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I don’t know anyone who is excited when they hear about a party that was busted. And I must say the highlight of the story is usually when the narrator goes into how the cops were assholes.
We’ve all experienced it one time or another – the cops who like their power a bit too much. I’m talking about the guy who thinks that badge gives him a right to treat you like a Yankees fan.
This world has enough problems without cops who think it’s their job to save the world. The problem lies in the fact that cops are no longer out to protect college students – they’re out to get them.
You want to know why they’re out to get the youngsters of tomorrow? Jealousy. It sounds simple, but it’s true. They’re so hyped-up on ego and how ironed their blue uniforms are that they forget their performing a civil liberty.
I believe Californian law enforcement automobiles are graced with the saying: “To protect and serve.” If only it were true.
And I don’t want to make this mutually exclusive of our parents – they’re in this boat of abuse too.
The subjectivity of being a cop is a part of this whole issue with abuse. They can search a student’s bag with “probable cause.” Now can someone quickly tell me why the cop gets to decide if he or she has probable cause? They are the ones who want to bust you. They find no greater joy in pulling out a handle of Vodka from your backpack.
Take a look at the show “COPS” – outdated but still a good example. You get these nut jobs who antagonize the perpetrators. I saw a cop spit on a drug dealer while he was just sitting on the curb in handcuffs. Unnecessary.
I understand that he’s a drug dealer and he needs to be stopped. But spitting on him? I guess they teach third grade tactics of restraint in the police academy.
And I love these reports of cops who listen outside of doors on the weekends for the clanking bottles. That’s just straight up mean.
I understand that most cops have good intentions but it’s the way they go about their business that gives them the poor image. I say loosen up the reigns or get a new job.
College students didn’t come to this university to gain an intrusive and somewhat vindictive parent. I’m not preaching for no laws or the abolition of all law enforcement. I just wouldn’t mind seeing a few more “pass and goes” given out.
Cops need to know there’s nothing wrong with confiscating alcohol and dumping it out without giving students the legal repercussions. I’m talking about actual good judgment here. If a cop can tell you’re not a troublemaker, don’t make more trouble by bringing Judicial Affairs and small town court offices into the mix.
I would just like to see cops who put an emphasis on protecting and serving, rather than the image of authority. The world isn’t going to explode if cops were to lighten their grip on the students of this fine campus and many more across the country.
Marshall Dury is a sophomore journalism major.
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