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Title: The New Police Motto: “Shoot First, Ask Questions Later”
Source:
Lew Rockwell/NYPDTRUTH.COM
URL Source: https://www.lewrockwell.com/2019/02 ... oot-first-ask-questions-later/
Published: Feb 22, 2019
Author: John J. Baeza
Post Date: 2019-02-22 04:22:57 by Deckard
Keywords: None
Views: 2901
Comments: 30
Being a police officer was not just a career for me- for better or worse it defined me. Period. Both my grandfathers were New York City cops; my late father was a Lt. in the New York City Fire Department; my uncle was a New York City cop for three years before he made the right move and switched over to the New York City Fire Department where he retired as a Battalion Chief. One of my cousins is a cop in the New York City suburbs. Another cousin is a former New York State correction officer and yet another one is a firefighter in upstate New York. All have worked in some of the toughest neighborhoods and assignments in this country. I had the fortune and honor of working in what was then, per capita, the most violent precinct in the city. It was one of the city’s smallest precincts covering less than one square mile. And I knew this was a place of courage and honor on my first tour there when I swung open those heavy brass doors to enter the 32nd Precinct, Harlem. The precinct had its own nickname: “The Tomb of Gloom.” After opening those doors and never having done one minute on patrol how did I know the 32nd Precinct was hallowed ground and such a place of courage and honor? As I stepped inside the precinct my attention was immediately drawn to a memorial for those 32nd Precinct officers who made the supreme sacrifice and were killed in the line of duty. There are 26 plaques on that wall. There were, by far, more names on that memorial wall than in any other of the city’s 77 precincts. In a precinct that covers less than one square mile. While working my way up from patrolling a beat on foot to riding in a radio car with my partner I had the incredible luck to work with some of the bravest, most heroic cops on the face of the planet. And there were a lot of them. I looked up to them and they always had a kind word of advice for me that made me a better cop and helped me become the person I am today. I will never forget those men of honor. In the 32nd Precinct there seemed to be an unwritten rule that, although you might unholster your gun 10 times each tour, you were more heroic if you could wrestle a gun out of someone’s hand. I was taught very early on that there was no honor in beating a fleeing criminal-especially if handcuffed. I was taught that, in essence, I was the good guy and he was the bad guy and we both were doing our jobs. It was not honorable to have a “heavy hand.” It was only honorable to do your job and use only the force necessary to make the arrest. In a precinct so small it is impossible to hide corruption and police brutality. I did not see a hint of either during my years in the 32nd Precinct. I am proud to be a 32nd Precinct alumni. When I look back on my experience at the 32nd Precinct I see real “peace officers” at work. No SWAT raids, no armored vehicles. Just cops getting by with their wits, guts, and courage. When I look at the current police culture I see a theme of “Officer Safety First, Citizens Second.” Which leads to the other new unofficial motto “Shoot First, Ask Questions Later.” I recently viewed a video of a speech made by Lt. Ray McCormack, FDNY, Engine 69 in Harlem. Ray’s speech was original and referred to the fire service but it mirrored the problem we see with the “Officer Safety First” police problem plaguing this country.[1] I would like to adapt Ray’s speech and make it relevant to the problem with today’s policing. The mantra of “the officer is first and the citizen, or even the criminal, is second” must be changed. This pecking order is the problem. This change can only come from good leadership and effective training starting at the police academy level and continuing throughout an officer’s career. Attempting to make the officer’s job safer by teaching him to place himself above those in need is wrong. We have seen this time and again with botched militarized search warrants and with officers refusing to engage a school shooter. When that parent or teacher meets the officer outside the school or their house and tells the officer their child is trapped at gunpoint inside the officer is their last hope. What is an officer to do? Wait for a SWAT team or armored vehicle? Wait for five other officers for backup? No, the officer must find a way to save that life if humanly possible. What are the officer’s chances? Their chances are always the same-50/50. Either you do it or you don’t. We need more courage, determination, and pride. We need more of the old style “peace officer” tactics used as depicted on television by that Sheriff that rarely carried a gun-Andy Griffith. Some cops will respond “you are aware we are not in Mayberry anymore don’t you?” My reply to that is that people are people if you treat them with dignity and respect whether in Mayberry or Harlem. We need to use tactics like those depicted by Paul Newman’s character in the movie “Fort Apache: The Bronx.”[2] I will leave you with the following: Too much officer safety makes Johnny a terrible leader, a poor last hope for the citizens he has sworn an oath to protect and serve, and a first rate candidate for a “shoot first, ask questions later” mentality. [1] See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwiyP1JkTY8&t=1048s [2] See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWshVtIA63Q
