True, it can be used in an insult, but it’s also a very common way to describe someone from Newfoundland! Without using too many syllables…
After working with a lot of Newfonudlanders during the summer time, I feel it’s a pretty PC term outside of an insult. They all appreciated a bit of recognition of their heritage. Kinda like if someone pointed out where I was from, I was pretty proud too.
A couple of officers I used to hang out with called it the “Bun Wagon.” I have no idea what that really meant though.
You bleeding heart socialist pot-smoking British Columbian!
I’ve heard that before as well and I haven’t had the nerve to ask why they call it that. Perhaps thier van only holds 12 people?
Mike
I think the extra officers prevented a lot of crime this week.
If that means a few extra traffic tickets, so be it.
I’m going to send a thank-you card to the detachment. Without the hard work of the RCMP, I don’t think we would be able to host an event like the All-Native Tournament.
While we’re on the subject of politically incorrect names, I don’t think “cops” is a respectful term.
Well the term COP, comes from Constables on Patrol, which is uh, what they do. So I don’t think they’re too offended. Especially considering some of the other more verbose things that are throwing their way.
But yes you’re right about the extra police in town this week, quite surely they at least detered anyone from acting too foolish, both the regular crowd and any visitors that were here.
Actually “Constable on patrol” or “Citizen on Patrol” are ‘backgronyms’ – ‘cop’ is derived from the verb “to cop.”
On a different but related theme, found this tonight while browsing the web.
Figured our resident corrections custodian might get a chuckle…
The RCMP were so busy on saturday that I get to press charges on shoplifters today. YAY!!
Pressing charges on people that have no money will just waste your time, and show the thief…
“thats all that happens to me if I steal, im going to steal more”
Doesn’t “pressing charges” mean that you are seeking a criminal prosecution? It’s not a lawsuit for money, it’s to find a punishment under the law?
Yes, pressing charges means a criminal record.
Not to split hairs, but “pressing charges” means she would be seeking a criminal prosecution as Eso said. A criminal prosecution does not mean a criminal record. Any number of things can happen at court that would not lead to a criminal record. For instance if the person doesn’t have a long record the matter can be sent to diversion which is basically a community based outcome. If the person is convicted the Judge has the option of sentencing them to a conditional discharge (there is no record of conviction if the person completes probation without further offense) or an absolute discharge (no record of conviction is entered). Keep in mind these are simplified descriptions of complex issues.
And of course there is a chance they will be found not guilty.
Mike
And of course, they could also be a probate (or a reprobate!) with previous offenses, and thus be subject to a harsher punishment.
Unfortunately Eso, that is more often the case.
Mike
Actually, that’s exactly the opposite. If charges aren’t pressed, the person thinks “wheeeeeee if nothing happens to me I’m just going to do it again!!” Having or not having money to pay for the item doesn’t always influence the person to steal, nor does it have anything to do with why I would press charges.
From their media website, an example of some of the fun involved in being a police officer
Man with a Knife Attacked Police Officers Over Cab Fare
February 19th, 2007, Prince Rupert BC - Shortly after 8:30pm on Sunday, February 18th, a member of the Prince Rupert RCMP responded to a call in the 700 block of 5th Ave West. A man at that location was refusing to pay his cab fare. When the member arrived, the man had gone inside a residence at the location. The man came outside and spoke with the member who placed him under arrest. After a brief struggle, the man escaped and fled back into the residence. Two additional members arrived and, after announcing themselves, the three members entered the house to re-captured the man who had assaulted the responding member and escaped custody.
Once inside, members were attacked by the same male who had now armed himself with a knife. The three members were able to subdue the man without anyone being serious injured. The man was released from custody the following day on a Promise to Appear in Court, March of 2007.
Several charges are being recommended against the 30 year old Prince Rupert resident including: two counts of Assaulting a Peace Officer, one count of Escaping Lawful Custody, one count of Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose, and one count of Fraud in Relation to Fares.
This incident illustrates how a seemingly minor call for service can turn dangerous for police. A man prepared to attack police with a knife, over a few dollars for cab fare, help to remind us as Police Officers, why we must always be alert. Members of the public are often surprised and ask why we sometimes have two or three members respond calls. Incidents like this one demonstrate why, whenever possible, we will respond to calls with more than one member.
Having or not having money to pay for the item doesn’t always influence the person to steal.
Cause and effect
Some individuals have no cause and effect, some people who have FAS, or FAE can not understand that they are stealing, not like you or I can, we see new shoes, to get those new shoes I need money, I’ll come back on pay day. Person with FAS sees shoes, takes shoe’s not thinking ahead, that it is wrong, that they could get charged, or caught. I’m not trying to generalize that everyone who has FAS or FAE are like that, but it does happen. It also does not excuse the behavior; it means this individual needs help. Help that some times the courts will do, lesser charges or even dropping charges, directing a doctor to do more tests.
If an individual looks normal, then they must be bad people, some times those bad people are just people who have a developmental disability that got over looked. He was a hyper child, he doesn’t listen, and he’s stubborn. He’s lazy. I have heard those words many times, describing a person with a developmental disability.
As Mike correctly stated there are many possible outcomes of a charge being put forward against a suspect (I probably should have stated may result in a criminal record). I was posting from the point of view of an ex-security guard at the mall (years ago). If we detained anyone and pressed charges it was usually for theft, and then we banned the person from the mall. After the charge has been leveled there is no way to determine the outcome of what happens to the suspect.
Pot is for granola munchers. Cut yer hair, hippie.