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    You are at:Home»Society»Crime»Top Ten Myths & Misconceptions About Police
    Crime

    Top Ten Myths & Misconceptions About Police

    Major DanBy Major DanMarch 13, 2016Updated:February 23, 202018 Comments4 Mins Read
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    A Brief History

    Today, despite all the police television shows and movies, there are many misconceptions about what police can and cannot do, and how they are supposed to do it.  Hopefully this list will help enlighten people or stimulate them to discuss what should be as opposed to what is.

    Digging Deeper

    10. All Police Love Donuts.

    This belief is ridiculous!  No more than about 99% would fall into this category by my personal observations!.

    9. Police Have Monthly Ticket Quotas.

    Since this possibility is actually illegal, technically they do not have quotas.  That being said, many police administrators or politicians insist on certain levels of “production” and create de facto quotas.  How many tickets a cop writes can in some ways be an indication of his work ethic, but it is a dangerous criterion to rely on since so many other factors are more important.  It is the lazy supervisor’s way to assess performance.  Police should NOT be used to generate revenue!

    8. 911 Is The Information Line.

    911 is for emergencies ONLY!  It is not to ask when trick or treat or the parade is scheduled or to complain about a ticket!  Calling 911 for other than an emergency could and should result in a citation!

    7. Police Must Let The Bad Guy Shoot First.

    Not only no, but the bad guy does not necessarily have to have a weapon.  When police order someone to “Freeze!” and the suspect makes a move that looks like they are reaching for a weapon, the prudent police officer may shoot before the bad guy draws and fires.

    6. Police Should Not Chase Minor Traffic Violators.

    This one is tricky because many important politicians agree with this statement.  The problem is, when a chase starts, the police do not know why the person is fleeing.  They may have just murdered someone or have a kidnapped person in the trunk.  Maybe the car is stolen or they just committed a serious crimes.  Many really bad felons have been caught because of traffic offenses. (Ted Bundy ring a bell?)

    5. Police Cars Are Souped Up Super Cars.

    Not only no, but in many jurisdictions the cars are so old or so worn out the idea is laughable!

    4. Police Cannot Shoot A Fleeing Felon.

    Police can shoot someone fleeing from a violent crime if there is reasonable cause to believe that the person’s escape will result in an innocent person being killed or seriously hurt. No, shoplifters cannot be shot in the back, but serial murderers that are getting away can!

    3. Police Are Not Allowed to Lie to A Suspect.

    Sure they can!  This practice is an excellent technique to get suspects to turn on each other or tell police information the suspect thinks the police already know.

    2. Police Must Fire a Warning Shot.

    This myth of course is just stupid!  For one thing, warning shots in a city can be dangerous!

    1. Miranda Warning.

    We close on the one that was today’s “this day in history” entry.  For some reason many people seem to believe that if they are not “read their rights” when they are arrested they have somehow earned a free pass and must be let go!  The fact is that all the Miranda Warning does is invalidate any statement made by the arrestee or evidence that comes from such a statement if the warning was not given and opportunity for counsel made.  Plus, police do not have to provide a lawyer unless you are indigent!

    Question for students (and subscribers): Have you ever served in law enforcement?  Please let us know in the comments section below this article.

    If you liked this article and would like to receive notification of new articles, please feel welcome to subscribe to History and Headlines by liking us on Facebook and becoming one of our patrons!

    Your readership is much appreciated!

    Historical Evidence

    For more information, please see…

    Braswell, Michael, Larry Miller, et al.  Human Relations & Police Work.  Waveland Pr Inc, 2010.

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    Previous ArticleMarch 13, 1963: Why You Have the Right to Remain Silent!
    Next Article March 14, 1794: Get Your Cotton Pickin’ Hands Off My Gin, or The Machine That Caused the Civil War!
    Major Dan
    Major Dan

      Major Dan is a retired veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He served during the Cold War and has traveled to many countries around the world. Prior to his military service, he graduated from Cleveland State University, having majored in sociology. Following his military service, he worked as a police officer eventually earning the rank of captain prior to his retirement.

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      <span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="1515 http://www.crackedhistory.com/?p=1515">18 Comments

      1. Avatar
        Madison Wright on March 13, 2014 1:48 pm

        I thought the 911 calls were entertaining. I enjoyed listening to people call about wrong fast food orders. Also, the Dubai police car clip peaked my interest because I am good friends with an international student from Dubai. He also shows me videos regarding the wealth of the country.

        Reply
      2. Avatar
        BY on March 13, 2014 9:48 pm

        The 911 calls were quite entertaining because of some of the things people call in as an Emergency!

        Reply
      3. Avatar
        jprokay on March 14, 2014 11:38 am

        This was very interesting and very funny and one of them with the ticket quota I actually thought was true haha I never thought that it would be illegal.

        Reply
      4. Avatar
        RScott on March 14, 2014 12:41 pm

        I really enjoyed watching the video with the police and Dunkin Donuts. It is funny to see those two groups pair up with one another and see them contribute.

        Reply
      5. Avatar
        kelseysherman on March 14, 2014 12:44 pm

        The 911 calls were the funniest! Especially the part with the spider caller.

        Reply
      6. Avatar
        KM on March 14, 2014 9:31 pm

        I think it was a good idea to use the police and donut stereotype for a way to raise money for the Special Olympics.

        Reply
      7. Avatar
        kferencik on March 15, 2014 9:25 am

        Oh gosh, the 911 calls….really?

        Reply
      8. Avatar
        Brittany E on March 16, 2014 2:33 pm

        The 911 calls were ridiculously funny, they were like so stupid that you couldn’t help but laugh.

        Reply
      9. Avatar
        Jessica Savage on March 16, 2014 8:08 pm

        These videos made a point with some of the ridiculous stereotypes that there are on cops these days.

        Reply
      10. Avatar
        Kristin Schlabach on March 16, 2014 10:33 pm

        These were funny, I had no idea about these rediculous stereotypes.

        Reply
      11. Avatar
        Sarah Guenther on March 17, 2014 3:14 pm

        The 911 calls were definitely the funniest!

        Reply
      12. Avatar
        Nate Shifley on March 17, 2014 10:00 pm

        The 911 calls were by far the funniest for me! Its bizarre what people
        will call the police for these days. I knew a girl whose mother called
        the police cause a cashier overcharged her at Walmart!

        Reply
      13. Avatar
        Autumn Harmon on March 20, 2014 9:47 pm

        The 911 call was the best!!

        Reply
      14. Avatar
        S.Carson on April 1, 2014 1:44 pm

        The 911 calls were hysterical I was laughing at the stereotypes the entire time!

        Reply
      15. Avatar
        Halee Heironimus on April 27, 2014 5:14 pm

        The 911 calls were so stupid but so funny!

        Reply
      16. Avatar
        Sadie Zegarac on May 1, 2014 12:51 am

        I thought the 911 call was hilarious!

        Reply
      17. Avatar
        external hard disk price in mumbai on August 13, 2014 5:11 am

        You have noted very interesting details !
        ps decent site. “We simply rob ourselves when we make presents to the dead.” by Publilius Syrus.

        Reply
      18. Avatar
        Shelby Werbeck on March 15, 2016 7:53 am

        Really funny, didn’t know people actually believed stuff like this

        Reply

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