Some Cop Dude Archives – SLUG Magazine

Dear sir,

Is the guard at the D.M.V. a police officer?

If so, is he being punished by having to work at the D.M.V.?

Sincerely,

Nothing else to think about at the D.M.V.

Dear bored DMVer,

My mind’s eye has you sitting in a plastic chair because you’re tired, ticket in your hand and 97th in line. The only chair is next to the stinky guy. You’re pissed and bored, and the uniform gets your attention. Now we’re having this discussion. The guard at the DMV is just that: a security guard. However, there are times when the DMV contracts with the local law enforcement agency to provide an extra layer of security—security that comes with police powers.

The cop is not being punished. They’re trying to earn some extra money. The guard is employed full time by the DMV, and his presence keeps people from being mean to the DMV workers. The cop is there in case people exhibit aggressive behavior toward the DMV staff. And what might incense people at the DMV? When you’re 97th in line and the place smells, you may see a couple of the gov’t workers (whose salary you pay) on their cell phone, or texting at the copier, not helping you, and people just freak out. You’ve seen it. That’s why cops are there sometimes.

What does happen to cops in trouble? Depending on the severity of the offense, it can range from desk duty and losing their car, to suspension or termination. The governing body for cop misconduct—in addition to whatever punishment a department metes out—is Police Officer Standards and Training (POST). Even if a cop survives their own administration’s action, they still have to go through a POST hearing where the cop is cautioned, or their certification is suspended or revoked. Cops who receive a letter of caution serve their penance and go back to work. Cops whose certification is suspended are normally fired, but can become cops again once they get it back. Cops who are revoked are pretty much done. There’s a way they can repeat the police academy and become certified again, but their chance of getting another cop job is slim to none.

Since cops are so highly paid, there’s not much need for them to work extra jobs. But, for those who desire to have the chance at maybe a second car in their family, own their own home, or be able to take the kids to Disneyland once, additional employment is mandatory. The cop you see standing around at the liquor store is doing just that, earning an extra dime. Also, businesses that need a uniformed and marked-car presence can contract with their local law enforcement agencies to provide that benefit. Most of these jobs pay better than the cops’ regular pay. Cops also work overtime gigs at construction sites or car dealerships in an effort to prevent theft.

The cop at the DMV is not in trouble. They’re just trying to earn an extra buck, probably trying to pay for braces for their kid, or maybe, pay for their own chemo trying to beat cancer.

–Cop

Illustration: Brighton Metz

Dear Cop,

I’ve called 911 a few times in my time, and I’m interested in how responders coordinate between different 911-affiliated departments. I’ve seen an ambulance and cop cars show up to a call, and when I’ve called about a friend who was homeless who was experiencing a health emergency, there weren’t any cops, just ambulances, and my friend got the attention he needed. This seems to happen in a matter of minutes in most cases. What sort of criteria do 911 call centers use to determine the appropriate parties to send to a scene? Sometimes it seems like a firetruck might be in a neighborhood randomly when there isn’t a fire or anything apparently dire to require that resource—there’s a hypothetical situation that makes me wonder.

I’ve also heard on public radio that the 911 system was created specifically for callers in a landline grid, and now that cell phones dominate our communication—let alone phone calls—the system might be out of date. Does this diagnosis “ring” true for Utah as well, as far as the efficacy of 911 responses? Also, of the organizations that may respond to a 911 call, are there inter-organizational softball teams, like the fire department vs. the police department? If so, which teams win?

-411 on the 911

Dear 411,

I’m by no means an expert on your common question, but here’s what I know. There are basically three dispatch entities in the SL Valley: Salt Lake City PD dispatch, Unified Police Department dispatch and Valley Emergency Communications Center (VECC). Oh, yeah, the State of Utah, too.

Salt Lake City dispatch provides dispatch services for police and fire in, well, Salt Lake City. Oh, yeah, Sandy City, too. Go figure. I know it has something to do with Sandy using the Versadex reporting system, whereas VECC agencies use the Spillman Computer Aided Dispatch system.

Salt Lake County provides dispatch services for the Unified Police Department and the areas that they service, such as the Midvale city municipality, Riverton, etc. and unincorporated areas of the county. However, I believe (but don’t quote me) that VECC handles Salt Lake County fire calls.

VECC handles dispatching for most of the other agencies in the Salt Lake Valley. The State of Utah handles all dispatching for the State such as Highway Patrol, AP&P, DMV cops, snow plows, DOT, etc. …

If you’re not confused, I am. Not to mention—no doubt—it costs a hell of a lot compared to having one entity. Confusing dispatching might be why you see randomness as you described.

