Should police know the laws they are hired to enforce?

[gregintenn]

                                                    http://texasgopvote.com/issues/stop-big-government/men-legally-carrying-firearms-arrested-texas-capitol-9/13/2013-troopers-not-005861

 

At least they could try and find out before making arrests.

[Guest 6.8 AR]

If they don't know, they have no business being in the business of enforcing them.

[gregintenn]

If they don't know, they have no business being in the business of enforcing them.

I understand that a person can't be expected to know everything, but with the internet and smart phones, one could check.

[DaveS]

Absolutely. But that's what the academy is for.

 

DaveS

[Guest TresOsos]

Why should they know the law, hell they're cops, they can make it up as they go.

[analog_kidd]

I don't expect them to know every single law, but I sure as heck expect them to know our civil rights!

[Guest Razz]

At the very least, they need to know how to handle situations when they are unsure.

Whether they like it or not, LEO nation wide are in the middle of a PR nightmare. Instead of complaining about all of the "unfair" videos on the Internet, they need to work on improving their image.

[NRA]

Why should they know the law, hell they're cops, they can make it up as they go.

now that was value added

[JayC]

It's sad to see an officer arrest somebody, he handed a copy of the law hear them readings it aloud, see the oh crap look on their face, then completely refuse to admit he made a mistake and make up other charges to justify their illegal arrest.

 

These officers need to be in jail for a 1983 violation, the local DA should throw the book at them.

[Guest 6.8 AR]

I understand that a person can't be expected to know everything, but with the internet and smart phones, one could check.

That's right, but just a good understanding of right and wrong would pass, also, to guide them through their job. I'd be happy to

see just that, with some of the recent examples.

[Paladin132]

Ignorance of the law is no excuse... For you as a citizen. 

[Randall53]

Should an electrician know the electrical code? Should a plumber know the plumbing codes? Should a real estate agent know the laws concerning real estate? What's wrong with asking LEO's to know basic cival rights and the Bill Of Rights? I mean crap, it's their rights too?

I really think the problem is more the ego's of a particular kind of cop, and the failure of the their superiors and peers to confront them about the issue. Every time they get by abusing someone's rights, the more want to do it. Power Trip. Nothing more, nothing less.

[RED333]

I really think the problem is more the ego's of a particular kind of cop, and the failure of the their superiors and peers to confront them about the issue. Every time they get by abusing someone's rights, the more want to do it. Power Trip. Nothing more, nothing less.

Ding, Ding, Ding, we have a winner!

[Guest nra37922]

In the LEO's defense there are way too many laws, and a bunch that are very vague.  Nothing wrong with saying 'I am sorry and I made a mistake'.  The issue is the 'Im a big frickin deal' ego trip that some get high on.  Those, and the crooked ones, are the LEO's that give the good ones a bad name.

[gregintenn]

In the LEO's defense there are way too many laws, and a bunch that are very vague.  Nothing wrong with saying 'I am sorry and I made a mistake'.  The issue is the 'Im a big frickin deal' ego trip that some get high on.  Those, and the crooked ones, are the LEO's that give the good ones a bad name.

I agree. That, and part of the bad image comes from the good ones sticking p for the bad ones instead of rebuking, or in extreme cases, purging them.

[Randall53]

In the LEO's defense there are way too many laws, and a bunch that are very vague.  Nothing wrong with saying 'I am sorry and I made a mistake'.  The issue is the 'Im a big frickin deal' ego trip that some get high on.  Those, and the crooked ones, are the LEO's that give the good ones a bad name.

I do understand this and asking them to know all laws is asking way too much. However, they should be up to speed on laws regarding the most common events they will or are apt to encounter on a frequent bases. Concealed carry, open carry, legal weapons and illegal weapons, citizen rights during a stop, or a call for various reasons to a business or home and how to conduct themselves in a cool professional manner at all times. Also, to expect disciplinary action up to and including termination, instead of protection, if they fail in these areas. I just don't think that is too much to ask since this is the norm for all the rest of us that work and have jobs.

[bersaguy]

In all reality I don't think that the LEO's can know every law and I also think that the one big problem is this problem has been going on way longer than any of us have been around. The difference now is Video cameras. Now almost every move anyone makes someone is either making a video of it or taking a bunch of pictures of it and what the LEO's use to just get away with are now on video or film and the real truth is finally coming out........jmho.

[Spiffy]

In the LEO's defense there are way too many laws, and a bunch that are very vague.  Nothing wrong with saying 'I am sorry and I made a mistake'.  The issue is the 'Im a big frickin deal' ego trip that some get high on.  Those, and the crooked ones, are the LEO's that give the good ones a bad name.

 

I wonder how many times it gets pounded into them that mistakes equal lawsuits.

[Spiffy]

In defense of the cops, why should they know the laws when the lawmakers don't have a clue what they are talking about 90% of the time.

[thescoutranch]

If you go before a judge and jury with the defense of I did not know what the law was, or I did not know it was against the law.  You won't get very far.  How are citizens supposed to be accountable for knowing all the laws and law enforcement is not.  Just an observation.