Comments on: Said Like A Real Man

By: p.rush

p.rush — Tue, 05 Sep 2006 22:48:41 +0000

I find it very hard to believe,that regardless of either gender, size and color that this type of statement is acceptable of any Peace Officer. Not only do you carry a sidearm, taser, pepper spray, you also have the entire B.P.D. at your back. And when you look at or speak to a citizen, you think of how they can be killed.

When you are approached you put your hand on your firearm. Is this not enough? It is for me! Or is it Guilty untill proven innocent? Shoot first then ask questions? You are in the position of taking a life (being god) to the innocent as well as the guilty.

In my opinion you should be demoted to a desk job, and away from the need to figure out how to kill every person you meet. I respect the B.P.D. And think you should respect the citizens of Boise as well!

P. Rush Boise resident

By: Jack

Jack — Fri, 07 Apr 2006 20:02:30 +0000

We all should prepare for the worst while expecting the best. If either happens, we are ready and alive! If neither happens, we are still ready and still alive! That is how I made it out of Laos/Cambodia/Nam.

By: Steve

Steve — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 15:31:50 +0000

Interesting and thoughtful analysis as always, Guardian.

A couple comments from my past experience, and dealing with cops in general rather than petite lady cops:

I was arrested many years ago under dubious circumstances, by BPD officers. (The charges were later dropped.) On the way to the lockup, they actually apologized to me, and commented how strange it seemed to them, to be arresting a regular citizen rather than some scum-of-the-earth. While the distinction was appreciated, it made me realize that cops frequently deal with the Lowest Common Denominator, and that has to color their attitude.

I was on a ride-along with a friend on the BPD a few years back, and observed that there definitely is an “us versus them” mentality. (THEM being the citizenry.) They look at everybody as potential enemies.

It takes a special person to be a good cop. It takes an outstanding person to be a good cop who retains his/her empathy and respect for us common folk. We are blessed to have quite a few of those types serving us. (And a few action-junkie bullies, unfortunately. They seem to gravitate to the job.)

By: dave zarkin

dave zarkin — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 13:07:18 +0000

I am still scratching my head over this observaiton in the Thrive article: “the 37-year-old mother of two still has the energy, attitude and grit it takes to be a lady cop in a state known for its conservative social and professional mores. But that doesn’t mean she’s afraid to wear bright red nail polish on patrol.”
In other words, in wild-west Idaho if you are a butch woman it’s not acceptable? Or maybe it’s OK if you wear red nail polish? I heard a woman cop speak at a meeting on immigrant rights who also was deputy chief in Minneapolis. She talked about “protect and serve” and treating immigrants as human beings; not many adreniline junky references. Why would the Statesman want to publish an alterate weekly? Isn’t one enough? And what a silly name for a publication — Thrive — sounds like a vitamin.

By: lib.Redneck

lib.Redneck — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 12:47:28 +0000

The statements given by these brave women officers are very similar to another group of people who might say the same thing about their job: TEACHERS…. See you on the playground!!!

By: Ginny

Ginny — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 12:19:50 +0000

Actually, it doesn’t sound that bad to me. What do you think they’d say? “In my free time I like to knit and do my hair.” Come on, man. You’re sounding a tad bit chauvinistic in this post.

By: Gordon

Gordon — Sun, 02 Apr 2006 07:14:44 +0000

Re hoping they don’t really think about how you would kill someone if they had to, while smiling and talking with someone.
Well, I hope they do.
I’ve never been a cop, but, even as a reporter, when I was interviewing a guy the cops were hunting as a possible serial killer (I found him even though they couldn’t), and while intervewing a convicted murderer (different guy), and in various other situations, I had a “what if?” in the back of my mind — what if this guys turns on me? What would I do?
I wasn’t armed, but still had to have the mental preparedness to defend my life if it became necessary. (Fortunately, it never did, in those particular situations.)
I think it’s much like driving on a freeway — lots of lanes, fences along the sides, nowhere to go — What if? … the cars in front of me spun out, or one beside me started moving over toward me, etc. I’m always on the lookout for a way out.
On other than freeways, of course, it’s easier — you usually can go off the road somehow. I once drove into a canal rather than let a large truck hit me head-on. Another time, three cars passing me got into a wreck — I did a hard right, went through an irrigation ditch and a fence, and stopped out in a field. A cop walked out to me and asked, “Were you involved in that wreck?” I said, “No.”
Cop said, “Then what are you doing out here?” I said, “I didn’t want to be involved in that wreck.”
He accepted that, checked my ID, and went away.
In other words, I think every cop, car driver, etc., should be aware of all the possibilities and have a “what if” plan in mind for any eventuality. And, for a cop, the possibilities always include that the person he or she is talking to might be a nutcase who suddenly will whip out a gun or a knife or whatever,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
gp

By: Boisean

Boisean — Sat, 01 Apr 2006 17:49:28 +0000

Ego, attitude, puffed up. What about help, understanding and empathy? Violence is about 1% of the job. What about the other 99%?

By: T.J.

T.J. — Sat, 01 Apr 2006 16:37:12 +0000

When I was raising my two girls I taught them not to take any nonsense off anyone. Women who don’t stand up for themselves become victims like that poor woman in Canyon County whose husband killed her when he was released from jail. She had a restraining order – she should have had a gun.

I admire anyone, male or female, who has the strength and temperment to be a cop. I like all of them to bring common sense and a good attitude to the job. Criticizing these women for being tough would be just ignorant, in my humble opinion.

By: john

john — Sat, 01 Apr 2006 15:24:36 +0000

How have these quotes “backed them into a corner?” I don’t see anything here that is cause for alarm.