Isn't it time for police forces to focus less on force and more on real policing = serve and protect?

2015-06-11T15:53:34-04:00

Where did "Officer Friendly" go? What happened to police walking beats and getting to know their community? Where did the SWAT mentality/Bullies with Badges come from? Modern training teaches police to be extremely assertive, to yell like drill sergeants and bark orders to civilians, then force them to comply. Is that part of the problem> What's your solution?

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Jun 11 at 2015 4:01 PM

2015-06-11T16:01:26-04:00

Serve and protect sometimes means shoot first and ask questions afterwards. But overall I would say bring back the "beat cop".

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2015 4:02 PM

2015-06-11T16:02:27-04:00

CSM, Where I see your point of view, I also see what is going on and why there have been changes in police policy.

The public (that the police protect) are the biggest reason for these changes. I think there was a huge shift in policy and how communities are policed due to the negative influences in those communities.

I do think community policing is a huge key in getting communities involved in the policing process and it is a way of getting officers back involved with their communities.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Jun 11 at 2015 4:11 PM

2015-06-11T16:11:22-04:00

Perhaps SOCIETY could act a little better!

Police officers have tough jobs...working each day not knowing if they'll come home alive or not.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jun 11 at 2015 4:31 PM

2015-06-11T16:31:24-04:00

Here's my perception on your comment where did "officer friendly" go? It went out the window with our society. There are a lot of really bad people out there in the world making it tough for all of our law enforcement to be "friendly" on any given day. When you have to deal with “road rage” here in California, how can officers be friendly with idiots like that on the road? On the way to my client's office yesterday in Santa Ana, CA I had to change lanes quickly, used my turn signal and thought I allowed enough proper distance, but the driver behind me didn't like it. Instead of honky his horn, he quickly pulled up beside me and tried to ram my car. Now if we have people that are going to act like that in a car and then act that way in public how are the police supposed to be friendly? In small communities where you don't have all the thugs it’s like Mayberry RFD and the police get along fine with everyone and they are friendly. I think society and the police both need to change, but it just can't be one or the other. If they use excessive force and there is no justification, then the police officer is no better than the thug and should be prosecuted as such (just like a criminal). Just my opinion!

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Jun 11 at 2015 4:46 PM

2015-06-11T16:46:03-04:00

THIS is a difficult issue to address. YES. The police need to be out there "serving and protecting", community relations, etc.... the problem is that (from my perception) the people of America have gone polar.... overly passive or overly aggressive. The aggressive ones do not care about community relations, they are doing bad and will escalate quickly if they think they are going to get caught. Police need to be able to escalate as quickly as the bad guys or they will end up dead. A "Shoot first ask questions later" situation is not what is hoped for, however, in today's neighborhoods, it appears that in some cases, it is the reaction that is needed, unfortunately with some negative side effects (not every case is 100% right). Tough call.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2015 4:50 PM

2015-06-11T16:50:26-04:00

If you want Andy Griffith then the criminals need to be like Otis. But unfortunately that is not the case. They are encountering more and more violent interactions and each time they respond they are criticized and MMQB'D by people and the media that have no clue what it's like to wear the badge or be in a situation where your life hinges on a decision you have to make in milliseconds. Mayberry RFD. Is long gone and we will not see a return to the days of Andy Griffith style policing. Our society has progressed or digress ed (depending on how you see it) to a point where it is highly unlikely the police will ever become soft and cuddly. With the recent war on the police by the media and cop blockers this hardliners stance will only get worse. Cops are on high alert and I don't blame them.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jun 11 at 2015 5:01 PM

2015-06-11T17:01:23-04:00

Of all these 'incidents' paraded by the media, ONE was an abuse of power and that was quickly ignored by the police because the officer was arrested and charged?

The police are under attack in a way I have never seen in my lifetime and I think we better start getting behind the police and show our support. I think if criminals would stop breaking the law or resisting when caught 100% of these incidents would never happen.

I think we should allow these people who would rather take their chances with the criminals and thugs to sign off from the police being forced to protect them.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 11 at 2015 5:07 PM

2015-06-11T17:07:10-04:00

Yes we need to derail this train of events before no one trusts the police.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jun 11 at 2015 5:41 PM

2015-06-11T17:41:39-04:00

Did you happen to see the news that the police in Baltimore were following the orders of the district attorney, the one who's charging them with illegal arrests, the one who wanted more arrests in the area where the incident occurred?

Did you watch the video of the incident in McKinley Texas? Did you see the cop go berserk after falling down while chasing the trespassers? Did you notice what the other cops did first? They went after the cop who was flailing at the kids...

Did you listen to PJTV host Scot Ott who attended the "protest meeting" in McKinley Texas and hear black residents defending the cops?

Yes, there are bad cops. There are plenty of good cops who need better training, but mostly better support from the communities they serve.

The cops don't need race baiters who grow rich throwing gas on the flames of civic unrest.

Now, how should I vote in this survey?

Response by PO2 Skip Kirkwood made Jun 11 at 2015 7:19 PM

2015-06-11T19:19:18-04:00

Officer Friendly disappeared when the bad guys got heavily armed and declared war on the cops. It used to be a rule in the organized crime families that you did not shoot cops - then some new players arrived on the scene and the battle started. When bad guys showed up with AK-47s and body armor from head to toe (in the 1970s LA bank robberies), it was fight on. When regular people start treating the police with disdain, down the tubes it goes.

Response by PO2 Skip Kirkwood made Jun 11 at 2015 7:30 PM

2015-06-11T19:30:44-04:00

One could also ask, "Where did soldier friendly go?"

At the end of WWII, US troops were heroes to the civilian population - greeted with parades, wine and champaign by the French and Italian (and in may cases the German) civilians. We had done good - conquered the oppressor and restored peace. They walked around the territory without fear.

Today, our Soldiers and Marines have done good - conquered the oppressor and restored peace. Sadam no more. Instead of champaign, they get suicide bombers and snipers. They live in fortified bases, wear body armor everywhere, and don't dare get friendly with civilians. Hell, even the allied armies try to kill them (green on blue).

