[TalnSG]

While power tripping is a common fault of law enforcement - especially rookies, it usually comes back into line after a few months.

And racial profiling is common.... in all humans - not just cops. And its not just against blacks. I am white, middle-class as they come and I have been stopped exactly as described and harassed in the U.S. - and by white cops! And yet, in foreign countries they have never failed to be polite and helpful once I got past them scaring the hell out of me.

Those of your screaming about maltreatment by cops need a slight perspective adjustment. Wouldn't you be on edge and unpleasant if you were required to approach hostile strangers on a regular basis?

99% of the time if you are polite and civil, the cop will be too; unless you are clearly doing something you shouldn't or hanging around somewhere you have no business being.

I spent a year on a police advisory board because I was pissed off at what I saw the local cops doing. After hearing their side of the crap they put up with and seeing the rude and disgusting behavior of many of those coming to court to fight their traffic tickets, I think generally cops deserve more credit than I am reading here.