I always refer to them as 'The Police' or a 'Policeman', unless it's a lady in which case a 'Police officer'. :)
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I always refer to them as 'The Police' or a 'Policeman', unless it's a lady in which case a 'Police officer'. :)
I noticed the VIP plates at last year's ANZAC Day March. This year the bikes had HWP plates.Quote:
Originally Posted by mudmouse
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment...1&d=1369398950
I just noticed this from this year's pix (highly cropped)
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment...1&d=1369399746
If i'm talking face to face then its Sir or officer if they are female.
Honestly?
Depends on the attitude etc of the person Im talking to.
I almost always refer to myself as a copper, almost collapse at the thought of the term law enforcement offitcial, and at other times refer to my employment as a govt driver (I drive govt cars, trucks and motorcycles as part of my employment :) )
I have been known after a while to advise I am the "big cat trainer" at Cats are us. Usually there are no questions and everyone moves on!
If Mr or Mrs Jo AVERAGE is talking to me, then cop, copper, fuzz, officer etc, it doesnt worry me as I know its just a term and not derogetory...
If someone is being an arse, then its "Senior", or "Officer" or they can address me by my surname if they'd like to in some way influence where their future direction (of travel--eg with me to the cells or they go home free with a "bee in their ear".
I have also advised people that my employment is as a diver where I follow fish about and collect "fish farts} for spirit levels (thats how they know when things are level) Some of us arent all that good and get 'yellow liquid" from the fish as well - you may have seen that??? - its like yellow snow... But Im sure "other employments" could start its own thread!!
Regardless of what we call them.
What ****es me is the total lack of respect given to the profession by a proportion of society.
I don't consider myself old by any means. (here we go though) When we were just wee lads in the 80's, respect was something you would give to all adults and especially those that wore a uniform.
Never had a problem with it and still don't.
Getting off topic, sorry Weeds.
Even earlier in time respect was taught and expected at home and at school (in all parts of our lives really). We weren't subjected to instant communication, rotten TV programs, multi-media games etc etc - kids have a lot more to learn & cope with these days.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rimmer
Officer? Never. Most coppers are not commissioned officers, they are noncoms.
That is Americanised rubbish. Many I know actually hate being called officer and will tell you, "I am not an officer"
They are Constable, Senior Constable, Sergeant etc
The couple of "local blokes" I know on a semi personal basis, I just call mate, like I call everybody else.
Those I don't know, I call by their rank.
I agree with Shorty. My father and his father were 'coppers' and 'officer' was reserved for Inspector or above, ie: commissioned officers. Most of their mates referred to each other as coppers.Quote:
Originally Posted by shorty943
IIRC cop is an acronym for 'Constable of Police' but I could be wrong.
Jeff
:rocket:
"Officer" was the original terminology used alongside the term constable as all the powers conferred were quoted as being those of the OFFICE OF eg power to enter = I am an officer of the Law (eg I represent the law) But yes has been mainly used -pushed by the Americans. The commissioned officers are refered to as that, Comm Officer here and until abt 5 years ago it was still a Queens commision being conferred but apparently that was somehow dangerous or unhealthy so "someone" changed it?? (as one of the oldest forces in the world -believed the third oldest continuing centrally organised POlice force (we are 175 this year) we have nothing to show for it.... )Quote:
Originally Posted by shorty943
I agree with the Constable as a more correct phrase or term but much prefer 'Mate' by friends, acquaintances or Joe Average, so definately agree there....
If however someone who I am speaking with who shows little no respect (and not just for my employment etc, I show people the respect I would expect in return, if its a one way street its easy for me to stop and change)
and then calls me "Mate" or "Pal" I very quickly point out that I am neither their mate nor a can of dog food!!
Its amazing how often someone who is showing remorse for something theyve done (victimless stuff, speeding, disorderly beh (to a point) and the like,) is so so much more likely to get sent on their way after an ear bending chat to sort themselves out... and no court, no fine etc...
Yet we constantly get people who BEG us to send them to court etc... they signal this by starting conversations with us with stuff like... "what do you pigs want?" or similar!
Interestingly though in the US there are Police badges etc that have a pig on them. These stem from the police motto that was adopted by a number of forces in the US mainly in NY (I think) which was Guts, Integrity, Pride and Service, very quickly rearranged by someone!
I believe police (peace) officers were called coppers due to their badges being made from copper, in the old days. I always find being polite and respectfull is the way to go and to address them by their rank.
Dugal