It's a different world with different threats - for our armed forces and for our police.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Jun 11 at 2015 8:15 PM

2015-06-11T20:15:57-04:00

I recommend the book by Radlay Balko "Rise of the Warrior Cop: Militarization of the Police" it fully explains the trend from 'guardian' to 'warrior' that many LEAs exhibit today.

Response by Sgt Victor Smith made Jun 11 at 2015 8:21 PM

2015-06-11T20:21:20-04:00

Probably the same place as common sense. You couldn't pay me enough to be in law enforcement now a days. The general public has no respect for any one in the position of authority. Yeah, yeah I know there are some bad cops. But in most cases they are not and if people would just obey their commands most of the high lights in the news would not be there. Less than one percent of police interactions have any conflict, but you never hear about those. God Bless those that Severe!!

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Jun 12 at 2015 12:05 AM

2015-06-12T00:05:08-04:00

I think its a two way street, I definitely feel police forces need to be more thoughtful but at the same time people need to work with the cops better, there has been alot of situations lately where the cops were clearly wrong, but what bought on the mentality that caused them to overreact, that mentality is society's fault.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 12 at 2015 2:06 AM

2015-06-12T02:06:31-04:00

Exactly! Whatever happened to Officer Friendly?

Granted, society has become a bit more "violent" but that is no excuse for certain officers to shoot first and ask questions later.

While I respect the job they have to do, I am not going to bow down to someone just because they have a badge.

I've heard the old saying "If you've done nothing wrong, you've got nothing to fear."

To that I say, "If I've done nothing wrong I should not be bothered!"

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jun 12 at 2015 2:14 AM

2015-06-12T02:14:00-04:00

Of course there are clear cases of abuse, and this isn't meant as a fix-all, but there is wisdom in this thinking. If we are looking to create a way for police to do their jobs better, lets not forget for our citizens to do better as well. I can't get over how few complaints I have with the authorities since I chose not to break the law. I've been pulled over, asked to breathe in a breathalizer thingy, provided a valid driver's license, registration, insurance, and was on my way. I never ran from the police, ergo I wasn't tackled and videotaped. I didn't sustain injuries because in a million years, I wouldn't run from the police. If I tried running from them in a vehicle, especially if it was stolen, I would expect to have my a$$ kicked over my head and eat some pavement. But that doesn't go through the mind of a legal driver going to the store for some huggies. I earn every penny I make legally, not by selling illegal substances and having illegal weapons ANYWHERE, let alone on my person. I grew up in some of the nastiest parts of Philadelphia, but said Sir and Maam, respected my elders, respected authority, and not once did I run from the cops. Every time I ever got into trouble, I deserved what I got, and have no one to blame but myself. Don't get me started on rioting, looting, assaults, larceny, racketeering, gangs, killings, etc, etc, etc. I love our cops, but also believe that they are to be held at the HIGHEST standards and given severe penalties for breaking the law. But I want them found guilty in a court of law, and not the court of public opinion.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 12 at 2015 2:14 AM

2015-06-12T02:14:50-04:00

I will also say this. Despite my views I will say that I haven't had any negative interactions with police since I was a teenager.

The only times I've ever "been engaged" with an officer is when I've been pulled over for a violation such as speeding that I CLEARLY committed.

As a long-haired, heavy metal listening to teenager I was harassed by cops for: hanging out in front of city hall after hours (I didn't know there was a rule about that. The cop SCREAMED at us to leave. I don't care how bad of a day he was having/how often he had to chase kids away from that area, he could have asked nicely and we would still have complied with his request).
I also got pulled over once for a "safety infraction." I was driving some piece of crap car from the 1970's and a piece of metal from the rear wheel well was coming off (I didn't know that). I ended up with a "misuse of seat belt" ticket because the shoulder strap portion was broken and I was only wearing the lap belt portion.

I could go on and on about the made-up reasons I got pulled over as a teenager (some legit, most not), but that would take WAY too long, LOL.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2015 7:26 AM

2015-06-12T07:26:22-04:00

Unfortunately, the gov't will first have to end the asinine, statist, failure that is the War on Drugs.

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made Jun 12 at 2015 7:38 AM

2015-06-12T07:38:07-04:00

I believe that it depends on the situation.
In my home town our police force is for the most part extremely friendly and respectful.
If you put these same guys in a big inner city where you do not know who is good and bad then yes they Re gonna be more aggressive because there lives depend on it.

Response by SSG Trust Palmer made Jun 12 at 2015 8:11 AM

2015-06-12T08:11:00-04:00

I have no issue with the police if they are doing their job correctly. Yes, there are good and bad people in this world regardless of their professional occupation. I have witnessed by husband SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4' thrown on top a police car and our son being thrown into the rocks by overzealous cops. One officer lied out of the side of his neck in the report while the other two told the truth. If it had not been for the other two officers my husband and son would have criminal records. Every time I would see the lying officer I would greet him. About a year later I finally held a conversation with him. After small chit-chat, he ADMITTED that he overreacted and needed his meds adjusted. WOW!!! He could have ruined their lives (or taken them) because he needed his medicine adjusted. I thank God to this day that my family is okay. However , because of this my husband and our son have a VERY different outlook when it comes to police officers. I don't feel it was racially motivated. I forgave the officer (J was upset that I did). This will take awhile for the men in my family to heal from. I can't get the images out of my mind, but I believe when that officer sees me he's ashame of his actions... he puts his head down every time. I speak and it forces him to acknowledge me. I pray for those that do evil.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2015 9:20 AM

2015-06-12T09:20:26-04:00

You know when I was a kid my dad taught me how to deal with the police.

He said "if you are ever stopped by the police....shut the F$#@ up and do what you are told. Don't run, Don't make sudden movements, and be polite"

This advice has never served me wrong so thought I'd share.

Every story I've seen on this topic would have ended different if the individual involved had just followed by Dad's advice.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Jun 12 at 2015 9:28 AM

2015-06-12T09:28:31-04:00

I'm always curious as to what exactly is meant when peole use the phrase "war on police". I don't know about you but I don't see folks geared up and targeting cops. Its a cop out (no pun intended) that allows people to brush away legitimate criticisms of Police as a "war on police"

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2015 9:50 AM

2015-06-12T09:50:02-04:00

SGM Private RallyPoint Member, Community policing is STILL at the forefront of many (if not most) department's agendas. However, we also live in a different world than before; one where walking the beat in some areas would be suicide. Gangs make up a huge portion of this problem and the old vision of a gang fight involving chains and knives has given way to fully automatic weapons and destructive devices.

