority, state law, departmental policy, and within the continuum of what a reasonable officer would do in any given situation, he SHOULD be backed by his peers. I can only say within my own career, I will strongly support those whom operate under these tenets, and make no bones in standing against those who operate outside that continuum.
I also agree with you about peer tolerance of dishonorable conduct is unacceptable. Police officers operate under peer pressure as any in a social group. As long as the whole of the department maintains high ethical standards the occasional deviant will be well regulated by his peers. This group phenomenon has both good and bad components, but that is a whole other topic.
Unfortunately there is a misperception by some in the public that all cops are good ol' boys willing to back each other at ANY situation. This is less true today than ever before even to the point it has passed over to the side of being detrimental to good officers (sometimes politics weakens spinal columns). If an officer operates within the scope his authority, state law, departmental policy, and within the continuum of what a reasonable officer would do in any given situation, he SHOULD be backed by his peers. I can only say within my own career, I will strongly support those whom operate under these tenets, and make no bones in standing against those who operate outside that continuum.
on this video seem to be a little negative about the website, by saying OH YEA, this and that. WELL I HOPE THEY will atleast review the FACTS of a complaint even when posted their WHEN FACTS ARE PROVIDED. Cheap shots are obvious but like anything else, it can be constructive feedback if the police have OPEN MINDS about it.
If you are complaining about the police department, water department, park department, whatever it is, it is pointless to complain directly to that agency. obviously that department is biased by nature since they are the target of your complaint. This in itself would make it difficult if not impossible to review complaints at that level. People, THE PUBLIC should be able to complain to a HIGHER AUTHORITY in local government, such as CITY ADMINISTRATOR OFFICE, or the CITY ATTORNEY OFFICE or whatever is designated and they should have one person to do the investigation and review the results and work with the public. ATLEAST THAT WAY, we may get a fair and impartial review.
@MyOpinion4U - You say "THE PUBLIC should be able to complain to a HIGHER AUTHORITY in local government, such as CITY ADMINISTRATOR OFFICE, or the CITY ATTORNEY OFFICE".
Guess what. You can. You can even send a well-formatted and concise letter to any mayor, stating your complaint without emotion.
Guess what. You can. You can even send a well-formatted and concise letter to any mayor, stating your complaint without emotion.
@Layton Mom - obviously you are talking about the normal SYSTEM, If the mayor or the city administrator gets the LETTER OR COMPLAINT NOW, they would simply send it to the POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR INVESTIGATION, which is RIGHT BACK TO WHERE WE ARE AT NOW. As I clearly stated a HIGHER AUTHORITY NEEDS ONE PERSON OR ONE OFFICE DIRECTLY UNDER THEM to investigate complaints ok. SO DO LEARN TO COMPREHEND before looking FOOLISH.
Blogger wishing evil on someone says volumes about you. John M. when did you ever go to jail for complaining about an officer, what planet was it on? Perhaps we should all just drive as fast as we want where we want and screw reponsibility. Sound like the whiners got caught doing something they should't and don't like having to pay the price.
some cops should not be cops
most (not all) have been bullied when they were younger and now are cops only because they have lincense to use deadly force.
when is a cop not a cop?
on duty or not?you tell me!!!!
Example a couple of years ago a certin slcco.sheriff(and school)
has a child that was harassing my child the said officer came to my home in his cop car and uniform
yelling and screaming at my child(witnessed by several of my neighbors)
NOW IN MY RESPONCE TO THIS SITUATION I DID NOT KNOW IF HE WAS THERE AS COP OR CONCERNED PARENT.
I DID NOTHING ABOUT SITUATION.(while he was there)
if I would acted like the ahole he was being or the language he was using and stood up to the nice officer I WOULD HAVE BEEN ARESTED ON THE SPOT.(probably with force)
I imediatly REPORTED TO HIS SUPERVISOR.
What do you think was done? NOT A DAM THING!!!!!
As it turns out this cop is also abusive with his wife and step children.
The SUPERVISOR OF THE OFFICER IS HIS BEST FRIEND AND DRINKING BUDDY!!!! so what good does it do to report them.
GOD BLESS AMERICA
Keep on truckin!
They are like NAZI
most (not all) have been bullied when they were younger and now are cops only because they have lincense to use deadly force.
when is a cop not a cop?
on duty or not?you tell me!!!!
