How dare these Austin Tx citizens with their "mob mentality."

[ThinkAnarchy]

http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/austin/acevedo-vile-threats-aimed-at-apd

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Police Chief Art Acevedo said in an open email to Austinites on Wednesday that his department has been subjected to "vile" and "serious threats" in the wake of the weekend shooting of a resident's dog by an officer.

He also suggested that a "mob mentality" may be feeding the public outrage.

In the message, the chief pleads with those who are offended that an officer who was sent to the wrong address and fired on the barking dog to give his department the time it needs to thoroughly examine all aspects of the incident.

"I am one person, with a department to run, a city to protect, and a family to love," the chief wrote. "I assure you that we will have some positive outcomes out of this incident, but we have to conduct our review in accordance with the law and our own policies, regardless of public sentiment."

So a police officer enters the property of an innocent civilian, kills his dog, and when the population becomes enraged, it's "mob mentality." Perhaps the threats and vile language will prevent the killing of family pets in the future, but I doubt it.

[AnimatedDirt]

So a police officer enters the property of an innocent civilian, kills his dog, and when the population becomes enraged, it's "mob mentality." Perhaps the threats and vile language will prevent the killing of family pets in the future, but I doubt it.

My distaste for police officers runs deeper with each passing incident of this nature and more so of the nature when the innocent are treated as criminals "for their protection and ours".  It probably stems back to my days in the Air Force when I was privileged to see what happens when 18 yr olds are given a gun and a badge.  Cocky barely begins to tell the story.

I know there are good cops, but why is it I see the "bad" ones more.  (I know...)  I hardly go a couple days without seeing a cop, in uniform and in a police vehicle on THEIR mobile.  (CA has cell phone laws while driving)

Here's a pic of what I assume is a cop, but he wasn't in uniform.  I haven't been brave enough to take a pic of one in uniform yet...but it just upsets me.  (ok, now I can breathe. )

[ThinkAnarchy]

I feel the same way. I came across a picture the other day on thechive of an officer driving with Facebook pulled up on his car's computer and talking on his cellphone. Google was of little help in finding the picture though.

I know several decent cops as well, but it's hard to get on the news when you simply let pot smokers go home to their families and don't beat the hell out people for resisting arrest while handcuffed.

[Sweetdeath]

This is why cops should be thoroughly screened every 2-3 yrs. I agree with AD, the good ones are out there..but so over shadowed.

[Asmodean]

I'm not in the US, but I like the police. Even the guy who newly gave me a speeding ticket for measured speed of 45 in a 40 zone. I did miss the sign, but that's a poor excuse for breaking the law. And thus, a hundred bucks, Asmo the Malicious Law-Breaker pays.

[el_presidente]

I don't feel safer when I see the police; generally speaking, they either write BS traffic tickets or clean up the blood after the fact.  I'll supervise and defend myself, thank you. 

[Amicale]

There are reasonable, decent, friendly, hardworking ("good") cops, and jaded, burnt out, power-tripping ("bad") cops. I've met both types. I grew up knowing both types - a family member worked with the cops every day. I've seen what happens when they break protocol and act on their emotions in a negative way... and I've seen what happens when they go out of their way to absolutely make someone's day better or save a life.

SD, I'm with you on the idea of having cops reviewed every few years -- and NOT by their immediate supervising officers either, as they tend to show favoritism. So, have them reviewed. Those who need further training etc get it, and those who've went above and beyond the call of duty get rewarded for it in some way, even if it's only a medal, a plaque, or a thank-you honor roll.

Personally, I've liked the VAST majority of the cops I've met. I'll never forget or stop being grateful for the two cops who used to come downtown at 4 am when a work shift was done, and they'd pick us up at the door and walk us to the nearest coffee shop, so we could hang out and be safe until the buses started running 2 hours later. Without fail, they came, because they didn't want to see a bunch of younger women walking downtown at night alone. They didn't have to do that, either.

[Sandra Craft]

I don't feel safer when I see the police; generally speaking, they either write BS traffic tickets or clean up the blood after the fact.  I'll supervise and defend myself, thank you. 

I take exactly the opposite view.  I do feel safer with cops around as I know perfectly well I'm incapable of defending myself, and if they can't do anything for me but clean up afterwards well, it's better than nothing which is what I'd otherwise have.  And I've never gotten a BS traffic ticket -- I have a lead foot and my parking is sometimes creative, I freely admit it.

[Asmodean]

Never got a ticket I did not deserve either. And here, if you feel like your ticket is undeserved, you always have the option to contest it in court.

[markmcdaniel]

I don't feel safer when I see the police; generally speaking, they either write BS traffic tickets or clean up the blood after the fact.  I'll supervise and defend myself, thank you. 

I have met a number of police officers in my lifetime. Most were decent people. As I do not like the idea of living in a police state I prefer that the police be reactive rather than proactive.