I'm sorry, but I find the whole "shoot first, ask questions later" statement rather offensive and ignorant. The majority of LE involved shootings are done in self-defense. I've been in law enforcement in some way, shape, or form for 25 years and I will always swear by the mantra that it's better to be tried by 12, than carried by 6. At the end of the day, my job is to go home to my family and if that means taking a life in the process, so be it.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Jun 12 at 2015 9:51 AM

2015-06-12T09:51:09-04:00

Back in the day of Community Policing the Cops actually got out of the car and walked the neighborhood. But the home-owners got tired of paying the necessary tax, so now 1-man cars are the rule. 1-man patrols are not the best tactical option!

Response by SGT Kevin Brown made Jun 12 at 2015 10:19 AM

2015-06-12T10:19:45-04:00

Your question is full of fallacies (appeal to antiquity, complex question fallacy and a hasty generalization) and above all allows no room in your survey for "other" or a fair "No" answer that doesn't force others to pick an extreme. With that said:

Our brothers and sisters in blue put their lives on the line everyday to serve and protect the strangers that live in their community. The threats that face them, and us as members of the community have gotten worse and more frequent in number over the years, requiring a stronger, more well defended force.

Assertiveness is a tactic used to ensure instructions where given and heard with an increased chance of compliance. We used this same tactics in almost any escalated incident over seas. So no, I don't think this is part of the problem.

As far as a solution - I think that training, equipment use an so one should be department specific based on actual crime and threat level in their area. That means some areas have the security guard feel ("officer friendly") to their police force, while others may need an almost military style feel to theirs. This is actually how it is for the most part today, but with the generalization from the general public and MSM, when an incident happens in one area, some people assume it is happening all over.

Here is a video I encourage you to watch on force: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRd5oucG114

Police Brutality Motiongraphic

After watching a recent slide show video with some interesting statistics on law enforcement, I was inspired to make something with a little more flare. Enjo...

Response by SSgt Charles Edwards made Jun 12 at 2015 2:14 PM

2015-06-12T14:14:43-04:00

This is the problem with today's media. It paints a negative picture that suddenly defines the majority. If you look hard enough, you'll find the story of the police officer who dresses up as Superman for a good cause. If you look hard enough, you'll come across the story of a cop that bought a meal for a kid, which turned out to be his last act on the job. He was shot in his car while he was eating lunch. If you look hard enough around you, you will find good cops everywhere, the proverbial Officer Friendly. Changes in attitude can be a dangerous thing, but trust me, when someone needs help, they call the police and not a crackhead.

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Jun 12 at 2015 2:15 PM

2015-06-12T14:15:51-04:00

I believe that there IS entirely too much force in police work. Before anyone's hackles rise, I'm not suggesting police can't or shouldn't use force when necessary. That being said, the increasing militarization of our police forces combined with nonsensical laws that reward police agencies for civil asset forfeiture (even without any charges) for seizing civilian property compound to make more and more encounters of a forceful nature. The number of SWAT type raids has grown enormously over the decades, (more than 50,000 per year now) and has often become the norm, in some jurisdictions rather than the exception in the name of officer safety. Add to this that all that is sometimes required is the word of a confidential informant to prompt a raid, and we have seen many disasters occur, such as the wrong house being raided, people being beaten up, injured, or killed. Dogs killed on entry, children accidentally shot and killed.

I believe the police, except in matters of clear expediency, should endeavor to do a little more police work, and a little less SWAT work when possible.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Jun 12 at 2015 3:12 PM

2015-06-12T15:12:25-04:00

As the old saying goes, "the times, they are a changin'..."

The transition of the police is a direct result of the transition of the country. The breakdown in social responsibility, respect, family structure, the teaching of right from wrong, immorality, drug culture, violence, disrespect for authority, etc., etc. has "fundamentally transformed our country" and, as a result, the law enforcement agencies had to transform to deal with it in an effective manner.

The vast majority of police still "assist and protect" and do so in a quiet, professional and friendly manner. They just don't get the headlines of the issues highlighted and blown out of proportion by the race-baiters and those intent on destroying our country (many of which are in positions of leadership within our country), either on purpose or as a consequence of ill-advised policies.

I find it offensive for people to paint the police with the broad brush the liberal media is working overtime to do. As folks in New York, Baltimore, and other places are starting to find out, there is another old saying that is pertinent and true -- "Be careful what you ask for, you might just get it."

Response by CPT Chris Loomis made Jun 12 at 2015 5:44 PM

2015-06-12T17:44:15-04:00

SGM Dan Coberly Sergeant Major, respectfully, have you been trained as a civilian police officer, or ever walked a mile in a street cops shoes?

Your comments, attitude, and obvious beliefs lead me to believe that you believe everything that you read and hear in the media.....

There are good and bad LEOs everywhere. Just like there are good and bad Soldiers and people.

At least here in California, the current philosophy of policing is "intelligence based policing." That philosophy and doctrine apecifically pushes LEOs to be friendly and communicate with people-the community and the criminals. It pushed LEOs to use their heads more than their hands and weapons.

Now, the above philosophy/doctrine elaborated, (at least here in California) the sole job of a Police Officer/Deputy Sheriff is to enforce the law. What that means is that whether the crime be a infraction, misdemeanor or felony, it is not the LEOs job to be the judge and jury. It is their job to investigate the facts and apprehend those that have violated the law. Apprehension of those violators/or the accused oftentimes means that you, the LEO, are going to physically take custody of those human beings. I don't know if very many human beings that like their freedom being taken-especially here in the United States. That said, a situation of arrest/apprehension is a high stress and emotional undertaking. The violator/accused is anxious and the cops are normally on alert.... And there is nothing in the rule book that says LEOs have to be polite or warm and fuzzy. In fact, here in California there is specifically a law (section 835a of the penal code) that says you do not have to retreat or back down and give the LEO the right of self defense.

