Special ?privledges?

[theHNIC]

I was just at McDonalds and I ordered 2 McChickens and a large fry...shortly afterwards a policeman walked in and orders and got his food for free.

I believe they should pay just like everybody else instead of getting the food for free, even the employees have to pay a discounted price for what they get, why should the ummmm...police have it differently.

P.S. After I received my food, I questioned the cashier about this while the policeman was standing right there, I laughed at her response, looked at the police and walked out. Needless to say he looked at me like I was crazy.


Just thought I would get that off my chest.

[Paladin]

I believe they have to pay for tax and stuff if anything at all, but basically for free. Why should we give the pigs stuff for free I mean they pull us over and are really mean. At the cinema where I work we let our police officers sign in for free, and the only person that it benefit's is my Boss when she get's pulled over which is never, so why should we let these *******'s come in for free?

[Nanotech9]

guys, lets say it again... everyone with me. ALL COPS ARE NOT PIGS or *******S.

i have two cop friends that are really nice people. They like their job, and do it well.

i have also been stopped by some VERY nice and corteous(sp?) officers. I have also been stopped by some not-so-nice officers. Yes, they piss me off.

Just remember, Cops have bad days like the rest of us do, and its HRAD not to take out their anger on other people. You never know who they dealt with last... maybe someone who thinks all cops are *******s and gave them a fukin hard time or something.

Believe it or not, Many cops put their life on the line for the rest of us, *******s or not, so i think its just a nice thing to do to give them free stuff once in a while.

Heck, i used to get free parking at the OSU parking garage... cause the little old lady like me, and i smiled and talked to her every day on teh way out.... are you gonna be mad at me now?

[DoPeY5007]

ok some cops are ass's....


most aren't...

I have delt with some nice one...


but the nice ones aren't the ones who we get pulled over by....

[chrissy]

After working in several restaurants and fast food places, also gas stations, when I was younger, we got to know our police very well and would give them free food/sodas because we liked knowing we were protected. I became friends with a lot of cops that way. They sometimes insisted on paying, I always got a tip if it was a sitdown type restaurant. And the gas station, well, they saved my butt on an occasion, the manager and I owe them more than a free sandwich and soda.

These guys don't get paid a lot for putting their lives on the line for us and our protection. Kinda like a lot of the guys who went to work at police depts. and fire stations in NYC on Sept. 11th. I tell ya, live in Las Vegas on the north side of Las Vegas Blvd. and tell me you couldn't say thanks to a cop for keeping you safe.

[Pinkgirl36]

I actually wanted and still kinda wanna be a cop, but I'm too young to start any of the training or anything because you have to be atleast like 21 1/2 or even older.... :(

[NuTs62]

Its just like any other job, you get the hookups if ya know someone.I scratch your back, you scratch mine. It never hurts to be on a cop's good side. I've been pulled over a few times, but thankfully there were some nice cops that have let me off a few times too.

There was one who let me off because I had the same birthday as her son! Boy was I lucky! =)

[mr2fan]

Hey, those people police our streets, some aren't competent but the same thing exists in all proffessions. Some guys are *******s- i would be too if i put my life on the line on a daily basis for like 40k a year. I am sorta glad I dont have to do that work and see no problem giving them free food. The way i look at it, we are undervaluing(sp?) their services by just offering them free donuts. It sounds to me like any cop bashers out there are probably skinny guys incapable of defending themselves who feel everyone owes them something. These people risk their lives to help people like you, who are in some cases too insipid to appreciate the help.

[NuTs62]

Originally posted by Pinkgirl36
I actually wanted and still kinda wanna be a cop, but I'm too young to start any of the training or anything because you have to be atleast like 21 1/2 or even older.... :(

Actually, I just looked it up. For San Francisco, in order to take the examination, you need to be at least 20 years old. To be hired, you need to be at least 21. And from what I hear, they're in need of more officers, especially in wake of 9-11. so go apply, or start preparing! hehe..

[oblongmelon]

I know in my area-the local police and fire depts run tabs with certain restaurants because they are not allowed to carry cash with them while working..the dept. gets billed every two weeks.Each guy is allowed to spend so much each day for their meals...Same goes for gas for the patrol cars..it's on a tab with certain gas stations.