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#1. To: EVERYONE (#0)
(Edited)
I look around my age group and see older people who are bewildered and heartily torn by a world that appears to sometimes changing far to fast in the wrong direction for comfort. The old certainties are now crumbling with traditional values falling away to be lost forever. So it all has begun that day after day, week after week and month after month we now see attacks on the very noble and stable pillars that are the foundation of our society – the Church, the law, the presidency and even the Constitution. Where does it all end or start to end? Not with another self-serving agenized bullshit article blaming the police for the problems that face us in trying to live in a harmonious and neighborly fashion. No this should not be about the police. At least not entirely. Oh yea, the police do give us reason to be somewhat heartbroken today, the reason faux news assembles panels to talk about the fraught intersection between citizens and the law. Can any thinking or compassionate person blame those who are sick and tired of those who rather respond to the actual problem with frustration and anger than in constructive and compassionate ways? There are among us those who seek every cowardly avenue of avoidance they can find to “blame the cops for everything.” They take refuge in defensiveness and attacking with conscious and systemic biases as if only they see the fault of the problem. As if only their feelings are what this is all about as they try to shout down the messengers. Oh, it's okay to demand the police have better training, use more body cams, and establish more community liaisons. But to lay the onus entirely on the men and women in blue as SOME OF YOU CONTINUALLY DO is to delude yourselves. For you fail to see that ultimately, the police are not the problem. We are …
This was written by a former cop. One would tend to believe that his experience would carry some weight in discussing problems within police departments and the rampant cowardice displayed by many of today's badged "heroes".
Government is in the last resort the employment of armed men, of policemen, gendarmes, soldiers, prison guards, and hangmen. I am fully cognizant of that.
The Old Criminal Motto: Shoot First, Answer Questions Later
Good article.
I would like to see a comparison of the number of cops killed because they failed to shoot in a situation despite perceived danger, and the number of people who were killed by cops who were perceived as threats but were no threat at all, either because they were unarmed or, even if they were, had in retrospect no motive to threaten the cop, such as a legal concealed carry holder.
In keeping within the scope of the article, I'd be interested in comparing the number of cops shot at with no provocation versus the number of people shot at by cops with no provocation. And by "no provocation" I'm excluding toy guns, Airsoft guns, or anything that can be perceived as a gun. An individual who points a cell phone at a cop, in the dark, in a tense situation, deserves to be shot.
Officers Tater Tard & Bobby Paulsen Good shoot !! Thankfully the deputy was unharmed !! Scratch one asshole !!! Fuck him !!!
Si vis pacem, para bellum Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God. Never Pick A Fight With An Old Man He Will Just Shoot You He Can't Afford To Get Hurt "If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went." (Will Rogers) "No one ever rescues an old dog. They lay in a cage until they die. PLEASE save one. None of us wants to die cold and alone... --Dennis Olson " AMERICA! Designed by geniuses. Now run by idiots.
Okay, so it's only possible for cops to be provoked. Ordinary people cannot be provoked, such that if a cop points a gun at some guy walking down the street, that is NOT provocation. But if a guy points a cell phone at a cop walking down the street, that IS provocation. Is that correct? I just want to make sure I understand the double standard correctly.
That’s Dicktards idea of good police work... wait until you’re shot at and if you survive, shoot back. This ideology is beneficial to drug dealers criminals and anarchists. If I was that officer, i’d have gone to slide lock on that fucking car... even if the cunt sitting in the front passenger side took a bullet or not.