Me personally, I have the training and experience of civilian law enforcement. I also put handcuffs on more than one person. And I done so here in Southern California where the environment can at least be called dangerous and hostile towards LEOs. In fact, I once heard a former Marine, who was my Field Training Officer, compare Los Angeles, CA USA to Beruit, Lebanon.... I'm not going to lie and tell you that I've always been a nice guy because I haven't. But, I can honestly say (and sleep well knowing) that I was never a jerk until I needed to be a jerk. By that I mean I never yelled at anyone or swore unless the situation warranted it. I was always taught and tried to "look, act, and be professional." And frankly, the vast majority of LEOs around me did as well.

Why am I going on off this tirade? Hopefully to bring to light that:

1. You've never walked a mile in a LEOs shoes (so far as I could tell from your profile and written word).

2. The job is much tougher than you can imagine.

And,

3. You're wrong.

Very Respectfully,
2LT LOOMIS

Response by Cpl Trenton Davis made Jun 12 at 2015 9:17 PM

2015-06-12T21:17:25-04:00

What happened to citizens respecting the police? You can talk about bad policing all you want but it is going to take both sides to get the relationship back on track.

Response by SPC Daniel Joslin made Jun 12 at 2015 10:09 PM

2015-06-12T22:09:40-04:00

There was a time long ago when there was a certain respect for law enforcement. With the younger generations today there is no respect shown to law enforcement or to anyone else for that matter. As a retired LEO, it was always the offender's attitude that dictated what response they got from me. I guess the solution would be to raise kids with both parents as proper guides, under one roof, teaching them to treat others as they want to be treated. Good place to start anyway. With all that being said, it is very easy to jump to conclusions especially if you have never done the job yourself.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2015 6:11 PM

2015-06-13T18:11:18-04:00

Edgar Friendly was part of the criminal underground in the society portrayed in Demolition Man, not an officer. The police force was little better than unarmed community service officers and ill equipped to handle violent criminals in order to "protect & serve."

Community Policing is still alive and well...it is practiced in Orlando to Portland. What modern police training do you speak of SGM? As a training coordinator at one of the nations leading public safety academies, I can tell you to paint the profession with such a broad brush raises serious credibility concerns? Just as there are those that go beyond the scope of their authority in the military, so it is with our nation's police force. No agency is without blemish or mistakes. We must appreciate the ones that get it right and hold the bad apples accountable. To judge in the absence of accurate information and/or experience is irresponsible citizenship.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 13 at 2015 7:07 PM

2015-06-13T19:07:48-04:00

Some cops have a strange notion of appropriate times to use deadly force like a man walking away, a street person getting stomped on and then shot. Imagine if their was a camera of all police killings and shootings.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2015 9:50 PM

2015-06-13T21:50:23-04:00

This is the idea behind creating a police state. As long as there is chaos and people are angry, it justifies a NEED for extra policing. So much money is pumped into new weapons, armored vehicles, and police equipment to "control" the citizens.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2015 11:29 PM

2015-06-13T23:29:17-04:00

I have been a police officer for about 22 years now. We are still doing things the same way as when I entered the department. We still believe in community policing. We still have great cops working the street and we have the same SWAT gear we had back then too. We still have good cops and bad cops too. Just like the military. Lets be realistic if every Abu Ghraib, Tail Hook, Tillman scandal was video taped...or if every Iraqi or Afghani that our military members mistreated (or even appeared to mistreat) was videoed and the media choose to highlight it all day every day (because it sells news) you would not be asking the same question. You would be asking why is the media running a PSYOPs campaign against the police! Especially when you consider we are doing things right 99% of the time.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Jun 14 at 2015 8:40 AM

2015-06-14T08:40:02-04:00

You sir, SGM Private RallyPoint Member, have flip flopped your way through this entire thread and have no clue of what you are talking about!

Response by Sgt Ramon Nacanaynay made Jun 14 at 2015 9:16 AM

2015-06-14T09:16:54-04:00

When you get into a social situation you need to have a positive mind and positive attitude. If you don't , if you can't; maybe you should let someone else be there. Strong emotions of Fear and Hate are hard to hide and can escalate a situation to violence.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 14 at 2015 12:59 PM

2015-06-14T12:59:51-04:00

I wonder if police internal affairs are fair in their assessments.

Response by SPC Cedar Bristol made Jun 14 at 2015 7:48 PM

2015-06-14T19:48:17-04:00

My big white whale in this, and all other questions is the gilding of the past and the assumption that today is worse in all respects than the past. In fact, the raw number of Law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty is lower today than it has been since the 1960's, and there are more cops on duty. Every conservative I know uses words like "never before . . . " Actually, more cops were killed in the line of duty in years past, and a higher percentage of Americans were involved in killing them.

Here is Balko's summary of the numbers:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/five-myths-about-americas-police/2014/12/05/35b1af44-7bcd-11e4-9a27-6fdbc612bff8_story.html

Here is the FBI backing up a portion of Balko's numbers:
https://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/fbi-releases-2014-preliminary-statistics-for-law-enforcement-officers-killed-in-the-line-of-duty

Cops must have our support in eliminating threats to us, and that absolutely does include fatally shooting unarmed citizens some of the time.

I think things appear worse on both ends now, we see more of protesters telling us that they want more dead cops, and we see more of police beating people down because we have better video recording capability, not because either of these things actually happen more.

The most important part of the issue is that some departments are doing much better than others. Those need to be recognized.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-watch/wp/2015/01/12/what-dallass-historically-low-murder-rate-can-teach-us-about-policing/

Another thing that worries me, is a Seattle police officer was recently reprimanded for some comments he made on Facebook. If we don't let cops into the conversation with the rest of us, they can't be a part of the community. Letting them participate means letting them have all kinds of opinions, including bad ones.

Read Balko on all these issues, he's the best, I keep his Washington Post RSS feed in my DIGG reader and read that before I read anything else.

I can't pick one of the survey responses, the survey needs some more options.

Five myths about America’s police

Are officers today really out of control?

