Originally Posted By: SubieRubyRoo
General public is typically only unruly and needing SWAT/military-style intervention in cities/urban areas where large majorities have the hand-out, "gimme" mentality. In smaller cities where a large percentage is typically a hardworking population, this disrespect/disregard for authority and private property does not seem to be present to such a degree.
I'll leave you to the history books to determine for yourself which cities I am talking about, since I know we are supposed to avoid the "politics" side of these discussions even though the boot fits. Police forces should not be interchangeable with a standing army, and should not be equipped like they are an occupying force. If and when a situation arises that requires more than a handful of officers equipped with pistols and shotguns, we already have the appropriate tools for those incidents as well. It's called the National Guard.
Too many times these days we are willing to lie down and submit to insanity, rather than stand up for what made this country great historically. The paramilitary police officer is an invention of the past 30+ years, created against the fabric of our history, as our morals have been belittled and our liberties trampled. Just say no!
I read an article that discussed how officers have become less approachable by wearing dark, paramilitary uniforms. Apparently the old school western state trooper uni of tan and a cool drill instructor hat makes the cops less villified.
Here in Toronto, the police were called to the jobsite a few months ago. An officer arrived and she was wearing pink epaulettes on a navy paramilitary uniform complete with tactical vest, oh the dichotomy. Their hats are the coolest, I do not understand why you would rock a toque or a ball cap when you can wear a cool military style hat that commands respect.