Why do people fear Police Officers?

Blue Steel & Lace

I always love it when I hear some parent say -
"There's the police, they're gonna get you if you don't behave!"
Then they wonder why their kids are afraid of the police.

Ida T

They should be feared, but only by someone wanting to commit a crime. I think because they carry weapons is probably the main reason they're feared. When I was younger I use to fear them because my mom would jokingly tell me when I did something wrong that the police will get me, but as I become an adult, I stopped fearing them.

Dead Marxist

Normal people don't fear police officers. Criminals do.

I like police officers. I feel glad to see them.

Truth Hurts

LOL. I'm a cop and no one is scared of us, but some kids are and it's all because parents always use the cops to say, if you are bad, I'm calling the police to come and take you away...Instead, they should be telling their kids that cops pick up bad people who commit crimes, but if you are lost or need help, look for a police officer and they will help you.

El Scott

Interesting story for ya:

Another officer and I were in a video store. There was a little boy about six years old and his dad looking for a movie. The little boy said, "Look dad the police!" The boy was pointing and smiling and showed the usual boyhood enthusiasm kids show for police and firemen. The dad said, "Yeah, that's what you don't want to be." And herded his son away from us. We weren't on any call, there was nothing wrong, we were just talking to some people.

People develop dislikes and mistrusts of police for any number of reasons. Usually misguided outside influences or perceived persecutions by the police when someone is caught breaking the law.

thanson73

Blue Steel And Lace has my vote. I have seen parents do this over and over again. It always makes me angry

reene2g

its always the people that are up to no good that fear cops thats been my observations.
Never feared them, ever!!!

STITCH

Because people guilty or about to commit guilty actions always fear the Police. If you are messing up you are afraid to get caught and arrested. I think trouser trout up top is an idiot.

kerrbear

Children fear cops because the observe adults reaction to them, adults fear jail and or punishment for their crimes.

Well some of them here act reallly tough...but then maybe they have too, it's a hard job here in LA.

John H

One day after getting ready to go to work, my niece immediately began screaming and wouldn't come near me. When I asked why she was acting like that her Mother told me she was afraid of the Police. Of course I want to know why and found out her Dad always told her that if she wasn't good he was going to call the Police and they would come take her away.

In my opinion many children are afraid of the Police due to things their parents tell them.

The "flip side of the coin" is when you're dealing with children who come from a family that has a significant amount of contact with the Police, all they have ever observed is somebody being taken to jail.

I think in adulthood, assuming we're law abiding citizens, we become "scared" because we know we have broken a law. How many time do you speed and when you see an officer you keep looking to see if they're coming after you?

bobswiming

he is a crinmial

Bigsky_52

I think it comes down to the fact that two types of people are attracted to careers in law enforcement: those that actually DO want to help others (a minority), and those that are looking for state sponsored authority. Those that want to help are quite often beaten down by the beauracracy, regulation, and having to admit that most of their job involves punishing people who aren't doing anything wrong. So most wind up somewhat jaded, and more willing to assume the worst about everybody. Consequently a mindset develops among most policemen that if they've taken notice of you then you've done something wrong. There's an automatic presumption of guilt. They may not know what, but by god they'll find it! So they wind up harrassing the very people they're supposed to be helping. And nobody likes to be harrassed, especially when treating them like anybody else can have dire consequences. Cops are hiding behind the gun and the badge, and many of them use it to say and do things that would get anyone else punched in the face. I don't fear cops. But I do resent their intrustion into my life, I resent the automatic assumption that I've done something wrong when they have NO cause to believe that, and I resent their willingness to pervert justice. I'll teach my children to show respect for the police, but not to ever trust them. If they wanted people to like them they should have become firemen.

Rockin Mama

imo....only those that have something to hide from the police fear them. In your nephew's case, it is something that is learned. He has a negative view on police because that is what is being portrayed(either by parents or media). I don't believe it is natural...in fact...I think that most small boys want to be close to police, in fact, they want to BE police. Even the smallest of children become hostage to their environment, and if they hear derogotory comments about someone or something, they will believe it.

I, personally am quite fond of police men, and when I'm doing something against the law, bummer if I was dumb enough to get caught. hehe...I am quite fond of a man in uniform ;)

eolson2003

They have the power to fine us or put us in jail. Plus, we see all kinds of things about bad cops on television.

richard a

people fear the police because people don't want to be restricted and have someone tell them they can't do certain things. when they see a police officer they know that they must follow the rules or they'll be in trouble. growing up as kids you knew that if you didn't follow the rules as a child your parents would take action to correct your behavior, now those parents represent the police. people are in fear of being caught not doing the right thing and this fear is good because it protects the lives of the good people. kids should know if you do the wrong things in life police will be there to enforce the law, but when your in trouble never be afraid to call them for help.

anch49

Todays police officers are not the same as when we were children. Its not your friendly neighborhood beat cop who knows the locals anymore. The militarization of our police has led to children and people in general being afraid of police officers.

my brothers been in trouble a couple of times, I think it's the fact that they lose control of what happens to themselves when caught

Yesugi

They wield arbitrary power and can kill you.

They enforce laws blindly, even bad laws -- if they feel like it.

They are trained in "we vs them," so why shouldn't we realize that they are armed and hostile?

Justaguy

Depends which countries police officers you are talking about.

OBX

Because cops are corrupt and can destroy your life in a heartbeat. If they are having a bad day (the person is a cop sooooo everyday is bad) they will find something to give you a ticket for. The sad thing is that while your getting your ticket and the cop is telling themselves how awesome they are, someone is getting killed, raped, jumping the boarder or breaking into a house. Makes me sick to think about. Real cops work in the inner city of Detroit.....no those are the ones that should get some R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

gobblegoobers

If they are guilty it is natural. Kids of these parents learn that fear from them. The police have no control over who is afraid of them. They have guns on them! That is scary.

Trout

Grade 12 a gun and wide discretionary powers with far too much social credibility - Thats why

Ashley Z

See my question and you'll know why

kevin m

Because most cops are the kids we beat up in high school and now they are out for revenge....Plus they have ticket quotas to make even though they dont admit it...km

SKI4FUN

Because it is the job of the police force to punish you as a citizen. Let's me honest everyone breaks law's everyday... Even if it's less obvious laws, everyone is a criminal in some jaded view of an angry police man. Again, it's their job to pin anything they can on you, they get rewarded for doing so. Why wouldn't you fear the police? The only person who should not fear the police is the wealthy individual with a good lawyer.

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