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2015 10:21 PM

2015-06-15T22:21:38-04:00

Ok so let's try sending our security forces and military police to help the civilian police with there job all military police I find on almost all base have much respect and they are willing go an extra mile for there job I all ways talk to security forces they are great with the other military members and the family's on base the civilian police like to shoot first and ask questions later

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2015 4:49 PM

2015-06-18T16:49:12-04:00

I've read all of the comments on this post. It is abundantly clear that many of you have nary a single idea of the tangible and intangible issues facing police on every call for service. I do. I worked in and retired from a career in law enforcement. Until you have walked a few thousand miles in an officer's shoes, you certainly have a right to your opinion, no matter how unrealistic or irrational. I strongly urge any and all of you to avail yourselves of Ride-a-Long programs and/or Citizens' Police Academies. And turn the television OFF!!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2015 7:17 AM

2015-06-22T07:17:09-04:00

I think that went out of the window SGM when the streets became the Wild West. Ever since 90's when the drugs led to gangs led to weapons led to our current situation. If we had strict control of our borders back then maybe things wouldnt be the same. There will always be people crossing the border criminals etc/ or innocents forced into supporting criminals but we have had such a long time of having the flood gates open that its created something we cant turn off.

What I mean by that is when the drugs were allowed into urban places and that became the way to "come up" in the world and take a piece of whats "yours". It created a deadly combination of police having to sterotype and fight to stay alive on the streets. Although the war on gangs has been successful it came at a price, which is what we currently face. Everyone likes to pin point these police and say hes picking on him because hes black, AND IM NOT SAYING THIS IS THE CASE.. But no one bothers to ask well what is the crime rate there? What is the statistic of blacks versus whites committing the crimes? Maybe there is a reason that the cop gives a black person who is sagging a double look versus a white man walking the street.

Facts are this, stereotypes exist for a reason and majority of them have an absurd percentage of truth behind it. If you were deployed to Afghanistan/Iraq, you would not of did a double look on a black man walking streets, but you eye balled all locals because you cant tell the difference between enemy and friendly. That is no different the the streets in our country, you cant tell who is packing heat and who isnt. Who is a law abiding citizen and who has the mentality im not going back to jail its him or me.

Cops will be killed because they will be affraid to make a mistake because of all the "racial" pressure that has been blown out of proportion across the media. I feel for them, hell I want to be a cop to put away bad guys, I feel without a doubt I would be behind bars, because at end of the day I am going home to my wife not them. Sooner or later that would result in "Murder".

Until the cops feel safe, they will always be on the defensive side. I fully support all cops should be wearing cameras so the real story is out there, no witness can lie about what they saw or create a racial issue if the evidence clearly shows the individual in question resisting arrest or displaying a clear issue with authority.

Just my 2 cents :P.

And although maybe I am blind to the "Institution Racism" in this country, but I like to throw this out there... Out of all the cases, how many people did what the officer asked them the first time, the second time? I would say over 90% have resisted or shown a distaste in authority thinking they cant touch me and they are above the law.. Take that young black girl regarding the pool incident recently, had she simply laid down he would of never touched her. After asking her and then placing his hands on her she still refused, after he put her to the ground she still resisted and was forced down again.. Had she simply got down the first time he asked NONE of that would of happened...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 3:37 PM

2015-06-24T15:37:24-04:00

There are many good law enforcement officers around, but many agencies have lost sight of the bigger picture. There are many examples of police officers escalating situations that would otherwise be resolved peacefully. Look at the the pool party in Texas where 11 of the 12 officers were doing the right thing, but one idiot made the entire force look bad.
The biggest issue is that cops aren't policing themselves. If departments would self identify these people and fix them the media wouldn't have any ammunition. The officer who shot Tamir Rice two seconds after pulling up resigned from his previous job because they were going to fire him for a "dangerous lack of composure" during weapons training. The Cleveland police department that hired him didn't bother to look at his files to find this out. This kind of negligence is unacceptable.
The other issue with departments right now is the overwhelming focus on revenue. Many departments care more about catching someone rolling through a stop sign than they do building community relations. You add laws such as stop and frisk and soon people feel that every interaction with the police is a negative one.
The police are just one portion of our flawed justice system, but they are the one that has direct interaction with the most people. It is up to the many good officers out there to identify the problems and fix them instead of pretending they don't exist. We all want to support the police because we understand they do a hard job, but supporting the police as an organization doesn't mean we ignore the problems within that organization.

Response by FN Michael Sparks made Jun 24 at 2015 8:31 PM

2015-06-24T20:31:00-04:00

This progressive liberal ideology that "Officer Friendly" needs to come back is a bunch of garbage. It never went away. With the war literally waged by militarized gangs against the police, the ever-growing mass brainwash of our children in the schools by the progressive left and the liberal establishment, the rise of lone wolf attacks, the police have had to take a far more aggressive approach to their job.

They do not know who is who anymore. There are no clear signs of who the enemies are. Much like in Iraq and Afghanistan the blending in to the populace has diminished the capacity the police have of of establishing threat from non threat.

Now are there bullies with badges, yep! But there are bullies in every career. It's just easy to point fingers at the symbol of enforcement. Lest people not forget, the police only carry out the laws created by the politicians, the same as those in the military carrying out their duties set forth by politicians. You want to attack the police then don't expect them to not one up the force those use against them.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Jul 22 at 2015 11:33 PM

2015-07-22T23:33:24-04:00

L E Os have a tough job. Too many people want to complain about how they are treated. Most cops do a good job but are often provoked by those they encounter. The anti police attitude of many needs to stop. I know many in law enforcement and they deserve respect.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2017 5:50 PM

2017-10-05T17:50:02-04:00

Wrong question. Where did being kind to your neighbor go. Where did human decency go. Where did truth in reporting go. Answer: Sold to the highest bidder and and advertising agency. Don't give police officer a reason to think you are about to cause harm by not breaking the law and not being compliant. Where is the call to keep a violent or repetitive criminal incarcerated for the crimes they commit. Cops absolutely have the right to defend themselves.