The second part of your question has to do with Phase 1 and Phase 2 E-911 systems. I don’t understand much about that either, but basically, the system knows where you are by landline, triangulation or GPS—something like that—and it routes your call to the proper center. One of the centers is primary if there’s a problem, but I don’t know which one, and then you’re transferred. What I do know is that all these dispatchers in all these centers are excellent at communicating with each other. There are numerous instances where after the “911, what is your emergency?” question, the dispatcher transfers you to the proper center, virtually seamlessly.

Dispatchers working so well together is the reason they commonly kick the ass of police and firefighters at softball.

–Cop

Have a question for the Cop? Email him at askacop@slugmag.com.

Illustration: Brighton Metz

Dear Ask a Cop,

I wanted to get your opinion on a recent experience that I had at the Salt Lake County Jail. I was booked for a D.U.I. one night a couple of weeks ago. Prior to getting the D.U.I., I had been struggling emotionally and been suicidal. While I was being booked at the jail, I was accused of being a heroin addict, ridiculed for being a journalist, and belittled for the clothing I was wearing. In the holding cell, I tried to slit my wrists with the wire from my bra. The next thing I know, I was tackled to the floor by three officers and doused with so much pepper spray that I couldn’t breathe. I was taken to the medical floor, where I was thrown in a cell with a metal bed and shoved food through the door three times a day. My body swelled up from the pepper spray, including my hands and face. I had a severe reaction to the pepper spray, and started having serious heart palpitations. My wrist became infected and oozing. I continually pleaded with the guard to see the nurse or the doctor, and he walked by and laughed at me.

Two days later, I finally saw the doctor and was admitted to the general holding area. The officers refused to give me a bandage for my wrist, because I needed a “medical order” for it. It was grotesquely infected at this point. The verbal abuse from the guards in the general holding area was absolutely one of the most belittling experiences I have ever had. Here is my question: While I understand the seriousness of the repercussions and consequences involved with a D.U.I., I’m curious as to what the protocol is with regard to processing people with mental health issues. How does my experience match up with that protocol, and did the police break from proper procedure?

Sincerely,

Pissed Off Patron

Dear Patron,

The current identifier for these holding facilities now is “Adult Detention Center,” which is supposed to be kinder and gentler, but that wasn’t your experience. I have no experience in corrections, FYI. Although some of the officers you encounter in jail are sworn peace officers, the majority are correctional officers (CO), an entirely different training and certification. COs have one foot in the law enforcement door that may one day lead to being a sworn police officer.

Jail areas are recorded. Everything you described was recorded, including the mental health areas. Your jail experience, upon filing a complaint, can be easily confirmed. You should file a complaint, and those recordings, coupled with the records from your doctor of the treatment you received for the infection, could provide you some recourse.

Arresting officers or agents have to identify if their arrestee is suicidal, intoxicated, on drugs, injured, etc. The only special treatment I’ve ever seen for suicidal detainees is detainment in a rubber room. Per usual procedure, you likely were not singled out in that regard.

All COs receive training in dealing with the types of people I describe above and more. It sounds to me like they were just being cruel.

Have a question for the Cop? Email him at askacop@slugmag.com.

Illustration: Brighton Metz

Dear copper,

I just saw another cop pull over near a sidewalk and arrest a guy—possibly, a drug dealer. Had the cop not pulled him over, I would have just assumed he was just another dude with a ’90s fashion sense (I’m pretty sure he was wearing Adidas snap-away pants) walking down the sidewalk. It would seem, then, that the cop had probable cause. That got me wondering: How does probable cause work? What must a cop see from somebody in a public setting, and what if the cop doesn’t literally “see” drugs or paraphernalia? What if that guy was just trading Pokémon cards and doesn’t want his friends to know he still does that shit? How does this work with someone’s car?

Speaking of cars, from a cop’s point of view (before a lawyer can accompany a “suspect”), what do cops consider probable cause if they suspect a DUI from a driver? Also, if a driver doesn’t submit to any sort of intoxication test—neither field sobriety test nor a breathalyzer—and evades any sort of sly persuasion to stare at a flashlight in their face, what can a cop do at that point? Would a cop need a warrant? What are the chances of a warrant being issued if so, and how does the notion of probable cause play into this and a potential arrest?

