I created a throwaway because this is something that has always bothered me. First of all, thanks for doing the AMA. Now to my frustration: I think a lot of problems with cops stem from this fear of losing respect or authority. But here's the thing I guess I don't get: YOU represent the LAW. You should have exactly as much authority as the law gives you, no more and no less. I think it would be an amazing teaching moment to be in the situation you describe where a student just doesn't want to leave and just stop. Explain to the teacher and the students why you can't do anything else. It might be uncomfortable for you, some kids might take it as an invitation to disrespect you in the future. But the thing is, they have that right. It might make your job harder but you didn't become a cop because it was easy I'm guessing. You, and they, would be following the law. And you'd have every right to step in the second one of them broke one the the MANY laws we have in this county. My brother, who was a cop, always told me that the respect thing is about safety, if you aren't respected and feared you are less safe, but does that mean that your safety is more important than the law? Or the rights of those you serve?
Throwaway1234564939733 karma
I created a throwaway because this is something that has always bothered me. First of all, thanks for doing the AMA. Now to my frustration: I think a lot of problems with cops stem from this fear of losing respect or authority. But here's the thing I guess I don't get: YOU represent the LAW. You should have exactly as much authority as the law gives you, no more and no less. I think it would be an amazing teaching moment to be in the situation you describe where a student just doesn't want to leave and just stop. Explain to the teacher and the students why you can't do anything else. It might be uncomfortable for you, some kids might take it as an invitation to disrespect you in the future. But the thing is, they have that right. It might make your job harder but you didn't become a cop because it was easy I'm guessing. You, and they, would be following the law. And you'd have every right to step in the second one of them broke one the the MANY laws we have in this county. My brother, who was a cop, always told me that the respect thing is about safety, if you aren't respected and feared you are less safe, but does that mean that your safety is more important than the law? Or the rights of those you serve?
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