[DoPeY5007]

Originally posted by NuTs62


Actually, I just looked it up. For San Francisco, in order to take the examination, you need to be at least 20 years old. To be hired, you need to be at least 21. And from what I hear, they're in need of more officers, especially in wake of 9-11. so go apply, or start preparing! hehe.. well in LA it is 20.5

[NuTs62]

Originally posted by oblongmelon
I know in my area-the local police and fire depts run tabs with certain restaurants because they are not allowed to carry cash with them while working..the dept. gets billed every two weeks.Each guy is allowed to spend so much each day for their meals...Same goes for gas for the patrol cars..it's on a tab with certain gas stations.

Honestly, to this very day, I have yet to see a patrol car fill up at any gas station. I've seen one or two taxi's, but never a police vehicle. I just always thought they had pumps at the precinct, or some special place hehe.

[NuTs62]

Originally posted by DoPeY5007
well in LA it is 20.5

Speakin of LA, a few weeks ago when I was down there, I saw my first highspeed chase in person. Well, not exactly. They already made the car stopped, and the people eatin the pavement. Pretty cool, around 8 squad cars along with a helicopter. From what I hear, thats like nothing special down there. Up here, you almost never hear bout that sorta thing.

[chrissy]

Originally posted by NuTs62


Honestly, to this very day, I have yet to see a patrol car fill up at any gas station. I've seen one or two taxi's, but never a police vehicle. I just always thought they had pumps at the precinct, or some special place hehe.

either they have an acct or they use a card service. It's the same service UPS uses for filling up their trucks. I can't, for the life of me, remember what that acct is called.

[Windsor]

Originally posted by NuTs62


Honestly, to this very day, I have yet to see a patrol car fill up at any gas station. I've seen one or two taxi's, but never a police vehicle. I just always thought they had pumps at the precinct, or some special place hehe.

I read somewhere or something that at least some cop cars can run off natural gas, but most choose to run regular 'ol gasoline cause its more powerful. But if they run off natural gas, they might fill up at the precinct?

[Mike_N_Ike]

Dude...who cares if they give the cops free food. I mean, it could be for a hundred different reasons. Unless the police department is extorting McDonalds into paying for their breakfast every day, I really don't think it matters.

[theHNIC]

Originally posted by Mike_N_Ike
Dude...who cares if they give the cops free food. I mean, it could be for a hundred different reasons. Unless the police department is extorting McDonalds into paying for their breakfast every day, I really don't think it matters.

I was expecting a heated discussion, I didnt even say I cared. All I was doing was posting my thoughts about the situation.




But come to think of it why am I explaining this to you....CARRY ON.

[Mike_N_Ike]

Originally posted by gotmilk
But come to think of it why am I explaining this to you....CARRY ON.
Thank you for that. I've been sitting here for hours waiting for your permission to do just that.

I wasn't trying to slam you it's just that I have my own "thoughts" on this and to be quite honest, I'm sick of people jumping all over cops for doing a job - especially when it's a job we need them to do. I'm sick of people b*tching about cops not using their blinkers or running red lights. The next time some guy takes a kid hostage, we'll make the cops stop at the red lights as they're trying to chase him down. The truth is most of the people that complain about these sort of things have no idea what the police are doing at the time. And they don't care. They just need something to complain about.

If you think cops are dicks for pulling you over, think about what it would be like trying to walk across the street if there weren't those "pigs" out there giving out stupid speeding tickets.

Those are my thoughts.

[mojo]

what kind of petty crap is it that peeps would complain about something that a cop gets for free when it would amount to like $5 or $6 tops? it's not like you went to a nice restaurant or something. it seems at best to be a token benefit...nobody's gonna sign up to be a cop just to get free mcdonald's food :rolleyes:

next time someone fires a gun at you, get proof, go to mcdonald's and maybe they will give you something nice for it.

[WhiskeyPapa]

Maybe you guys wouldn't have to worry about how "bad" cops are when they pull you over, if you wouldn't do things to get pulled over for.

I haven't been pulled over for more than 10 years. And it's not because I'm lucky. I just follow the law.

In college, I worked the graveyard shift alone at a convenience store. I gave cops all the free coffee they wanted. It made the place more secure, since there was at least one cop stopping in every couple hours. Sometimes there would be a half-dozen meeting at my gas station for a coffee break. It was the safest place in town.

If some jerk is going to rob a store, they'll think twice about hitting the place that the cops hang out at.

...and that's why places like McDonald's give free food to cops.

[Jenny]

Originally posted by kb0wwp
Maybe you guys wouldn't have to worry about how "bad" cops are when they pull you over, if you wouldn't do things to get pulled over for.

I haven't been pulled over for more than 10 years. And it's not because I'm lucky. I just follow the law.