-Probable cause for questions

Dear Fashion Police,

I’m pretty sure the cop busted the dude for wearing snap-away pants. I would’ve. I believe you’re inquiring about two different standards, reasonable suspicion and probable cause.

Cops generally make stops of people, whether on foot or using a conveyance, based on reasonable suspicion. That is a very low standard. However, when an actual arrest is made, that arrest is based on probable cause.

The U.S. Supreme Court stated, “The probable-cause standard is incapable of precise definition or quantification into percentages because it deals with probabilities and depends on the totality of the circumstances. The substance of all the definitions of probable cause is a reasonable ground for belief of guilt, and that the belief of guilt must be particularized with respect to the person to be searched or seized.” (Maryland v. Pringle)

The only legal standard I’ve ever heard quantified is “preponderance” of the evidence (over 50 percent), which is what’s required to prove someone guilty in a civil court. So, we know that probable cause is less than preponderance but more than reasonable suspicion.

Per your scenario, the cop is going to stop the DUI based on the very low standard of reasonable suspicion, like crossing over the line or stopping for a green light. The cop will administer FSTs (field sobriety tests), and question the driver. Based on the totality of all this information, the cop will then make or not make a DUI arrest, which is based on probable cause. The cop will then ask the driver to submit to a test, which the driver has the right to refuse. The cop can then obtain a search warrant from a judge, based on probable cause, which can compel the driver to submit.

Remember, in this day and age, all of this information, including the sly eye, is being recorded up close and personally by the officer. All that evidence can be used in a DUI conviction.

–Cop

Illustration: Brighton Metz

dear santa cop

during the holidays i drive from many places to others on christmas eve and christmas day. stress is usually high and i admit to speeding to make engagements on time within reason. obviously if the weathers bad i moderate my driving but usually it is not so bad. i am wondering how aggressive highway patrol is on cracking down on traffic violations during this time. they usually have the reputation for being jerks compared to the regular city cops. are they affected by holiday cheer? they wear thesamebootsassantaclaus.what about cops in whatever given city? are they more lenient during the holidays? i just wanna be to aunt darlenes while the ham is warm.

sincerely

willy fred

Dear Darlene’s nephew,

I’ve never worked a traffic enforcement assignment and don’t really understand the ticket-writing mindset, but here’s my take: A couple years ago, I got pulled over in West Valley, and the cop gave me a Christmas card instead of a ticket. That seemed pretty Christmas-cheerful to me. I know Salt Lake City coppers do something similar around the holidays.

Utah has elected to have a Department of Public Safety, with one of the entities in that Department being the Highway Patrol. In general, their entire existence is traffic enforcement. There are a few who do other types of cop jobs, but their primary “mission” is to facilitate the traffic flow, which means traffic enforcement. Knowing that, think of the type of person who is attracted to a ticket-writing highway patrol job and who is attracted to a regular cop job, whose primary mission is handling criminals and 911 calls. Obviously, you’re always going to get more enforcement cheer from a city or county cop than those tasked with writing tickets. But remember—cities often have their own traffic-enforcement squads who primarily write tickets. You could run into one who is required to write a dozen or more per day, and those cities love that revenue.

I’m hoping that the primary concern of any cops working traffic enforcement around Christmas is impaired drivers. For some reason—I don’t know if it’s depression, the holiday stress or whatever life problems happen during the holidays—people imbibe (and medicate in other ways) then drive more than at any other time of the year—except maybe St. Patrick’s day or Oktoberfest, and that’s just because they’re drinking holidays.

I did see a bulletin in the past that indicated that the UHP was increasing enforcement of those impeding the traffic flow. That means diamond and left-lane dally-ers who don’t move over as required by law (yes, slower traffic must move over—it’s the law), but, it doesn’t sound like you’re one of those people since you need to get to the ham while it’s warm and all. What it does mean is that the trooper has a better chance of being on the impeder stop when you come screaming by, and that saves you a ticket.

Also, Santa wears a nice engineer-type boot, not the super-high Chippewas that motor-traffic cops wear.

You mentioned the weather—well, it looks like we’re in for a decent winter, so slow down, avoid the imbibers and arrive safely and ticket-free for your warm holiday dinner.

–Cop

Have a question for the Cop? Email him at askacop@slugmag.com.

Illustration: Brighton Metz

Dear RoboCop,

The year is 21XX. Biker gangs run rampant in the streets of Megacity Salt Lake, fueled by cyber drugs and illegal cybernetic implants. Megacorporations run the government from behind the scenes, fighting proxy wars across the globe. In this world, it’s either frag or be fragged.

