Very interesting story, to say the least. I cannot speak from the EMS side of things, but I can speak on the LE side of things, I worked for a large Dept many years ago, in the mid 80's. I can tell you some of the cops are more crooked than the criminals that they arrest. A very big majority had egos that wer bigger than many would imagine. I also knew many who were dedicated professionals that had their hearts in the right place. One of the biggest reasons I left was that i could not stand by and watch the hypocrisy. An example was we had a program where citizens could call the station and leave their names and addresses, when they would go on an extended vacation, and we would make a point of checking there homes. Well those same officers who swore to serve and protect were taking the opportunity to break into the homes and rob them. It went on for many months until they were caught and arrested. 9 yes 9 were involved and eventually given light sentances, for breaking the trust of the public. Cop parties anyone, yea, cops drinking all night long and driving home, cops driving across the state lines to buy illegal fireworks for the 4th of July, it still goes on today. I have a close family member who participates, and yes he is a cop. Quotas anyone? no they do not exist, officially, we had a saying 10 by 10, that's 10 traffic citations by 10:00, guys would put 10 bucks into a kitty, an whoever wrote the most citations by 10:00 won the pot. There was another one that was interesting, another contest, money in the pot, and the one who had the most girls phone numbers by the end of shift, in the girls handwriting won the pot. Remember many cops are young men, and are still very immature. So yes these things and many others which I would not even say here went on, most were much worse than detailed above. Everyone just kind of did not see things, or said I don't want to know about it. I could not take it, I had to leave, I thought people became cops to protect and serve, granted some did, but many did not. It is a very empowering feeling to put on that badge and strap on that belt, I used to get an adreneline rush just getting ready for guard mount.
All cops are not bad, but when I see things like this, I can't help but think that not much has changed in the past 20 years. I still have close relationships with many LE persons, and they for the most part are good people, but even the good ones have a bit of an ego, I just think you can't have that kind of power with out it having some effect on you. Being a cop is a very tough job, and I don't envy those who do it, but many cops have some signifcant emotional problems, and those lead to divorce, abuse, and substance abuse. I know at least 5 now who are alcoholics, and abuse prescription drugs, the goood stuff, Vicodin, Valium, Xanex, and others that are not prescription. One is a family member, and is on a path to who knows where. Anyway those are just a few things I know, i hope it is not widespread, but I have a feeling it probably is, just a gut feeling. Some of them are planning their trip across state for the annual 4th of July party, and asked if I wanted to go. I have not been in many years, I usually just make a lame excuse and say maybe next year. Before anybody askes why I don't rat them out, it would do no good, the line goes up very high, meaning everyone already knows, and just don't care, boys will be boys is basically what I hear.
