May 23, 2012 - Riot Gear

[xoxoxoBruce]

Originally Posted by Cyber Wolf

Well, the gear looks like that for protection's sake, not to look scary and intimidating. Its form follows their function.

Right, I'm sure they aren't trying to look scary.
It's the the militarization of the American police.

They just happen to look scary too, thanks to presentation in movies and TV.

TV? Yes, the evening news, several times a week.

Besides, the only time we ever really see crown-to-sole protective gear on cops is when they're in a position to be easily portrayed (and often are) as The Bad Guys in a situation. The riot gear is rarely ever associated with the cops being heroes.

Because when they're dressed that way they're not being heroes, they are being instigators of violence, or tools of the stupid "War on Drugs".

...At the same time, there are guys in the force who hate that this is how some people see the police force as a whole.

I'm sure you're right, I'd even venture it's the majority, but that doesn't stop the Blue Code of Silence.

Not long ago I witnessed a rogue cop being a complete dick, breaking eleventeen laws, and abusing the shit out of a innocent couple. All the while eight other cops stood around shaking their heads, rolling their eyes, face palming, and not doing a god damn thing about it.