Rich,
I have always heard horror stories about the corruption in the New Orleans area. I once heard that two off duty police officers were working security at a business, one officer allegedly left early and then later returned to rob the establishment. He/she then shot and killed the other cop who was his/her partner. All this for the all mighty dollar.
Obviously, you find "Bad Apples" in all professions from cops to clergy to CEO's, teachers, etc..... When someone who takes an oath to protect others commits these acts, it angers me because it reflects upon the entire profession. In my opinion, they are common criminals and should face harsher penalties and all other good cops will agree with me.
The sad fact of the matter is the law enforcement profession struggles more and more each year to employ quality people. Lets face it, who wants to work the worst shifts available,(including Holidays), go up against some of the most cold blooded monsters to ever walk this earth, face being constantly sued by greedy trial lawyers and risk losing everything over a split second decision you made.
All that for a sh*#y little salary and a cheap gold watch upon retirement.
It's a sad but true fact that the police profession does not attract the quality people it needs any longer.
I have worked w/ some of the most highly trained, top quality professionals out there but we are losing good quality people to better paying jobs on a daily basis.
Cops are trained to be professionals but are certainly not paid like professionals. I have heard that some police departments across the country have lowered their hiring/screening standards so much that some are waiving certain felonies for prospective recruits. When you give common street thugs a badge, a gun and police power then guess what happens, your tourists start being raped and robbed by these badge weilding turds.
I did not enter this profession to get rich, I wanted to be a police officer because I care about people and the quality of life of my community.
I certainly would not be able to be in this somewhat expensive hobby of muscle cars if not for the help of my wife, as well as, a landscaping business I own on the side.
The law enforcement profession is still and will always be (IMHO) one of the most honorable professions out there. Whether I remain in it or not, my heart will always be there. I just hope people realize what is happening and conditions improve for the sake of our country.
Knoxville
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1969 Camaro RS/SS L-78