Example a couple of years ago a certin slcco.sheriff(and school)
has a child that was harassing my child the said officer came to my home in his cop car and uniform
yelling and screaming at my child(witnessed by several of my neighbors)
NOW IN MY RESPONCE TO THIS SITUATION I DID NOT KNOW IF HE WAS THERE AS COP OR CONCERNED PARENT.
I DID NOTHING ABOUT SITUATION.(while he was there)
if I would acted like the ahole he was being or the language he was using and stood up to the nice officer I WOULD HAVE BEEN ARESTED ON THE SPOT.(probably with force)
I imediatly REPORTED TO HIS SUPERVISOR.
What do you think was done? NOT A DAM THING!!!!!
As it turns out this cop is also abusive with his wife and step children.
The SUPERVISOR OF THE OFFICER IS HIS BEST FRIEND AND DRINKING BUDDY!!!! so what good does it do to report them.
GOD BLESS AMERICA
Keep on truckin!
They are like NAZI
@#1trucker - Most cops have been bullied when they were younger. LOL. Every cop hater throws this one out! An oldie but a goodie!!
Your FACTS(?) regarding your incident are confusing. Somehow, I think that something was done in response to your complaint. However, it may not have been to your liking which gives you a license to whine on a public forum about apparent corruption and cover-ups!! How 'bout giving us an unbiased story, huh? Somehow, your kid goes from being harrassed to being yelled at by the police...something stinks...
Your FACTS(?) regarding your incident are confusing. Somehow, I think that something was done in response to your complaint. However, it may not have been to your liking which gives you a license to whine on a public forum about apparent corruption and cover-ups!! How 'bout giving us an unbiased story, huh? Somehow, your kid goes from being harrassed to being yelled at by the police...something stinks...
@Some Dude - I know several wvc police,slc police an co sheriff
some who are relitives I am NOT A COP HATER I APREACIATE EVERY THING THEY DO!!(and they are not paid enough)
But this officer could have handled the problem in a different way.( by being a parent not an ahole)
You do not Know the problem about his child harassing my child.(or others because he was the school cop)
I know if I have a problem with another parent I try to talk to them about a problem rather than screaming,yelling or using foul language.(to them or their children)
I did not mention that my neighbors also reported the officer. and one of them is slcpd!!
we went above the sargents head to his captian
it was several months later that more of this type of his misuse of POWER was being reported and now he no longer is a POLICE OFFICER!!! THANK GOD!
And his sargent resined.
GOD BLESS AMERICA
Keep on truckin!
some who are relitives I am NOT A COP HATER I APREACIATE EVERY THING THEY DO!!(and they are not paid enough)
But this officer could have handled the problem in a different way.( by being a parent not an ahole)
You do not Know the problem about his child harassing my child.(or others because he was the school cop)
I know if I have a problem with another parent I try to talk to them about a problem rather than screaming,yelling or using foul language.(to them or their children)
I did not mention that my neighbors also reported the officer. and one of them is slcpd!!
we went above the sargents head to his captian
it was several months later that more of this type of his misuse of POWER was being reported and now he no longer is a POLICE OFFICER!!! THANK GOD!
And his sargent resined.
GOD BLESS AMERICA
Keep on truckin!
@#1trucker - I am still not following what happened but ...really...I've lost interest now.
You've biatched because they didn't do anything about your complaint in your first post and then you follow it up with this ahole is no longer a police officer and his Sgt 'resined'. It sounds like they weeded out some bad apples and cleaned house. So what's your platform now?
Anyway, bad cops need to be fired. Period. Sniveling on the KSL boards isn't going to get it done.
You've biatched because they didn't do anything about your complaint in your first post and then you follow it up with this ahole is no longer a police officer and his Sgt 'resined'. It sounds like they weeded out some bad apples and cleaned house. So what's your platform now?
Anyway, bad cops need to be fired. Period. Sniveling on the KSL boards isn't going to get it done.
@Some Dude - some dude,all this happened aprox.6 years ago
we were never informed that anything at all happened
to the officer concerning being repramanded
the only reason I found out that him and his sarg were gone is my child that was yelled at by this officer and parent is now slcco sheriff so go eff yourself pal!!!! there was no platform and i agree if they are bad apples they should be weeded out!!!! like I said before we can not appreaciate or pay them enough for doing a VERY HARD JOB!!!!