Response by CPL LaForest Gray made Jun 25 at 2021 5:03 PM

2021-06-25T17:03:33-04:00

There are *ROE* - {Rules of Engagement}cohesively for ALL military personnel/branches, yet none for Police Law Enforcement across the country, as police departments are receiving military gear to combat viable treats each department operates independently of each other even within the same counties/city/state.

With that comes the responsibility of proper training for not only the gear but threat assessment. Just like ignorance of the law is no excuse neither is the old adage “it’s the way we’ve always done things”.

Police/Cops have BEEN shooting/killing unarmed citizens for decades from all ethnic groups with the stay outta jail free card of “I feared for my life”.

Ok, what about the unarmed citizens who’s arms are up, looking at the cop gun... or how about the citizens who see and hear about cops shooting unarmed people on a regular..... if they shoot 1st and reasoned they did do because they also feared for their life ... is that a real argument on the behalf of the citizen’s?

Yes, it would be to anyone with common sense, but not to the police nor in the court of law. Police have a dangerous job is the argument ... true, yet so do military personal and except for those incidents when they go off scrip and snap, *military personnel don’t just shoot people in hostile environments and in combat zones because they feared for their lives.*

Again, there are ROE and the police are missing that understanding and proper training.

Army Veteran, I taught CQC as a government contractor, along with the following skill-sets : Mt’d LandNav/Dismt’d LandNav/*DetAnee Ops/Range Instructor. Provided realistic training of Airmen/Army Reserve/Active Duty personnel/UNITS and individuals that were deploying to current Theater of Operations, 2005’/2006’.

*** this a repost from myself, because people are tooooo comfortable with the status quo ***

“I will not apologize for telling the FACTS, in a world that worship the lies”.

Response by CPL LaForest Gray made Jun 25 at 2021 5:07 PM

2021-06-25T17:07:25-04:00

White men assaulting cops and living :

1.) One year after Ferguson, a white man assaults 7 cops and lives to tell the tale
August 11, 2015

https://www.google.com/amp/s/qz.com/477383/one-year-after-ferguson-a-white-man-assaults-7-cops-and-lives-to-tell-the-tale/amp/

2.) What New Research Says About Race and Police Shootings
* BRENTIN MOCK AUGUST 6, 2019

https://www.citylab.com/equity/2019/08/police-officer-shootings-gun-violence-racial-bias-crime-data/595528/

3.) Violent White Folks Who Were Arrested With Loving Care By Police
Posted January 23, 2020

Written By NewsOne Staff
Posted January 23, 2020

https://newsone.com/playlist/white-arrested-with-by-police/

4.) WATCH | Naked white murder suspect attacks police officer and gets taken alive
The triple homicide suspect ran circles around a police officer, choked a bystander, and was apprehended without a single gunshot wound.
By Natasha S. Alford -
August 30, 2019

https://thegrio.com/2019/08/30/watch-naked-white-murder-suspect-attacks-police-officer-and-gets-taken-alive/

The white racist cops see themselves, a neighbor, an associate, a friend, a relative ... a Human Being.

We are seen as a thing to be either dominated or destroyed. Period.

*** this a repost from myself, because people are tooooo comfortable with the status quo ***

“I will not apologize for telling the FACTS, in a world that worship the lies”.

One year after Ferguson, a white man assaults 7 cops and lives to tell the tale

Black people don't get to challenge police and live to talk about it.

Response by CPL LaForest Gray made Jun 25 at 2021 5:07 PM

2021-06-25T17:07:57-04:00

*{Eventually it’ll sink-in}*

1.) A look at the Casual Killing Act of 1669 that made it legal to kill a slave at will :

1669
Virginia passes an act regarding the casual killing of slaves: "If any slave resist his master (or other by his master’s order correcting him) and by the extremity of the correction should chance to die, that his death shall not be accompted felony."

https://www.google.com/amp/s/face2faceafrica.com/article/a-look-at-the-casual-killing-act-of-1669-that-made-it-legal-to-kill-a-slave-at-will/amp

2.) Slave Patrols: An Early Form of American Policing

July 10, 2019 | Authored by Chelsea Hansen

“I [patroller’s name], do swear, that I will as searcher for guns, swords, and other weapons among the slaves in my district, faithfully, and as privately as I can, discharge the trust reposed in me as the law directs, to the best of my power. So help me, God.”
-Slave Patroller’s Oath, North Carolina, 1828.

Source : The National Law Enforcement Museum

https://lawenforcementmuseum.org/2019/07/10/slave-patrols-an-early-form-of-american-policing/

“The National Law Enforcement Museum is dedicated to telling the story of American law enforcement by providing visitors a “walk in the shoes” experience. The Museum is working to expand and enrich the relationship shared by law enforcement and the community through educational journeys, immersive exhibitions, and insightful programs.”

amp

Response by CPL LaForest Gray made Jun 25 at 2021 5:14 PM

2021-06-25T17:14:54-04:00

History Resources
Study Aid: Slavery and the Law in Seventeenth-Century Virginia

“ 1662

General Assembly determines "Negro women’s children to serve according to the condition of the mother."

1667

General Assembly passes "An act declaring the baptisme of slaves doth not exempt them from bondage."

1669

Virginia passes an act regarding the casual killing of slaves: "If any slave resist his master (or other by his master’s order correcting him) and by the extremity of the correction should chance to die, that his death shall not be accompted felony."

1670

Assembly determined that "Noe Negroes nor Indians to buy Christian servants."

1672

"An act for the apprehension and suppression of runaways, Negroes and slaves" states: "If any Negroe, mulatto, Indian slave, or servant for life, runaway and shall be pursued by the warrant or hue and cry, it shall and may be lawful for any person who shall endeavour to take them, upon the resistance of such Negro, mulatto, Indian slave, or servant for life, to kill or wound him or them so resisting. . . . And if it happen that such Negroe, mulatto, Indian slave, or servants for life doe dye of any wound in such their resistance received the master or owner of such shall receive satisfaction from the public."

