How do cops reconcile differences between legality and ethic

[The Dharma Bum]

[Kane]

Yeah, there's different types of policing that can be done. Most adhere to a rational choice crime control model that everybody here has experienced, based on just deserts. You'll notice that in more affluent areas the police may use a community policing model where there's lots more transparency and communication between the police and the public (Marin immediately comes to mind). It's just not that great of a representation because the demographics are pretty homogenized (Read: affluent). It also places officers at greater risk of personal injury and requires victims to get involved with the process (Well, in order to have the full effect, it's still voluntary).

It's too easy to get stuck in an "us vs. them" mindset.

[Bill_in_Bethlehem]

[The Dharma Bum]

I actually grew up as a semi-delinquent kid in east Austin, which is kind of considered the minority side of town, and that's still my experience. But yeah, being a cop and having to deal with the tsunami of jerky bois, wife beaters, and mentally ill is a very, very tough and frustrating job. I think most are fairly professional about it myself.

[Kane]

[exploited]

The idea that the law should be enforced even if the harm is greater than the crime is ridiculous, IMO, and police officers who know what they're doing recognize this. Ethical discretion needs to be incorporated into training, and made into official policing policy.

Sixty years ago, the world concluded that soldiers are obliged to disobey orders that are harmful, infringe upon human rights, or illegal. If that is the case for a warrior, how can it not be the case for a peace officer, who helps govern free people?

[lnrw]

[The Dharma Bum]

[OGPhilly]

[Hyperion]

Got pulled over a few months ago for one of my tail lights being out. Didn't have my insurance information on me. Was let off. It was a female cop. It was pretty nice.