"I would not trust a single cop, even a relative for my security or freedom."

 

 Sad.

Comment on TL's The Good Cops Need To Declare Themselves Now

When my son was fifteen, I suggested he join the LAPD’s Explorer Program, because he was a bit lost. If memory serves, the recruits spent three months at the LAPD Academy for the basic training.

The first exercise on the first hour was to fall down eyes closed so your fellow recruits would catch you. After the last recruit had fallen to the hands of the comrades, the LAPD sergeant running the show declared, “I hope you now comprehend that the only ones you can rely on EVER are your fellow officers.”

No doubt the Explorer Program was great for a teenager. The LAPD provided a real adult playground for them, from real sting operations to meeting the rich and famous in several festivities. I was relieved, one son saved, two more to go.

My son then enlisted to the military (being under age for the Academy), and spent there for five years. Now he was old enough to apply to the real LAPD. Regardless of our feelings of the department, we’re proud of our son. He had excelled in the high school, Explorers, military and now in the LAPD. He is currently a detective, always seeking the toughest jobs from anti-terrorism to violent-criminal task force to gang units.

A bit over a year ago, when he was visiting with his wife, I asked how he felt about the continuing SWAT assassinations all over the country, especially at the wrong addresses. He was very reluctant to respond. I finally told him that I’m not going to let anyone come through my door and shoot me, because I know that I’ve never committed a crime in my life – not even a parking ticket.

He response was, “And then an innocent police officer dies.” I tried to explain that the LEO did not have reason to come to my home in the first place and kick down my door and then try to kill me. I, on the other hand, had all the grounds to defend my life.

In brief, after long and heated discussion: My son (I always thought he’d be an artist) preferred the life of an unknown village cop to his own, innocent father.

I’ve not spoken a word with him ever since. He will not apologize (tells my wife) and I will not forgive. Prior to the LAPD Explorer Program, we’d spent almost fifteen years traveling the world, living in numerous countries. We’re a very close family.

Based on the little information he (and the other cops in the family) has provided to me, I would not trust a single cop, even a relative for my security or freedom.

One more thing, there could not exist bad cops without the good looking the other way.

Tino