The issue in the Minneapolis police shooting

[Decoy of Fenris]

133. Cops (generally) become cops in order to "protect and serve".

Now, let me preface by saying that no, not all cops are good cops or have altruistic or charitable intent. That said, every cop I know joined the force so they could help people in need. Some joined to serve their country in a way that wasn't active duty military. Some joined -because- they were military and the two are fairly similar. The common goal of "Helping people" was the primary driving variable, no matter what the -why- is.

The problem arises when a police officer is exposed, through active duty, to many threatening situations. Even in something as routine as a traffic stop, there is always a chance that there's a lunatic behind the wheel who will try to shoot you, stab you, drive off, or any number of other horrific options. Look at the case in New York recently, where the police officer was executed simply for being a cop. Recently, there was another case where a cop arriving to solve a domestic dispute was shot and killed. He died bleeding into his lungs, suffocating in his own blood, and alone. Once you don that uniform, you have a target placed firmly in the center of your chest, no matter how well-meaning you are.

Police are scared because for every bad cop story you hear, fifteen or twenty good cops die in the line of duty. They know this. So yes, that makes your average run-of-the-mill cop scared. Despite that fear, they continue to go out day after day, arguably risking their lives, to make sure the rest of us aren't injured or killed -instead- of them. That is an almost textbook definition of "Courage", if you're wondering.


A buddy of mine was just rejected from being a cop. It's his life's ambition, because he thinks that he can do a ton of good in that line of duty. Help people. He gave up his old job, put in months and months of physical training, took several college courses of legalism, and he -still- didn't make the cut. He's trying again next month, even though he's almost completely out of money to live. He does this in the hope that some day, he can put on the uniform and help make America a safer place. While I can't say if the same is true where you live, I'm certain that it's not "too easy" by any stretch where my friend lives.