The high-ranking brass of Cyber Dystopia PD have just recruited you for their experimental super-cop program. You’ve got to make a decision—keep your weak, fleshy body or become a highly-advanced cyborg, built to fight cyber crime and lay down the law.

Would you become a cyborg if you could? If so, what kind of cybernetic enhancements would you get on your cyborg body? If not, why stay in your inferior human meat body?

1337Decker 2000

Mr. Decker,

I’m not much for cyborg anything, so I’d probably choose just to stay in my flesh and bone body. I remember a movie some time ago where a dude does become a robo-cop, and I don’t think it went too well for him or his family.

The world you describe doesn’t really sound like a place I’d like to live, so I’d probably quit and move some place nicer. There’s not enough water here to support the population we have, let alone a “Megacity.” I’m not sure what a cyber drug would be, but I imagine something equally as nasty or worse than heroin, ecstasy, meth or cocaine. I’m very sure I wouldn’t want my family anywhere near anything as bad or worse than that current poison.

I researched these implants, and they actually sound kind of cool. My mom lived many years because of an old-fashioned cyber pacemaker. She might’ve lived forever with one of the future ones. But I don’t want to live forever. At a certain point, I think it’s time to see what comes next. If the populace wants to cyber implant themselves, go for it, but no cyber add-ons for me.

Are these mega-corporations that run the government here in SLC? If so, that means there’s probably lots of jobs here, and something like a mega-corporation probably pays well. And you said they’re running the government, so cops are really working for the well paying mega-corportations, which means they’re well paid, too, right? But, the whole idea of governments being run by mega-corportations, who are fighting “proxy wars” around the world does not sound appealing either. So, again, I’d quit and move.

Wait a second: There’s gangs fueled by drugs, with ominous weapons to boot, and corporations with so much money and a huge, insatiable need to make more money—so insatiable that they influence governmental decisions, which results in wars being fought around the world, for the corporation’s interests … WOW. Add in a predominant religion, which forces its values on even those who don’t believe, and your futuristic scenario above describes Salt Lake City today.

Thanks, Decker—you just helped me decide to quit and move out of this hypothetical hellhole to someplace nicer.

–Cop

Have a question for the Cop? Email him at askacop@slugmag.com.

Dear Cop,

El Chapo escaping is now old news, but it still makes me wonder about how federal agencies operate in the way of nabbing international perps. I’ve heard of FBI agents working in bases in Germany in an effort to stop terrorist plots against the USA, but it’s to my understanding that the FBI is mainly a domestic policing organization, whereas the CIA is supposed to gather information internationally. To a certain extent, it would seem that El Chapo is a type of terrorist whose doings affect American citizens to what seems to be a pretty large degree. Where are the lines drawn with regard to this situation and the different American federal policing bodies? Would it be within the power of the FBI or CIA to apprehend a key drug kingpin internationally? Or, since it’s a drug-related matter, does that duty fall to the DEA, and does the DEA have any jurisdiction to operate internationally? What limits does American law enforcement face when a figure like El Chapo—whose sustained arrest would likely benefit American society—is at large in another country/moving country to country? And are you SURE that it’s illegal if I do it myself? I’ve worked up the courage.

Dog The Bounty Hunter

Dear Dog,

The DEA and FBI have no jurisdiction overseas. However, that’s never stopped them from doing what needs to be done and, at times, bringing vile pieces of shit to justice.

The FBI and DEA have legal attaché offices all over the world. Agents work terrorism, drugs, money laundering, human trafficking and a lot more, and they do so by assisting nations’ law enforcement agencies. Any actual enforcement, aided by the CIA, is highly classified.

Understand that the first and second times El Chapo was arrested was only because of the DEA. The next time he’s caught—although I doubt he’ll be alive—will be because of the DEA. Also, know that a 300-percent increase recently in overdose deaths in the U.S. and increasing drug violence (ask Chicago about that) is because of a terrorist group known as the Sinaloa Cartel.

Worse than El Chapo is a man named Rafael Caro Quintero. The DEA will likely get him first, as he’s the bigger prize, but so far, the DEA and FBI desire to follow the rule of law in pursing these turds. If the American public knew the magnitude of death and destruction these drug lords have wrought on our children and families, then maybe we’d actually fight a drug war.

There’s a legendary quote from El Chapo when confronted with the paltry money generated from Mexican marijuana trafficking. He said, “Just like tobacco and alcohol, it’s a means to an end.” I don’t know if it’s true, but the drug trafficking organizations used marijuana as a gateway to crack in the ’80s, and they’re using it now as a welcome sign to harder drugs like heroin in the 21st Century (along with doctors pushing pills).

