I'm reposting this here, originally posted in 'two police officers shot in Ferguson'
I've had police in my house three times in the past month. They were here to do their job; make sure that no criminal activity was taking place, that there was no threat to the community and to keep the peace.
I'm not a thug. When they asked me pointed questions about my large and visible collection of marijuana, I was honest; A. It's part of my research project and B. I CAN'T legally sell it, so here it sits!
They stopped by again yesterday to ensure that I was in compliance with state law and local ordinance, and I gave them the run of the house. They looked around, confirmed that I was in compliance and were in such a hurry to leave that they didn't even want to speak with my lawyer, whom I'd made available to answer their questions from the day before.
In other words, they're just trying to do their job. They're in the firing line between laws that make no sense and people who don't know whether they can be trusted, and that makes for a tough day behind the badge.
They treated me with respect because I treated them that way, I'm sure of it.
Does this make me 'pro cop'? A 'police advocate'?
I can say this much; imagine what our cities would look like if there weren't any police, with informal vigilante groups roaming around and thugs who don't care whom they abuse having free reign. That's called 'anarchy' and I'm no fan of that.
Colorado is in the midst of an experiment in marijuana legalization, and I found myself in the position of being something of an ambassador for all of us on RIU and elsewhere who just want to grow our own and be left alone. If I had treated them as enemies, what would that say about all of us?
Yes, I took a calculated risk by letting them in a month ago to look around. What was the likely outcome of refusing them? I'm willing to bet there would have been a search warrant, an arrest (mine!) and lots of nasty charges I'd have had to fight off.
Treating them with respect, recognizing they have a job to do and assuring them that they and I are on the same side- one of peaceable coexistence with neighbors and community- and that I'm doing my best to follow the letter and the spirit of all applicable laws, got me their respect.
Isn't that the way it's supposed to be?