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SoCalDem

(103,856 posts)
Fri Apr 19, 2013, 11:03 AM Apr 2013

I know many here are not fond of law enforcement people, but

I have a LOT of sympathy for them.

They are besieged by the swarm of media that simply cannot take "later" or "stay back" seriously.

I know that media's job is to cover what's happening, but what we have here is little more than a voyeuristic game of cat and mouse, and at a time when the law enforcement people are trying to capture a dangerous person (and perhaps disrupt a true terror cell)..

The breathless "BREAKING NEWS" scenario, often consists of saying stuff that is recanted 30 minutes later....and repeating endlessly what is already known, followed by re-asking the same questions when they do get a chance to ask questions.

Their abundant attendance/intrusion only adds to the responsibilities of the police, etc.

11 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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graham4anything

(11,464 posts)
2. I commend the FBI/HS and local law enforcement. They are doing a wonderful job in a short time
Fri Apr 19, 2013, 11:05 AM
Apr 2013

And the other thread I started, weep for Mr. Collier the policeman who died.

And remember, in Boston, they have the big police force, in each town, those towns have their own. Add the Federal agents, and its a big bunch of groups working together.

Mass

(27,315 posts)
3. I agree,
Fri Apr 19, 2013, 11:06 AM
Apr 2013

and frankly, I'd wish the media learn to wait.

To be honest, I also would wish DUers learn to wait. A lot of unverified information are posted all over DU, and it is sad. I know DU reflects human nature, but still.

VWolf

(3,944 posts)
4. I certainly have plenty of sympathy for the MIT campus police
Fri Apr 19, 2013, 11:12 AM
Apr 2013

Having spent 8 years at MIT, I came to know a few of them. Most are retired city cops. All that I met always put the safety of the students above all else.

frazzled

(18,402 posts)
5. This one was not retired: he was 26 years old
Fri Apr 19, 2013, 11:20 AM
Apr 2013

Sad:

The Boston Globe ✔ @BostonGlobe

BREAKING NEWS: MIT police officer killed in confrontation with terror suspects was Sean Collier, 26, of Somerville, per Middlesex DA.

 

smirkymonkey

(63,221 posts)
9. I agree. I am terribly sad over his death. He was just doing his job.
Fri Apr 19, 2013, 11:37 AM
Apr 2013

My condolences to his family and friends.

jeepnstein

(2,631 posts)
6. It's difficlult at times like this...
Fri Apr 19, 2013, 11:26 AM
Apr 2013

You get handed a laundry list of tasks to complete, all the while you're honestly trying to not stomp on the Constitution. Communications is always a huge snarl. I've done a couple of riots, a prison break, and a few smaller things and it's a real struggle at times. People get tired, tempers flare, routines interrupted, citizens irritated. It's a real grind.

And the media just doesn't understand that it doesn't really work like it does on TV. The crapper is that the regular calls just keep rolling in while you have everyone tied up with whatever disaster has been thrown your way.

Tom Rinaldo

(22,911 posts)
8. The media, sure, but they also have to confront the Bombers
Fri Apr 19, 2013, 11:31 AM
Apr 2013

When homicidal maniacs roam our streets we send out law enforcement to deal with them. They are the ones who approach pulled over cars that match descriptions linked to the crimes. They are the ones who walk into apartments that might be booby trapped. They are the ones who move in on suspects trapped in a dead end who might have IED's strapped to their bodies. AND they have to deal with the media swarms as well.

OriginalGeek

(12,132 posts)
11. My default position is that every LEO is an awesome person and criminally underpaid
Fri Apr 19, 2013, 11:43 AM
Apr 2013

unless and until an individual one proves different.

Same goes for teachers and firefighters.


I don't care how many shitbag cops expose themselves - they are not the Law Enforcement I respect.

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