GOD BLESS AMERICA
Keep on truckin!
we were never informed that anything at all happened
to the officer concerning being repramanded
the only reason I found out that him and his sarg were gone is my child that was yelled at by this officer and parent is now slcco sheriff so go eff yourself pal!!!! there was no platform and i agree if they are bad apples they should be weeded out!!!! like I said before we can not appreaciate or pay them enough for doing a VERY HARD JOB!!!!
GOD BLESS AMERICA
Keep on truckin!
@#1trucker - you crack me up! So your kids is a Deputy for SLCOSO now? Tell us...how was he bullied as a child and how does he enjoy his new license to use deadly force?
According to your first post:[quote] most (not all) have been bullied when they were younger and now are cops only because they have lincense to use deadly force
You were correct when you said that we cannot appreciate or pay them enough but YOU CAN START by not calling them Nazis, suggesting that they were bullied and assuming things that you clearly don't understand.
I guess that you could just resort to personal insults toward me...oh wait, you already did. Good luck to you...you're #1....apparently.
According to your first post:[quote] most (not all) have been bullied when they were younger and now are cops only because they have lincense to use deadly force
You were correct when you said that we cannot appreciate or pay them enough but YOU CAN START by not calling them Nazis, suggesting that they were bullied and assuming things that you clearly don't understand.
I guess that you could just resort to personal insults toward me...oh wait, you already did. Good luck to you...you're #1....apparently.
Ten years ago, I got a ticket near Reno, NV. I was doing 105 in a 70. The policeman made a few light-hearted comments and basically was the opposite of the grumpy cop who pulls you over for going 33 in a 30 (Murray). This guy even told me that he wouldn't have even looked at me if I'd been going under 85, but that he thought I needed a reminder.
I wasn't happy about being pulled over, but the guy wasn't a tool full of attitude either.
I'm sure these guys encounter lots of jerks who give them attitude, but that's no reason to treat everyone they pull over like a jerk.
I wish I remembered that officer's name. I would make a positive entry on that website.
I wasn't happy about being pulled over, but the guy wasn't a tool full of attitude either.
I'm sure these guys encounter lots of jerks who give them attitude, but that's no reason to treat everyone they pull over like a jerk.
I wish I remembered that officer's name. I would make a positive entry on that website.
Come on, what ever pseudo reporter.... are you trying this old trick again? Or do you beleive yourself!? that's what they use to say about the cell phones, anonymous! You want us to beleive that internet com don't live no traces? what about the FBI search engines that are supposed to protect us by scanning everything on internet ...IN the WORLD, are they scanning for never finding out what comes from where? Thats ridiculous. Epytome of idiosyncrasies itself for those who beleive in spitting in their face.
does it have to be for just a ticket? How about rating them on how well they patrol and handle other things...people in my neighborhood have been complaining about somebody going around stealing petty things for like 2 years now and they come and file a report and they do nothing about it...i had my window shot out WHILE driving with my kids and they took 30 minutes to arrive...took my report and did NOTHING about it...around here the only thing they do is give traffic tickets and stalk the drug dealers...
Let me tell you all a story. I got a ticket for going 85 on I-15. The cop wasn't exactly friendly, but he wasn't mean either. I got a ticket that ended up costing me about $150, and the insurance rates for the next few years will end up running me another $500. Does that mean that I should get on a website and give the cop a bad review? No, it isn't his fault. I was the one being stupid and going 20mph over the speed limit. It was my own fault.
I don't even like the idea of this website. I think it gives people the ability to spout off about cops. I have two brothers who are police officers. I have noticed that even law abiding citizens don't like cops. Nobody likes the guy who upholds the rules, and that is a truly sad reflection on our society.
So to all you cop haters who think they have too much power let me remind you of a universal truth. Cops have absolutely no power over you (or anyone else) if YOU OBEY THE LAW. So to those of you who think that cops shouldn't have the ability to dole out fines and arrest people they only have that ability when a law is broken. If you are still angry about the power granted to cops then I would like to see you come up with a better system.
I don't even like the idea of this website. I think it gives people the ability to spout off about cops. I have two brothers who are police officers. I have noticed that even law abiding citizens don't like cops. Nobody likes the guy who upholds the rules, and that is a truly sad reflection on our society.