If you get El Chapo, the U.S. Government’s reward is $5 million. The Mexican government will give you another $3.8 million. So, why wouldn’t you go get him? After all, you are Dog the Bounty Hunter.

–Cop

Have a question for the Cop? Email him at askacop@slugmag.com.

Illustration: Brighton Metz

Dear Officer,

<Neo>
After reading the majority of your articles presented in SLUG Magazine over the past few years, it’s been my feeling that the subjects you have covered that involve police work relate to mostly physical, real-world issues. Not to say physical, face-to-face issues are not important, although I wanted to ask about a different side of police work that may have been overlooked… cyber crimes. I was wondering at what level police start to search and interject in cyber crimes—city-, county- or statewide? Do police interject on cyber bullying or does the offense need to be much more severe case such as identity theft, Internet scams or fraud? A good example of classic internet fraud and cyber crimes is the local KSL Classifieds. Will police interject in crimes related to KSL Classifieds?

</Neo>

Excellent question. An actual crime related to KSL Classifieds makes investigation and prosecution likely. Often, the biggest issue with Internet-related investigations is jurisdiction. If KSL is involved, there is a greater chance the perpetrator and vic- tim reside in Utah or close by, making prosecution possible.

Generally, most Internet-related crimes come under the jurisdiction of the federal government. That’s because the criminal is using the Internet, which is considered an interstate—and in many cases an international—medium of communication. Having said that, is the FBI going to take your fraud case or the DEA your Internet drug ripoff case? No. In most cases, you’ll be referred to your local law enforcement agency to make the report, receive a case number, and that’s where it ends.

Your scenario involving the use of a local company (KSL) as the “location” where the crime occurs makes it possible to investigate and jurisdictionally prosecutable by locals. That goes for both sellers and buyers trying to victimize each other. One big issue I’ve seen related to Internet cases is the victim not understanding the difference between a civil and criminal action. Anytime a crime occurs, a prosecutor has to prove “intent” by the actor to commit that crime. That’s why you don’t get prosecuted for one bad check. Just say you didn’t know, and then there’s no intent and no crime. If there are multiple bad checks, or the account has been closed for six months, then, obviously, it becomes much easier to prove intent and prosecute the fraud. It’s basically the same with many Internet-fraud-type incidents. Nonetheless, Internet bullying deemed criminal is always investigated and prosecuted by the locals when possible.

Mostly, the Internet crimes that are investigated and prosecuted are Internet crimes against children, drug sales on the dark web such as the old Silk Road, intrusion, human trafficking and terrorism—and they’re done so by the Feds.

I shouldn’t imply that the FBI won’t take your fraud case, but in 99 out of 100 cases, they won’t. In this day and age, someone sending $50K to Prince Phillipe de Bobo in Nigeria promising to double their money won’t be investigated. However, legit victims are welcome to submit their case to the website ic3.gov for review. Also, should you have questions, the FBI duty agent is just a phone call away and always available and willing to assist you.

–Cop

Have a question for the cop? Email him at askacop@slugmag.com.

Hey Mr. Cop,

What is the most impressive cop thing that you’ve ever done? What is it in your career as a cop that you’re most proud of?

-Curious about courage

Dear Curious,

I try to write about cop life, not about me, and I’m pretty boring anyways. Also, too much detail could infringe on someone’s right to privacy, so I apologize in advance for my generalized response. So, here’s my view on courage. It comes from being in the “service” sector for the government in one aspect or another most of my adult life.

I view courage as bravery and an action by someone that is completely selfless. It’s an intentional act so completely contrary to one’s personal benefit where actual harm—physical or otherwise—is the likely outcome. The key, I believe, is that the “courageous act” is for another rather than oneself.

If someone acts in their own interest, then it’s a selfish deed not done for another, and I don’t view that as courageous. There’s a big difference between the gangster who snitches to get a better sentence and the gang member who snitches because the crime was morally wrong. They’re both telling the truth, but their motivations are polar opposites. I’ve known several “criminals” I’ll never forget who did the right thing trying to find a moral compass, and did so to their own incarceration/detriment.

Firefighters are courageous. Initially, they join because they want to serve, just like cops. I guarantee you, anytime you run into a burning house to make sure there is no one trapped or hurt, it’s not in your interest. And, that doesn’t just go for firefighters. Cops are almost always the first responders at a house fire. I guarantee that when they hear someone screaming inside a burning house, they’re going in. I’ve seen that numerous times, too.