Exactly! I hate how people always complain about police who pull them over. WELL DON'T BREAK THE LAW AND THEY WON'T, YOU IDIOT! lol I have gotten 2 tickets in my entire life. The first one, I disagreed with (not that I had actually done it but the fine for it), and the 2nd one, hell yeah, I was speeding. I deserved to be pulled over.

Come on people! Every single one of you that complains about police pulling you over has done something to be pulled over. Grow up!

[mojo]

Originally posted by Jenny
Exactly! I hate how people always complain about police who pull them over. WELL DON'T BREAK THE LAW AND THEY WON'T, YOU IDIOT! lol I have gotten 2 tickets in my entire life. The first one, I disagreed with (not that I had actually done it but the fine for it), and the 2nd one, hell yeah, I was speeding. I deserved to be pulled over.

Come on people! Every single one of you that complains about police pulling you over has done something to be pulled over. Grow up! i don't fully agree here. i didn't complain about them getting free stuff. i actually have been pulled over for basically nothing quite a few times. there are other variables such as the car you drive and stuff. there is also the factor of human error...they can't be expected to be perfect. then there's also the area you're in.

anyhow, there's a lot of cops you can complain about...but without them we'd be screwt. so that's pretty much that i guess.

[pagemap]

Originally posted by NuTs62


Honestly, to this very day, I have yet to see a patrol car fill up at any gas station. I've seen one or two taxi's, but never a police vehicle. I just always thought they had pumps at the precinct, or some special place hehe.

Same... i have never seen police cruiser fill up at a gas station

[Pinkgirl36]

Originally posted by NuTs62


Honestly, to this very day, I have yet to see a patrol car fill up at any gas station. I've seen one or two taxi's, but never a police vehicle. I just always thought they had pumps at the precinct, or some special place hehe. Where I live, I actually think that the police station does have pumps in the back.....oh wait I mean the Sherriff Station ( and I have learned from expeierence the Sherriff I have delt with in my valley are very mean and rude to teenagers ) ( and NO I wasn't in trouble, I use to be friends with someone who's ex would try to run her off the road etc....and always when I was with her ) But yeah, I've seen in the back of the Station where they keep all the cars and have seen pumps back there....

[Merlin]

Cops getting free food while on the job is not good people. And the reason why is simple. We, on this board are all intelligent enough to realize that it is being done as a courtesy or thank you to the officer for service, but there is a significant percentage (usually poor, less intelligent, or maybe new to the country, who typically have jobs with large public interface) that would feel somewhat pressured to provide free things. Imagine, you are new to the country and some big guy with a gun comes in and asks you for something, what do you do?

To us the answer is simple but tothem is might be a tense situation.

Public servants should not accept tips. It sets a bad precedent.

As for all the other people saying how wonderful they are for risking their lives... They went into their profession with eyes wide open. It's not like they are being asked to do things they didn't know they would be called on to do. Yes, I am glad they are there and take confort in the safety they provide but providing it is their job. It's what they are paid for.

[mojo]

Originally posted by Merlin
Imagine, you are new to the country and some big guy with a gun comes in and asks you for something, what do you do?

To us the answer is simple but tothem is might be a tense situation.
i won't go through and pick your stuff apart, but i will say that if someone is new to the country, they should be prepared to figure out who our law enforcement officers are. and if they can't tell, i don't want them handing me a big mac...cuz they prolly can't do that right either. how did they get the damned job if they don't know what a cop looks like? i mean, ours don't look a hell of a lot different from their own i bet.

anyhow, maybe they should, and all the answers there are simple. like i said, they didn't go to be cops just to get free whoppers. get real. it's just a token. find something important to worry about. like crime or drugs or something.

btw, homeless get free food all the time from these establishments. just not in the restaurant....because it makes the general public freak out to see alternate realities :|

[Merlin]

Originally posted by mojo
i won't go through and pick your stuff apart, but i will say that if someone is new to the country, they should be prepared to figure out who our law enforcement officers are. and if they can't tell, i don't want them handing me a big mac...cuz they prolly can't do that right either. how did they get the damned job if they don't know what a cop looks like? i mean, ours don't look a hell of a lot different from their own i bet.



Even if they are not stupid, they could be FOB from a place where law enforcement was more corrupt and as such be conditioned to "give" police things.

Again, I just think it is inappropriate for police to accept gifts from the general population.

[mojo]

Originally posted by Merlin


Even if they are not stupid, they could be FOB from a place where law enforcement was more corrupt and as such be conditioned to "give" police things.

Again, I just think it is inappropriate for police to accept gifts from the general population. well, i'm sure that management has methods in place for such "freebies." i mean, the person working the register can't just make those decisions.