I'm the infidel... Allah warned you about. كافر المسلح
You really are a dumb fuck!
I’m supposed to be offended by some non American 3rd world jungle dweller? Fuck off, taco
I'm the infidel... Allah warned you about. كافر المسلح
No. I am not offending you at all. Since I still pay taxes to the US Treasury, I am confident that your anxiety is a bit over the top.
On behalf of all active duty and retired military personnel, please permit me to express our most sincere gratitude for your unselfish monetary support to our wellbeing. I truly say that we all greatly appreciate your unselfish action to recognize the value of our service to this great nation and for the benefits of freedom you have received and continue to receive from our dedicated and devoted service. Even during your self-imposed exile from America, I still think of you with fondness [well I actually laugh out loud] each time I see the direct deposit of my military retirement check from Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS) the government institution that provides payment services to the United States Department of Defense. I will close with the great American idiom used so widely in the United States to express gratitude to the military for defending your freedoms and the freedoms of all other citizens, which is: "Freedom is not free!" Always remember that and smile each time you “still pay taxes to the US Treasury.” May God bless you …
I seriously doubt it's done with the intention of provocation. How it's perceived is another matter entirely. And the proper reaction to that "provocation" is a yet a third argument. So, pick one of those three and we can discuss it.
So when a California cop starts harrassing a guy walking down the street with a backpack, and in the course of making his life difficult says something like "See these fists? They are going to fuck you up!", would that NOT constitute provocation? But no, I'm not going to entertain your double standard silliness. I have things to do that range from important to the extreme routine and even mundane, and spelling out the hyprocrisy for you doesn't make the list.
I would see that as a warning -- no different than if the officer threatened to use a baton or a taser on "a violent, unpredictable man who was to blame for the altercation because he was combative and ignored officers’ orders".* *As quoted by the defense attorney of the officers after their acquittal by a jury of their peers. The real world uses facts, not your bleeding-heart emotions, to judge people.
Though I normally charge a modest fee, you may use it for free.
Thank you, you are an extremely gracious person. It was a good line.
Yes, of course. As we all know, lawyers can always be trusted to tell the truth when they are putting up a legal argument in front of a jury. They are just a shining beacon of honesty in such times! It's enough to put a tear in your eye.
Yes, of course. As we all know, Paultards can always be trusted to not fear monger yella agitate propaganda when they are putting up posted comments and articles in front of forum uses. They are just a shining beacon of honesty in such times! That correction put a tear in my eye.
I'm the infidel... Allah warned you about. كافر المسلح
Nice bitch slap.
You missed the part about the officers being found not guilty in a court of law by a jury of their peers?
Yes. Not guilty of what? Killing the guy. And he did die. Yes I know you are very happy that the guy died, and even happier that the cops didn't get convicted of his murder. Perhaps you had a bumper sticker bragging about both accomplishments. How about the "You're Fucked" Simon says killing? He was found not guilty also. Yes it was 2 great days for cops in killing innocent people without being found guilty of any crime. I'm sure it puts a smile on your face.
I'm detecting a pattern here. The cops go through the constitutional system of justice and they're being found not guilty in a court of law by a jury of their peers. Wellll, there's the problem. I guess you're saying that system is unfair and the cops should be judged by … what? An Internet poll based on nothing more than a video which shows only the last 30% of the confrontation?
The idiot who pointed a rifle out the 5th floor hotel room window, prompting a panicked call to the police? Odd, isn't it, that the other person in the room was taken into custody unharmed? Gosh, he must have fucked up, huh?
Why, thank ya! Or shall I say, fuckin’ thanks! Since Dicktard thinks I have tourette’s. HAAAAAAAAAA
I'm the infidel... Allah warned you about. كافر المسلح
That’s our system... with built in protections for the accused to make sure all defendants are afforded DUE FUCKING PROCESS. It happens to be the best criminal justice system of any country. So, tell me, Paultard, why is it you bitch and don’t agree with due process when cops are charged and you pop a fucking boner when drug addicts get acquitted from drug charges? GFY, you hypocritical scumbag.