SOURCE :

https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-resources/teaching-resource/study-aid-slavery-and-law-seventeenth-century-virginia

study-aid-slavery-and-law-seventeenth-century-virginia

Response by CPL LaForest Gray made Jun 25 at 2021 5:16 PM

2021-06-25T17:16:28-04:00

U.S. Civilian Policing is a well oiled machine working as it was originally designed :

History of Police as Slave Catchers :

How the U.S. Got Its Police Force:
Source : TIME Magazine
https://www.google.com/amp/amp.timeinc.net/time/4779112/police-history-origins

Excerpt:
“In the South, however, the economics that drove the creation of police forces were centered not on the protection of shipping interests but on the preservation of the slavery system. Some of the primary policing institutions there were the slave patrols tasked with chasing down runaways and preventing slave revolts, Potter says; the first formal slave patrol had been created in the Carolina colonies in 1704. During the Civil War, the military became the primary form of law enforcement in the South, but during Reconstruction, many local sheriffs functioned in a way analogous to the earlier slave patrols, enforcing segregation and the disenfranchisement of freed slaves.”

A Brief History of Slavery and the Origins of American Policing:
Source : EKU Police Studies Online
http://plsonline.eku.edu/insidelook/brief-history-slavery-and-origins-american-policing

Excerpt :
“Policing was not the only social institution enmeshed in slavery. Slavery was fully institutionalized in the American economic and legal order with laws being enacted at both the state and national divisions of government. Virginia, for example, enacted more than 130 slave statutes between 1689 and 1865. Slavery and the abuse of people of color, however, was not merely a southern affair as many have been taught to believe. Connecticut, New York and other colonies enacted laws to criminalize and control slaves. Congress also passed fugitive Slave Laws, laws allowing the detention and return of escaped slaves, in 1793 and 1850. As Turner, Giacopassi and Vandiver (2006:186) remark, “the literature clearly establishes that a legally sanctioned law enforcement system existed in America before the Civil War for the express purpose of controlling the slave population and protecting the interests of slave owners. The similarities between the slave patrols and modern American policing are too salient to dismiss or ignore. Hence, the slave patrol should be considered a forerunner of modern American law enforcement.”

Redirect Notice

Response by CPL LaForest Gray made Jun 25 at 2021 5:20 PM

2021-06-25T17:20:10-04:00

Legitimate Policing is NECESSARY in ALL Societies, this here as it’s ALWAYS been, isn’t policing … it’s abuse of position and power. In the Military via the UCMJ, we have a prime example of what both fair justice and policing looks likes and how it functions, because of direct accountability.

It’s not perfect but it’s far better than the current civil society of policing.
————————————-

Policing and Oppression Have a Long History
The debate on racism and law enforcement follows a clear line back to the antebellum South.
By Stephen L. Carter
October 29, 2015, 6:19 PM EDT
Source : Bloomberg.com

https://www.google.com/amp/s/http://www.bloomberg.com/amp/view/articles/2015-10-29/policing-and-oppression-have-a-long-history

Except :
“The slave patrols, by contrast, did what the name suggests -- they patrolled. Although their organization varied from place to place, in most of the South the members of the patrol were recruited from, and had special responsibility for, a particular small geographic area known as a "beat" – thus the origin of our contemporary term.

1
The slave patrols, the dreaded "paterollers," are remembered best for tracking down runaways and ferreting out potential uprisings, but many scholars think they had a more important day-to-day role. Those held in bondage in the South were seen as the greatest potential source of crime, including theft, assault, and sabotage of agricultural equipment. There was a steady traffic in pilferage, valuables being sold to free black railroad workers who would carry them North and resell them. By the reckoning of the slavocracy, the anti-crime patrols were being sent exactly where they were needed. Small surprise, then, that free white citizens were required to join the patrols if called.

2 Given recent events, it's a poignant historical irony that in the 1830s, the slave patrol of Charleston, South Carolina, had more members than any city police force in the North.
Despite legal codes purporting to control them, the patrollers were feared and reviled for their cruelty. A freedman named Lewis Garrard Clarke wrote that the patrols were "the tooth and tongue of serpents … the fool's cap of baboons ... the scum of stagnant pools ... the meanest, and lowest, and worst of all creation."

And yet, for all their horrors, the slave patrols provided the template for the policing in its contemporary sense. Richmond, Virginia, created a full-time police force only after Gabriel Prosser led a slave uprising in 1800. Other cities followed suit. Yet three decades later, newspapers in Charleston complained that the police were too few to control the restive black population, and demanded an increase in the number of ... patrollers.”

*** Disclaimer : This a repost from myself, because people are tooooo comfortable with the status quo. ***

Redirect Notice

Response by CPL LaForest Gray made Jun 25 at 2021 5:33 PM

2021-06-25T17:33:09-04:00

PREPARING FOR A CONVERSATION ABOUT POLICING AND RACIAL INJUSTICE :

https://youtu.be/5Funraox29U

————-
SOURCE :

https://www.facinghistory.org/educator-resources/current-events/policing-legacy-racial-injustice/preparing-conversation-about-policing-and-racial-injustice

*** this a repost from myself, because people are tooooo comfortable with the status quo ***

“I will not apologize for telling the FACTS, in a world that worship the lies”.

A Conversation With Police on Race | Op-Docs

In this short documentary, former officers share their thoughts on policing and race in America.Subscribe on YouTube:http://bit.ly/U8Ys7nIn the previous yea...

Response by CPL LaForest Gray made Jun 25 at 2021 5:42 PM

2021-06-25T17:42:43-04:00

Only job in society that some people justify abuse & murder …. Because someone else who is JUST another human being wears a badge & uniform and they don’t like your response verbally.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=PoyKuwFwsQ0&feature=share

It’s a culture.

*** this a repost from myself, because people are tooooo comfortable with the status quo ***

“I will not apologize for telling the FACTS, in a world that worship the lies”.

Ex Cop Speaking Out About Racism In The Police Force.

It takes real character to stand up for what is right and humane.