So to all you cop haters who think they have too much power let me remind you of a universal truth. Cops have absolutely no power over you (or anyone else) if YOU OBEY THE LAW. So to those of you who think that cops shouldn't have the ability to dole out fines and arrest people they only have that ability when a law is broken. If you are still angry about the power granted to cops then I would like to see you come up with a better system.
Here's a site for rating idiot drivers. Cops rate them anonymously without risking their jobs:
http://tinyurl.com/ratetheidiots
http://tinyurl.com/ratetheidiots
she witness an altercation between a police woman and a hispanic male, the police woman insisted she translate for her, the hispanic lady said she did not want to. she was immediately thrown to the ground and cuffed, then thrown in back of the police car FOR REFUSING TO TRANSLATE. this lady is not EMPLOYED BY THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO TRANSLATE, and for whatever reason she didnt want to get involved, maybe because someone would have hurt her for DOING IT. this police woman OVER STEPPED HER AUTHORITY and became the criminal. this was swept under the rug and they dropped charges aginst the hispanic lady FOR NOT TRANSLATING. now that is abuse and someone should have been fired or WORSE.
Bettlejuice,
To try to answer some of your questions. I Am a Deputy Sheriff, In my department, we are allowed to use our County Owned and Tax Payer Provided Vehicle, sometimes they even look like Police Cars. Wether you believe it or not, this is a benifit to the Public. I have to Provide Libility Insurance on the Vehicle for anytime I use it for personal business. No I dont have to fill the tank for my Personal use. No this is not theft. If the County changed their position on this, and wanted to charge me for the gas I use, I would be more than Happy to pay, But I would be more likely to leave the car at home, when I run to the store. Try calling your insurance agent and get Libility Insurance for a car you dont own, let alone a Police car. Driving a marked Police car is a great deal more of a hassel than you know.
As far as people being arrested for making complaints against Officers. In the 14 years I have been a Deputy Sheriff. There have been a few complaints made against me. And a couple of them were valid. But most were made up, I requested charges be filed on these, none were. I understand why, since this may make people like you less likely to complain. I have never seen my Department file charges on any false complaint.
As far as this website goes, I think its great entertainment. I have to Thank KSL for doing the Story. It fun to see what people will say when that can be Anon. I had not been rated till the morning after this story aired. I have been now, and I have learned I yell, scream, and swear. And the rest of the Deputies In my Department hate Me, I guess I'll have to work on that. I was a bit disappointed since there was only one Posting. I would have thought with over 300 Deputies hateing me, and the thousands of public contacts I've had, there would be a great deal more.
Watch your speed on the westside of the County, The Police Car You have provided me is pretty big, but sometimes hard to see if your not looking.
To try to answer some of your questions. I Am a Deputy Sheriff, In my department, we are allowed to use our County Owned and Tax Payer Provided Vehicle, sometimes they even look like Police Cars. Wether you believe it or not, this is a benifit to the Public. I have to Provide Libility Insurance on the Vehicle for anytime I use it for personal business. No I dont have to fill the tank for my Personal use. No this is not theft. If the County changed their position on this, and wanted to charge me for the gas I use, I would be more than Happy to pay, But I would be more likely to leave the car at home, when I run to the store. Try calling your insurance agent and get Libility Insurance for a car you dont own, let alone a Police car. Driving a marked Police car is a great deal more of a hassel than you know.
As far as people being arrested for making complaints against Officers. In the 14 years I have been a Deputy Sheriff. There have been a few complaints made against me. And a couple of them were valid. But most were made up, I requested charges be filed on these, none were. I understand why, since this may make people like you less likely to complain. I have never seen my Department file charges on any false complaint.
As far as this website goes, I think its great entertainment. I have to Thank KSL for doing the Story. It fun to see what people will say when that can be Anon. I had not been rated till the morning after this story aired. I have been now, and I have learned I yell, scream, and swear. And the rest of the Deputies In my Department hate Me, I guess I'll have to work on that. I was a bit disappointed since there was only one Posting. I would have thought with over 300 Deputies hateing me, and the thousands of public contacts I've had, there would be a great deal more.
Watch your speed on the westside of the County, The Police Car You have provided me is pretty big, but sometimes hard to see if your not looking.
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Next thing you know they will have online video on demand and everything.