Quote:
Originally Posted by Traditional_Ale
One personal anecdote about police officers.
When I was in my early 20's a buddy and I were walking down the street smoking a joint. Suddenly there were four cops (seemingly out of nowhere) beating the hell out of us. No warning, no formal arrest, just four cops smashing us into the walls of a building, and then the ground, and then being (illegally) searched. They didn't even read us our rights (formally arrest us). When they found nothing (no more weed, or booze/other drugs, weapons, anything) they essentially berated us trying to get one of us to cave and say/do something stupid.
Fast-forward to the same time the very next year, with the very same buddy, under the very same circumstances but this time in Toronto. All the cop said to us was "Excuse me, sirs, but could you put your joint out, please?" Didn't try to arrest, or search, or cause any more trouble. He used his discretion as a police officer to not pursue some kind of charge and instead very respectfully and politely asked us to (rightfully, because although it was very early in the morning it is still second-hand smoke) put the joint out.
We both said "Yes sir!" almost in unison, put it out, and he smiled and thanked us before carrying on his way.
Interesting dichotomy between the police of the two cities, for sure.
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My experience with the CPS is the polar opposite. When I was in my 20's, I was at a club on Electric Avenue and was smoking a joint in the bathroom with a couple buddies when the cops walked in. We looked at them and they looked at us and said "That's a cigarette, right?" We said "Right" and tossed in the crapper. End of story.
Until now, I have never heard of the CPS taking anyone down for smoking a joint.
As others have said, when dealing with police, I find it best to observe the golden rule. Treat them how you would like them to treat you.
Why would anyone in their right mind expect respect from a cop if they show the cop zero respect?
Act like an ignorant jerk, expect the police to treat you as one.