Response by CPL LaForest Gray made Jul 17 at 2021 5:23 PM

2021-07-17T17:23:58-04:00

He should NOT be dead.

https://youtu.be/eGw4d6_lpmk

“Although the Supreme Court has addressed the circumstances in which police are justified in using deadly force, the Court has not considered the obligation of police officers to render aid to those whom they have shot or injured.”

https://kb.osu.edu/bitstream/handle/1811/92251/1/OSJCL_V18N1_391.pdf

*let that sink in*

*** this a repost from myself, because ya are tooooo comfortable with the status quo ***

Cop Shoots & Kills Man ALREADY In Custody

A Utah police officer shot and killed a man inside the police department - it was his third shooting. Cenk Uygur, Jackson White, and Bridget Todd discuss on ...

Response by CPL LaForest Gray made Jul 17 at 2021 5:27 PM

2021-07-17T17:27:10-04:00

Blue Life Matters Law’s :

Policing in America is based on old slave catching laws & they wrote further laws like Qualified Immunity & the Protect & Serve Act of 2018 (Blue Lives Matter” bill).

“The Protect and Serve Act would allow anyone who knowingly causes serious bodily injury to a law enforcement officer to be imprisoned up to 10 years. And it creates even harsher penalties for other criminal acts against police: If a police officer were kidnapped, killed, or faced a threat on their life, then the perpetrator could get a much longer sentence, including potentially life in prison.”

“Qualified immunity is designed to protect all but the plainly incompetent or those who knowingly violate the law. Law enforcement officers are entitled to qualified immunity when their actions do not violate a clearly established statutory or constitutional right.”

For anyone convicted of a capital felony, the law requires a separate sentencing hearing before a judge or jury to weigh mitigating and aggravating factors. The judge or jury cannot impose the death penalty and must sentence the person to life imprisonment without the possibility of release if the mitigating factors outweigh or are of equal weight to the aggravating factors or if any of four automatic bars to the death penalty exist.”

There’s no death penalty, no capital punishment for murdering a military person. {NONE} There is no “Protect and Serve Act” covering soldiers, Who protect and serve ALL Americans citizens.... not a select community, soldiers lives are considered less valuable than police officers who lives the soldiers protect domestically and on foreign soil.

Yet, those police officers ARE NOT HELD to a higher standard for their actions, we soldiers again fall under both civil and the UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice) for our actions. In life threatening situations we don’t just pull the trigger and say we feared for our lives.

Let’s put that in perspective for those that like to argue how they have a dangerous job and risk it saving lives.

If an Active Duty soldier is murder by a civilian, a fellow soldier or a cop in uniform or out of, it’s not viewed as a HATE CRIME.... why not?!? They risk their lives protecting the country including police officers .... I mean they are on duty 24/7/365 right???

Again, they new make laws....

[NO ONE LIFE IS MORE VALUABLE THAN ANOTHER BECAUSE OF A JOB POSITION/UNIFORM]. WTF is wrong with you people, seriously???

#Injustice
#Policebrutality
#endqualifiedimmunity
#defundthepolice
#endracism
#endsystematicracism

#Humanity

*** this a repost from myself, because people are tooooo comfortable with the status quo ***

Response by CPL LaForest Gray made Jul 17 at 2021 5:29 PM

2021-07-17T17:29:23-04:00

Neither Law Enforcement nor Military are listed to put things in perspective …. YES both career paths can be dangerous … yet :

The 10 most dangerous jobs in America
PUBLISHED SAT, DEC 28 2019 10:31 AM EST

1. Logging workers
* Fatal injuries per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers: 97.6
* Total fatal injuries: 74
* Most common fatal accidents: Contact with objects and equipment
* Total non-fatal injuries: 1,040
* Median annual wage: $40,650
* Number of workers: 53,600

2. Fishers and related fishing workers
* Fatal injuries per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers: 77.4
* Total fatal injuries: 30
* Most common fatal accidents: Transportation incidents
* Total non-fatal injuries: N/A
* Median annual wage: $28,310
* Number of workers: 520

3. Aircraft pilots and flight engineers
* Fatal injuries per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers: 58.9
* Total fatal injuries: 70
* Most common fatal accidents: Transportation incidents
* Total non-fatal injuries: 490
* Median annual wage: $137,330
* Number of workers: 84,070

4. Roofers
* Fatal injuries per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers: 51.5
* Total fatal injuries: 96
* Most common fatal accidents: falls, slips, and trips
* Total non-fatal injuries: 2,060
* Median annual wage: $39,970
* Number of workers: 160,600

5. Refuse and recyclable materials collectors
* Fatal injuries per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers: 44.3
* Total fatal injuries: 37
* Most common fatal accidents: Transportation incidents
* Total non-fatal injuries: 1,490
* Median annual wage: $36,190
* Number of workers: 115,130

6. Driver/sales workers and truck drivers
* Fatal injuries per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers: 26
* Total fatal injuries: 966
* Most common fatal accidents: Transportation incidents
* Total non-fatal injuries: 78,520
* Median annual wage: $24,700
* Number of workers: 414,860

7. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers
* Fatal injuries per full-time equivalent 100,000 workers: 24.7
* Total fatal injuries: 257
* Most common fatal accidents: transportation incidents
* Total non-fatal injuries: 280
* Median annual wage: $24,620
* Number of workers: 876,300

8. Structural Iron and Steel workers
* Fatal injuries per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers: 23.6
* Total injuries: 15
* Most common fatal accidents: Falls, slips, trips
* Total non-fatal injuries: 800
* Median annual wage: $52,770
* Number of workers: 98,600

9. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers
* Fatal injuries per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers: 21
* Total fatal injuries: 144
* Most common fatal accidents: transportation incidents
* Total non-fatal injuries: 5,390
* Median annual wage: $65,230
* Number of workers: 598,210

10. First-line supervisors of landscaping, lawn service, and groundskeeping workers
* Fatal injuries per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers: 20.2
* Total fatal injuries: 142
* Most common fatal accidents: transportation incidents
* Total non-fatal injuries: 1,990
* Median annual wage: $47,030
* Number of workers: 100,320

Source : https://www.google.com/amp/s/http://www.cnbc.com/amp/2019/12/27/the-10-most-dangerous-jobs-in-america-according-to-bls-data.html

The 10 most dangerous jobs in America

Here's a look at the 10 most dangerous jobs in America, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The most common workplace deaths were related to transportation