You don’t hear about it much anymore, but this area used to be rife with meth labs—red P reduction labs. I’m guessing most readers have no idea how toxic a meth lab environment is, but when you mix red phosphorous, iodine prill, caustic and pseudo, additionally, you manufacture hydriodic acid and produce phosphine gas. That byproduct will kill you. I know many cops who have knowingly entered these environments at the risk to their health for life, just trying to clean up a neighborhood. A lot of them are dead from uncommon cancers. I view that as pretty courageous. I don’t know one cop who got a raise or was promoted for being a lab NARC.

I know cops who’ve responded on multiple fatalities, including children, at crash scenes. When they’re done, they get the awesome duty of making the death notification. They get off shift, go home, sleep and get up, and the very next day, go on another one. And that’s just the first two days of their work week. They do this day in and out, week after week. This kind of ethic is what makes me proud. It would be easy to tell dispatch you’re not available and let someone else handle it.

Have I known cops who won’t go in the burning house, won’t work the labs, always writing a ticket when the nasty collision comes out? Yes. Thankfully, they’re few in number. Personally, I’m thankful the meth labs are mostly gone—but I’d go back in if they returned.

–Cop

Have a question for the cop? Email him at askacop@slugmag.com.

Hey, Copface (I say that with oh, so much love),
What it is?

So I’ve heard it repeated, from time to time, that “cops tend to be/are overwhelmingly Type-A personalities.” Those who say so are, of course, complaining. I hope you haven’t fielded this question before and that I’ve missed it because I very much wonder and would like to pick your brain. I wonder two things about this, actually:

1) Is this in any way verifiably true?

2) If it is, does it matter? In other words, do we make it a requirement that the squeamish perform surgeries or the timid be on the front lines of battle or that the disorganized be the ones to draft a corporation’s weekly schedule? If Type-A personalities suit the job of “Constable on Patrol” (I’ve heard that’s where we get the term “cop” from–heyo!) and it is true, indeed, that such types predominate the numbers of our boys and girls in blue, then what would be the problem with that?

DO Type-A personalities suit the job of constable on patrol in the first place? Do they not?

I guess I kind of have another question, also. My friend Jeff recently told me that he has a cousin who’s a cop whose friend (a fellow cop) recently got divorced from his wife. After some time, Jeff actually became interested in this cop’s former wife and set about to start making some moves. Cop Cousin Theresa put the kebosh on that, sharpish. As Jeff related this story to me, I immediately thought that it was just a delicate situation and that it was a question of the intimacy, boundaries and propriety common to us all, but he swiftly corrected me and said, “Oh, no, Bro! I crossed the Blue Line, man!”

Come, now. For real? Is this a thing, too? I mean, is the “Blue Line” a THING, Cop Friend? If so, what is it? What are its basic limits? From whence it cometh (what hath God wrought!?)? And could you hook me up with your sister?

Sincerely,
Laikwan

Mr. Laikwan,

My opinion is yes, most cops (male and female) are Type-A. Lots of people probably think it’s Type-A–squared for “Arrogant Asshole,” but it’s a job where you mostly have to tell people what to do and not ask people what they’d like to do. In my experience, Type-A people are much better at giving direction assertively and not backing down to adversity than Type B people. I hope we’re thinking of the types as the same thing. By the way, I’m Type B per my Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory.

I’ve neither heard of nor experienced the “Blue Line” you’ve described. The ex of some cop is fair game to anyone. I believe the Blue Line saved Jeff from that ex-wife. The Blue Line I know and have experienced refers to one of two things: first, the inner workings of law enforcement that’s not revealed to outsiders. Cops go through life and death together, and when Internal Affairs comes knocking, no one wants to rat out their partner. Second is the “Thin Blue Line” that refers to the few sheepdogs protecting sheep from the wolves. My sisters? Really? Hell no!

–Cop

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Email him at
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SLUG Magazine

Salt Lake UnderGround

Author: Some Cop Dude

Ask a Cop: DMV Cop

Ask a Cop: 411 on the 911

Ask a Cop: Correctional Officers

Ask a Cop: Fashion Police

Ask a Cop: Santa Cop

Ask a Cop: Cyborg Cop

Ask a Cop: El Chapo and International Jurisdiction

Ask a Cop: Cyber Crimes

Ask a Cop: Courage

Ask a Cop: Type-A