When I was a child, I was taught the cops were the good guys. Andy was what cops were supposed to be.
When a man carries a gun all the time, the respect he thinks he’s getting might really be fear. So I don’t carry a gun, because I don’t want the people of Mayberry to fear a gun. I’d rather they respect me.
Unfortunately, the police do not have an obligation to protect and serve (thanks, SCOTUS) and they increasingly model the behavior we were all taught was wrong as children.
There are two law enforcement officers, who I respect. Both work for the National Park Service. Every other officer I’ve interacted in my life, across more than a dozen states, have been exactly what is shown in the media. Anecdotal I know, but what is the NPS doing that their LEOs aren’t dicks?
Annie
I think it’s that the NPS officers took their jobs because they love being outdoors, and it’s a way to help people enjoy the outdoors. I met a guy last year who was a retired LEO from NJ parks, and he loved hiking, for example. I don’t think NPS LEOs get into it as a power trip, but as a way to be out in nature a lot of the time.