Wow, really surprised at some of the comments on this thread. I thought this forum was predominately pro-police types...
I would offer this to you folks who don't believe that LEO's should be allowed to use assault type weapons and wear "intimidating" garb..
Would you rather have us "scare" an armed, motivated, perp into surrender
or just go marching in with white uniforms on like some of you mention and execute him ? The fact that many small PDs are outfiiting themselves with SWAT/SRT units is an off shoot of many,many,many episodes of extreme violence being levied against their personnel by extremely well armed civilians, trained in the use of weaponry through mililtary and/or private channels. The need is there...the need is going to get more extreme...read your newspapers...watch your boob tubes...
I read all of your profiles to see what you did for a pay check. Funny, I didn't see any of you having a job set that requires a granite wall in Washington DC to list your dead...
Remember the next time that you watch TV in your safe little home (protected by none other than Mr. or Mrs. overarmed, outwardly corrupt, extremely "intimidating" LEO) to call the fire department or gas company when the worst of the worst happens. Sounds like you may even attempt to defend yourself...with the opinions you possess regarding law enforcement officers...feel free to keep it a solo project.
Unfortunately, depersonalization of the LE community is an accepted and bred in phenomenon. I come home at night tired, frustrated with the world, and eager to make change, just like everyone else on this thread. In 16 years of law enforcement, I have had the privilege to meet and work with the best of the best and unfortunatley, AS WITH ALL PROFESSIONS, the worst of the worst. That is the way it is. We are not genetically predisposed to be cops. This is a tough,thankless job (made ever so obvious by some of you...) being done 24/7 by the true heros of society. You should be thankful.
Black clothes and automatic weapons are tools...only tools. Descretion, professionalism, integrity, bravery, and honor are the things that make up the person who performs the job and uses the tools to effect positive change and assistance when society hits a "speed bump" and things get crazy.
It may sound "romantic" and over the top for some, but next time you go to work, think for a second that you may have just sat down in front of a computer monitor or picked up a pen while 3/4's of a million of us strap on bulletproof garments and firearms, and "run at, what everyone else runs from" for 8,16, or 24 hours a day to make ends meet. Are there "bad cops" out there ? I submit to you that they are there without question. But I will further submit that the VAST majority are good, honest, professional people who are being issued equipment and training to accomplish a very dangerous, ever more hazardous job...
With respect,
82-AIR