[NuTs62]

Originally posted by kb0wwp
Maybe you guys wouldn't have to worry about how "bad" cops are when they pull you over, if you wouldn't do things to get pulled over for.

I haven't been pulled over for more than 10 years. And it's not because I'm lucky. I just follow the law.

In college, I worked the graveyard shift alone at a convenience store. I gave cops all the free coffee they wanted. It made the place more secure, since there was at least one cop stopping in every couple hours. Sometimes there would be a half-dozen meeting at my gas station for a coffee break. It was the safest place in town.

If some jerk is going to rob a store, they'll think twice about hitting the place that the cops hang out at.

...and that's why places like McDonald's give free food to cops.

Ditto! Beats payin for 'em rent-a-cops!:)

[NuTs62]

Originally posted by mojo
i don't fully agree here. i didn't complain about them getting free stuff. i actually have been pulled over for basically nothing quite a few times. there are other variables such as the car you drive and stuff. there is also the factor of human error...they can't be expected to be perfect. then there's also the area you're in.

anyhow, there's a lot of cops you can complain about...but without them we'd be screwt. so that's pretty much that i guess.

Ditto on that too! I've been pulled over my fair share of times, many times I don't complain, and realize its my fault. But there was this instance when I was driving about speed limit in San Mateo with a few of my friends in my new car. I'm not sure if this was a factor, but the officers were caucasian, and my friends and I are all asian. I don't usually like to bring up race, but in this case, it was a possibility. He questioned whether or not the car was mine, how long I had it for, etc. After I gave him all my papers as proof, he let me go. Am I just not allowed to drive a nice new car because I'm young? or is it because of my skin color?

Oooo, and I dislike the fact that some cops wait at speed traps. BUT, I do realize that I have my faults, and I think twice about driving fast. I'm still thankful that they're out there risking their lives for all of us.

[Grimm]

Originally posted by Merlin


Even if they are not stupid, they could be FOB from a place where law enforcement was more corrupt and as such be conditioned to "give" police things.

Again, I just think it is inappropriate for police to accept gifts from the general population.
Most places will give a cop free coffee or food just to keep them around or coming back because of the extra protection they get from it. A security guard is going to cost them $12 or so an hour (minimum wage + the expenses for having an employee), 24 hours = $288. Police showing up at your establishment randomly is more security than a minimum wage guard full time. So for $20 of food in a day you get more than $288 of extra protection. Quite a deal!
When you take a job, do you only ask what the pay is? No! You ask about benifits. Life insurance, medical, dental, gym, vacation, sick time, travel, discounts and may others. Well, police work just happens to be big on discounts. The pay is crap, but the community they protect picks up the slack by providing freebies.
If a cop extorts stuff from a shop or restraunt, he can go to jail, just like you can. As far as FOBs are concerned, cops usualy will be real carefull about that. Not only do they have to avoid impropriety, they must also avoid the appearance of impropriety.

Pinkgirl36, in San Diego the Sherffis dept. is staffed entirey by A**hles, the police are better, but the CHP are considered to be the nicest. :eek: Who knew?

[Merlin]

Originally posted by Grimm

Not only do they have to avoid impropriety, they must also avoid the appearance of impropriety.


That's my point exactly. So many of the posts have said that the freebies keep the cops around and the shop keeper feeling "safe" I guess your taxes are not enough to pay for police. You need taxes and food.

Yes, that hyperbole was meant to be said with tongue in cheek.

Nevertheless, it does imple you get a different level of service/protection based on what you give. And I don't think that's right.

[Grimm]

Originally posted by Merlin

Nevertheless, it does imple you get a different level of service/protection based on what you give. And I don't think that's right.
A cop has to be somewhere. He doesn't immediately dematterialize when he leaves you sight. While waiting for calls and filling out paperwork he has to be somewhere. Businesses that make the cops feel welcome will naturaly have cops there more often. This is not a "level of service" this is common hospitality.
Everyone's tax dollars provide a minimum amount of security that everyone gets.
Police departments set rules about what can be accepted. Free coffee is universaly accepted, food under X dollars is pretty common too. I wouldn't really start to worry untill the neighborhood cop starts to get anything durable for free. That and free pot from the dealers.

