The Blue Line: Respect Goes Both Ways

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Right now in modern culture, there is a serious issue going on with police and public relations. All too often we are quick to judge and doubt the men and women who wear the badge. Granted, there are some incredibly serious challenges that the police face but they do make big mistakes sometimes. Their training in particular has needed to be changed in some ways, to make sure they can communicate better with suspects and victims. However, it’s not like what you see online in articles and in the news. The police are not trying to target one particular group or another. In fact there are many senior police officials from all different walks of life. It’s a career that should be looked up to. The bad eggs ruin the image of the people who put their lives on the line for our safety. But what do you do when you believe you are being unfairly treated by a police officer? Part of the reason why there are so many cases of people losing their temper or pushing it too far is because they don’t know how they can stand up for themselves against the police force.

Best To Be Polite.

You’re having a bad day, and you stepped on the gas pedal a bit too strong. You see the flashing lights behind you and you are asked to pull over. The cop walks up to your driver’s side window and he or she lets you know you were speeding about 5 miles per hour over the limit. It’s a minor error and you might not even get a ticket for it. The best thing you can do is remain calm and be polite. The more polite and cooperative you are, the quicker this whole ordeal will be over. Generally speaking, common courtesy goes a very long way when talking to the police. They aren’t looking to pick a fight, then have to call back up and make a potentially dangerous arrest. They are just like you, normal people with a job who just want to earn a good day’s pay and get home to their families. Be polite and watch how fast a normal stop over something minuscule will be over.

The Signs of Abusing Power.

Police officers are the spearhead of any society that is governed by law and order. They are the people on the ground that are implementing the laws that are passed down by elected politicians. In other words, they essentially work for you. The salary of the police is paid by taxpayers. So, respect needs to go both ways. If you are being respectful, you’re doing your bit to maintain a good relationship between the arm of the law and the people whose law it was passed to benefit. But what are the signs of a cop who has gone rogue and starts abusing their power at the side of the road?

You cannot be dragged out of your car without reasonable cause. If the police officer asks you to get out of the car, it is within your right to ask why. If they do not give you a reason, you have the right to remain in your car. However if the police do give you a reason and can back it up with a starting of which law or code of violation they are following, then you need to comply. Even if you don’t agree with the reason, you cannot fight it at the side of the road. If you are forcibly removed from the car and thrown on the floor or against the car in a violent manner while posing no threat, then speak to personal injury lawyers like Hupy and Abraham. They can discern and prove what is and isn’t police brutality and an abuse of state or federal power. Excessive force is by far the most common kind of occurrence that happens when a police officer is abusing their power. Throwing you around, slapping or punching are not allowed by lawful police conduct. The training the police go through teaches ways of getting somebody to the ground or subduing them without necessarily harming them physically. If they don’t follow this, liable injuries can happen.

Respect goes both ways when you are speaking to a member of law enforcement. You need to stay calm and be polite. If you do this, the faster the encounter with police will be over. However, an abuse of power is not something you should take sitting down so be aware of your options.

Photo by James Perez


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Milo Senalle

Milo Senalle

Managing Editor at Chispa Magazine
As one of the managing editors of Chispa Magazine, Milo Senalle is the go-to man for all things technology, ethical, and financial concerns. Providing laughs with his style of writing and problem-solving techniques, Milo is a voice of reason among the girly staff at Chispa. Married with children, living in Atlanta, he works 24/7 on becoming a man of courage and believes honor begins at home.

Milo Senalle

As one of the managing editors of Chispa Magazine, Milo Senalle is the go-to man for all things technology, ethical, and financial concerns. Providing laughs with his style of writing and problem-solving techniques, Milo is a voice of reason among the girly staff at Chispa. Married with children, living in Atlanta, he works 24/7 on becoming a man of courage and believes honor begins at home.