I'm the infidel... Allah warned you about. كافر المسلح
We need more courage, determination, and pride. We need more of the old style “peace officer” tactics used as depicted on television by that Sheriff that rarely carried a gun-Andy Griffith.
In order to return to the “old days” and have any of the old style “peace officers” we would need to again have “old style citizens” to lead America back to a traditional Conservative morality based on citizens’ self-reliance, decency, the family and respect for the law. When I look at the current police culture I see a theme of “Officer Safety First, Citizens Second.” Which leads to the other new unofficial motto “Shoot First, Ask Questions Later.”
When I look at the current culture in an increasing number of the citizenry and I see a large and seemingly growing theme of “me first and my way above all.” Which leads to the new unofficial motto by radicals to say “fuck the police, I’ll do whatever I want to.”
#2. To: Gatlin (#1)
Not with another self-serving agenized bullshit article blaming the police for the problems that face us in trying to live in a harmonious and neighborly fashion.
The essential feature of government is the enforcement of its decrees by beating, killing, and imprisoning.
Those who are asking for more government interference are asking ultimately for more compulsion and less freedom.
#3. To: Deckard (#2)
(Edited)
This was written by a former cop.
One would tend to believe that his experience would carry some weight in discussing problems within police departments …
One who is an intelligent person and uses logic would know, not tend to believe, that he is simply expounding a personal belief that rests on grounds insufficient to produce complete certainty. While he is freely entitled to express his opinion it still is merely an opinion and in no way means he is correct in his view. Furthermore, he does not speak for the 670,279 sworn law enforcement officers in this country or for the the citizenry of our great nation who have different opinions and see other root causes to the perceived and actual lack of the law and order dilemma we face today. … and the rampant cowardice displayed by many of today's badged "heroes".
The author said nothing about this. It is purely your added personal opinion which you are also entitled to express and you have repeatedly done ad nauseam so much so that is has become predictably tiresome.
#4. To: Deckard (#2)
The New Police Motto: “Shoot First, Ask Questions Later”
#5. To: Deckard (#0)
#6. To: misterwhite (#4)
#7. To: Pinguinite (#6)
#8. To: Deckard (#0)
#9. To: misterwhite (#4)
#10. To: misterwhite (#7)
(Edited)
#11. To: misterwhite (#4)
#12. To: GrandIsland (#11)
#13. To: buckeroo (#12)
#14. To: GrandIsland (#13)
I’m supposed to be offended by some non American 3rd world jungle dweller?
#15. To: buckeroo, GrandIsland (#14)
(Edited)
I still pay taxes to the US Treasury …
#16. To: Pinguinite (#10)
Ordinary people cannot be provoked, such that if a cop points a gun at some guy walking down the street, that is NOT provocation.
#17. To: misterwhite (#16)
#18. To: Pinguinite (#17)
says something like "See these fists? They are going to fuck you up!", would that NOT constitute provocation?
#19. To: misterwhite (#18)
The real world uses facts, not your bleeding-heart emotions, to judge people.
I may find it beneficially advantageous to use that great slam line sometimes in the future, with your permission of course.
#20. To: Gatlin (#19)
I may find it beneficially advantageous to use that great slam line sometimes in the future, with your permission of course.
#21. To: misterwhite (#20)
#22. To: misterwhite (#18)
s quoted by the defense attorney of the officers
#23. To: Pinguinite (#22)
Yes, of course. As we all know, lawyers can always be trusted to tell the truth when they are putting up a legal argument in front of a jury. They are just a shining beacon of honesty in such times!
#24. To: GrandIsland (#23)
#25. To: Pinguinite (#22)
#26. To: misterwhite (#25)
You missed the part about the officers being found not guilty in a court of law by a jury of their peers?
#27. To: Pinguinite (#26)
He was found not guilty also.
#28. To: Pinguinite (#26)
How about the "You're Fucked" Simon says killing?
#29. To: Gatlin (#24)
Nice bitch slap.
#30. To: Pinguinite (#26)
(Edited)
Yes. Not guilty of what? Killing the guy.
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