And stop talking about cop's pay. They don't get paid nearly enough for what they do, not by half. Stop acting like they are fairly compensated for what they do. When your taxes go up enough to pay a cop what he is worth then you can start talking about your tax dollars.
Cops in San Diego make just enough to support a family of four just over sustanance level. It's very sad. :(

[Mike_N_Ike]

Originally posted by Grimm
...They don't get paid nearly enough for what they do, not by half. Stop acting like they are fairly compensated for what they do. When your taxes go up enough to pay a cop what he is worth then you can start talking about your tax dollars.
Cops in San Diego make just enough to support a family of four just over sustanance level. It's very sad. :(
Yup.

[attgig]

My dad owns a drycleaners..
He gives 25% discount on police/fire/ambulance people uniforms. if they come with other clothes, they're normal price.
I think that's pretty fair.

[Ladogaboy]

The way I see it, businesses can do whatever they feel like.

In addition, I think the fact that it is a Police Officer's duty to "protect and serve" means that their occupation should be held in higher regard. When I used to do fund raising on my college campus running a snack bar, we would always give our Campus Security Officers free food/drinks. I never thought twice about it. They are their for our protection, and I think that showing a bit of gratitude is in order.

[Memo]

The police are the servants of the people and I see no problem giving them free stuff if you're a business. An enterprise can do as they wish (sorta...Enron :P ).

[WhiskeyPapa]

I just went through the Burger King drive through for lunch. Right in front of me was a police cruiser. I watched very carefully when he pulled up to the window. Sure enough, the BK employee handed the food to the cop, and the cop never paid.

It doesn't bug me at all. If I owned BK, I'd give 'em free food too.

[NuTs62]

Originally posted by Grimm

And stop talking about cop's pay. They don't get paid nearly enough for what they do, not by half. Stop acting like they are fairly compensated for what they do. When your taxes go up enough to pay a cop what he is worth then you can start talking about your tax dollars.
Cops in San Diego make just enough to support a family of four just over sustanance level. It's very sad. :(


Going to fellow officer's funerals, hearing on the news of another officer being gunned down, being in the thick of matters, never knowing when someone will pull a gun on you, etc. There are many things police officers risk day to day. Sure, they knew what they were getting into, and thats why we should respect that and be thankful for them.

You see soldiers being shipped off getting lots of recognition for protecting our country, being brave, being heroes. But often, we forget the everyday heroes. The ones who protect our country day in and day out, not just for 4 years of service. Sure they don't face the same situations, but nonetheless, they all put their lives on the line.

You tell me if your life is worth a cheeseburger or coffee every so often. Thats a small price to pay for protection. Their presence itself in many instances detours crime.

[Ladogaboy]

Originally posted by DarkFury

Heh... "Have it YOUR way...." and "Sometimes, You GOTTA break the rules" :hihi:

(those old slogans just came to mind when you said that... )

Where's the beef? :confused:


:heh:

[Merlin]

This seems like it is quickly degenerating into a pissing contest over whether or not cops are paid enough. Unfortunately, that's going to remain a matter of opinon and is not really the point I wanted to make.

My concern is having people who are clearly in a position of authority (as in the only one in the room with a weapon and powers of arrest) accepting gifts while on the job. I think there are too many ethical concerns surrounding this. That's all.

As for the previous post about shop keepers being to give their product away to whom ever they want. I agree, they should be able to, but I don't think police should accept.

[Ladogaboy]

Originally posted by Merlin
This seems like it is quickly degenerating into a pissing contest over whether or not cops are paid enough. Unfortunately, that's going to remain a matter of opinon and is not really the point I wanted to make.

My concern is having people who are clearly in a position of authority (as in the only one in the room with a weapon and powers of arrest) accepting gifts while on the job. I think there are too many ethical concerns surrounding this. That's all.

As for the previous post about shop keepers being to give their product away to whom ever they want. I agree, they should be able to, but I don't think police should accept.

I know what you are saying about the apperance of impropriety, but honestly, I'd rather have them take free favors in full public view than taking bribes in a back alley somewhere.

And when you think about it, what does a fastfood place really have to gain from it? I doubt that a free burger is going to keep you from getting arrested.

[Pinkgirl36]

Originally posted by NuTs62


Actually, I just looked it up. For San Francisco, in order to take the examination, you need to be at least 20 years old. To be hired, you need to be at least 21. And from what I hear, they're in need of more officers, especially in wake of 9-11. so go apply, or start preparing! hehe..
In LA you still have to be 21 ( I checked yesterday ) so I have like a year and a half still.....damn the man.....

[Ladogaboy]

Originally posted by DarkFury

:nono: That was "Wendy's" old slogan... :2far:

Well SORRY!!! :D

All I could remember is these little old ladies standing around the bun complaining... And that was a LONG time ago!!! :heh: