Police pranks can be risky - but also build camaraderie
The Milan Police Department was in the news recently about a prank gone wrong. My elicited comment is there's always two sides to every story.Â
There must be more to the story, and it's always better to leave the pranks and practical jokes in the “house.” Police officers having any kind of fun on the job and being caught by taxpayers builds a platform for those with axes to grind against the police.
Believe me when I tell you I appreciate good practical jokes, especially around the station. They are fun and some become legendary.Â
That being said, there is a risk whenever a person decides to pull a prank. At the very least, if caught, the prankster looks foolish. At the worst, someone gets offended by the prank and a job is in peril because police officers should not carry on that way.
Good-natured pranks can build camaraderie on a shift. For instance, we used to fill each other’s police car hubcaps with rocks. It was great fun, and it culminated with one officer’s patrol car having all four hubcaps filled with rocks while he ate his lunch.Â
It was great when he left the restaurant. There was quite a racket, and we were in hysterics as he left the parking lot. Well, it was funny until his first “job” after calling back in service was a prowler. When checking for a prowler, stealth is a necessary component of any proper police response. OOPS!
Those involved laughed uproariously, but also realized there could have been problems. The rocks in the hubcaps gag lost its luster. Shift 5 self-policed, and the rash of rocky hubcaps ended.
As for firecrackers in the station, we had an officer who was actually code-named “NITRO” - as in nitroglycerin. One of the nicest officers to wear the blue gown for the Ann Arbor Police Department, Nitro was controlled when he was on the street and regularly attending SWAT training. Nitro apparently had a little adrenaline addiction. It was when he was off the street assigned to the detective bureau or in training that he produced a comical reign of terror with his co-workers.
If you left your desk, you later had to lift your phone or open drawers very gingerly, especially if you noticed Nitro lurking in the area. Nitro was a diabolical maestro with those pull-string poppers you can buy at gas stations and party stores. They POP very loudly, especially before your first coffee. Nitro later graduated to using spring-loaded devices that looked frighteningly similar to hand-grenade spoons. They didn’t go bang, but may have caused some spotting. Thank goodness Nitro is one of the good guys!
Some of the other classic pranks of yesteryear included: Space Police, The Blind Policeman, City Hall Snow Sculptures, Trip Flare UFOs, Goats on The Radio, Speeding Shopping Carts, Diag Light Shows, Snowballs on Calls, Iggy The Possum, Open Mike Buffoonery, Last Day Front Desk Hijinks, U-Boat Attacks, Pumpkins on Top Lights and Phantom Chases to name but a few.Â
Inside the house, there was fingerprint powder on the hat sweatband, fingerprint ink under the car door handle, severely duct taped pad locks, phones missing microphones in the mouthpiece, kidnapped coffee mugs, phones with ever-diminishing volume, gestures behind difficult citizens (ala Chevy Chase), coffee marks on the blotters - and on and on. Â
Pranks taken out of context and outside “the house” ruin the illusion of the perfect civil servant, blue knight and guardian of all that is good. Pranks are sophomoric. They are childish. They might shock and offend the general public…….but they were really funny, and no one was hurt.Â
Incessant joking kept us all from taking ourselves and our jobs too seriously. All work and no horseplay produce a bunch of sour, grumpy, ill tempered cops. My brothers and sisters in blue and brown, keep it light, keep smilin’, but keep it in “the house.”
Lock it up, don’t leave it unattended, be aware and watch out for your neighbors (especially if Nitro moves in next door).
Rich Kinsey is a retired Ann Arbor police detective sergeant who now blogs about crime and safety for AnnArbor.com.
Comments
Ricebrnr
Thu, Jan 28, 2010 : 4:15 p.m.
Have you voiced your concerns to the Chief, Mayor, AG etc etc? Have you contacted your representatives and elicited their assitance for this officer? Does the officer have adequate representation? I imagine the PBA/Unions here ought to be as good as those in New York City but if not, is he paying for representation out of pocket? Does he need a fundraiser etc? Have you considered getting a group together to protest outside of (name your official's) office so they know how you feel about it? Door to door petitions? Contact other prominent law enforcement officials and solicit their opinions/support? Just off the top of my head any one of those is much more helpful than venting here.
firecracker
Thu, Jan 28, 2010 : 3:42 p.m.
@ricebrnr...i'd be appreciative for any suggestions you may have!! i for one am at a loss....how can we make a difference?
Ricebrnr
Thu, Jan 28, 2010 : 12:15 p.m.
Sorry, I don't seem to be able to discriminate the difference, there is some very fine hair splitting that I am missing. Be that as it may, as previously stated, nothing said here will change the circumstances for the officer. I should hope his very passionate advocates are making their views known in a more substantial way than on this blog.
firecracker
Wed, Jan 27, 2010 : 5:11 p.m.
your words, "It fits the criteria: Person in authority. Responsible for the security of the populace. At work in a sensitive area." A prank in an airport is not comparable...for the reasons you, yourself have listed...a person in authority who is responsible for the security of the populace in an airport environment is NOTHING similar to the Milan Police Department...I am absolutely certain that Sgt Casey considered the safety of ALL present that evening!! all THREE of them!
firecracker
Wed, Jan 27, 2010 : 5:02 p.m.
@ricebrnr...you're point is clearly understood..actions bring consequences...however...you again miss the mark with your limited view...criminal consequences must take into consideration the circumstances PRIOR to one's actions...allow me to use your techinique...an example would be...a woman murders her husband while he sleeps...she gets off due to having lived with major physical and emotional abuses PRIOR to her actions...thus, her motivation for these actions become part of determining her guilt...or not!
Ricebrnr
Wed, Jan 27, 2010 : 4:51 p.m.
Also not sure why you feel my scenario is not comparable. It fits the criteria: Person in authority. Responsible for the security of the populace. At work in a sensitive area. Where is it incomparable?
Ricebrnr
Wed, Jan 27, 2010 : 4:43 p.m.
well, also as previously stated, but for the Sgt's actions....
firecracker
Wed, Jan 27, 2010 : 3:17 p.m.
@ricebrnr and Mr Veilmetti, your sharing 'pranks gone bad' really have NO place here!! First, Rice...yours is in an airport and the other was 'kids', neither of which i feel are comparable to Sgt. Casey's prank....as a taxpaying citizen, i feel that the circumstances surrounding this event should have been considered prior to the actions taken by our highest city officials! NOT COMPARING it to 'what if's'...what if this happended or what if that happened....taking it for what it was...a HARMLESS prank between friends...NOONE was offended, angry, or hurt as a result...no property damaged...i am 100% certain that Sgt Casey took EVERYTHING into considerations PRIOR to doing this...should he be 'punished'...eh...ok, perhaps so...BUT with all he's been through as a result of the chief and the mayor acting without thought....i believe he's paid enough....as it's been pointed out already MANY times...this will effect him probably for the rest of his life....whose responsible for that?!!!
Alena
Wed, Jan 27, 2010 : 1:31 p.m.
I understand what you guys are saying, "pranks gone bad". I am not saying that they should just pretend like nothing ever happened. TSA- That was in an airport and tons of people were there, right after the christmas bombing, the car that was just stupid. What Casey did was WRONG I am not excusing his actions at all, but the way things were handled, should not have been like that. He made sure no one was going to get hurt and nothing got damaged, IF someone/something did he would have to pay the consequence. I am just going to stand behind the man that has risked his life for the past 16 years for OUR community. I am not going to judge you on how you feel, you have your reasons as I have mine. Again Ann Arbor News- How come you removed my post?
Ricebrnr
Wed, Jan 27, 2010 : 1:09 p.m.
Well I don't have a link to a firecracker prack at the TSA, but that analogy was more curiosity on my part. There was however this one recently where the prankster was fired. http://www.annarbor.com/news/university-of-michigan-student-not-laughing-at-tsa-prank/
Alena
Wed, Jan 27, 2010 : 11:59 a.m.
@Ricebrnr (no offense taken :)with your previous post) You are very correct, I am not excusing the Sgt. actons, I was brought up any choice we make "good" or "bad" their is going to be a consequence. I just think that it was taken way to far. 10-15 years, seriously? Even 90 days is a bit much. I agree though he "should" have got suspended for a few days without pay or a write up, after all this "DRAMA" he shouln't get anything. I am not sure if you are from Milan or not, but here when someone would let off firecrackers, they didnt get ticketed (hardly ever) much less arrested for it. As far as the TSA guy, honestly I have not heard anything, send me a link and I will definitly read about it. Another thing I am wondering why was my post removed? Was it offensive?
Ricebrnr
Wed, Jan 27, 2010 : 10:41 a.m.
@Alena, I saw your impassioned response before it was removed. Please take the following in all seriousness, no sarcasm intended. In the end none of our opinions here will have any bearing in this case but how about I meet you guys halfway? If my reading comprehension isnt too bad, as far as I can tell no one is arguing that the officer is culpable. The only contention is the extent of his punishment, if at all? If that is the case, if I may risk one more analogy which may be more accurate? What would happen if a TSA agent pulled the same prank at his place of work (the airport)? What punishment would he likely face then? Ms. Alena, as a CJ student I would think that you might have access to the resources that can tell us this? My point has always been that he should expect repercussions for his actions, the same as anyone else. What he and his lawyers can bargain it down towell that would be what anyone one else caught up in the judicial system can expect, no? I can and do sympathize with the officer but not condone or excuse his actions. Those are not mutually excusive.
Alena
Wed, Jan 27, 2010 : 1:36 a.m.
First of all, it doesn't matter who was in "CHARGE" when the fireworks were put in the drawer, because that person is NOT there anymore. When you get hired in to a place with a HIGHER rank such as chief, it becomes YOUR(his) RESPONSIBLITY. Just like if I bought a car from you(or anyone) and you left a pound of weed in that car, and I got pulled over on my way home, the police are not going to believe me(more then likely)when I tell them that. Why? Because it is my RESPONSIBILITY to make sure there are NO drugs in the car. If I pick you up and we are going shopping together and for whatever reason we get pulled over; you have drugs on you and even if you keep them on you (or you put them under the seat) it does NOT matter, it is MY car and MY RESPOSIBILITY to make sure that there is no drugs or anything illegal in it. As far as Bait Car, this situation is FAR from that. I am going to school for criminal justice ( I am not saying I know everything) but I have learned, you(the criminal) has to have "INTENT" to do the crime, to get convicted. I know that the sarge did NOT think "hmm this is illegal, and I am going to do it because I am a cop.". Another thing I DONT understand is the guy on the "otherside of the BR door" or the one "dropping the bomb", isn't bothered by what Casey did. I think it is very sad, Casey shouldn't have done it but I want EVERY person that reads this and has NEVER made ONE mistake in their life to tell me. I am not saying that Casey shouldn't have gotten in trouble, he should have got a couple days unpaid suspension. Then if it would have happened again, okay take it to court. Police Officers are HUMAN too. I want EVERYONE to put themselves in Casey's shoes, How would you want this to have been taken care of?? If Casey (or pretty much ANY of our Milan officers) would have been on duty and gotten a call to your house because you were setting off "firecrackers" I would put my life on it that he(they) would first give you a warning, and maybe take the firecrackers. If he(they) would have come back to your house he(they) would have gave you either another warning or a ticket. You can count on being arrested for "lighting" a firecracker if Sgt. Casey gets charged and convicted for this small joke or "crime" as some people like to call it. It was wrong to do but Casey has risked his life for us for the PAST 16 years. I AM going to stand behind him through ALL of it. If you don't see that Casey is HUMAN and makes MISTAKES too, then "SHAME ON YOU", call a crackhead next time you need the police. I have lived in Milan for 23 years out of 26 years of my life. When I needed the police, he was there most of the time. If it was a problem I had with my ex boyfriend, a question, a lock out, a rock getting thrown through our kitchen window,do I need to keep going? I bought a house 2 years ago in Milan, why because I felt safe. I don't feel so safe now because if I can't trust that the MAYOR and the CHIEF can make the right choices who is. I know that the past few years, we have lost some AWESOME police offcers, not sure why but I have a feeling I know, but I am not going to say because I don't know for sure. What is the real reason this is going on? I have a right to know, I am one of the taxpayers, if it were not for us, NOONE on city payroll would have a check! My next question is: Who is NEXT? Mayor Muckler said last night at the City Council meeting, someone one that worked for the city about a month ago was sorta in the "same" situation, anyone know what is talking about cause I sure don't have a clue. I had respect for Mayor Muckler and Chief Lewis, until they made the wrong choice, "actions get reactions" I now have NO respect for them, if you want respect you have to give respect, respect is earned. I hope that they see that they were a little "harsh" with this punishment (10-15 years... Are you serious? Even 90 days). Not only is Sgt. Casey suffering but his family is too.. Do you want to be the reason, When his little girls say: Where is daddy, and why is he in there? "Daddy is in jail because the Mayor and Chief put him there because he lit a firecracker outside the bathroom door as a joke to Officer Terrill. I work at a Assisted Living for Seniors, when they tell me crying "I am a bother to my kids, I don't want to call them and ask them to come see me or bring me some milk." I look at them and as much as my heart hurts for them, because THEIR family doesn't come see them or they need milk. I tell them you know what you took care of them when they were babies, now it is their turn to take care of you. Thats the way I look at it, I mean seriously if it weren't for our grandparents, and parents then we wouldnt be here. Well the same goes for Sgt. Casey he has kept our community safe and he has taken care of us for the past 16 years, now it is OUR turn as citizens of Milan to be here for him..I don't know Sgt. Tim Casey outside of his work but I do know he is one of "MILANS FINEST" officers. If you support Sgt. Tim Casey please let me know, your feelings, if you dont want everyone knowing email me privately at nike3883@aol.com...
Ricebrnr
Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 10:40 p.m.
ok then, so if the officer is in trouble then the chief should be as well...got it. Wish we knew who the officer that was assigned to that desk prior to this officer was. Also how long has this chief been in charge? If he wasn't then we need to know who was when these firecrackers got in that desk. Both of those guys should be getting a piece of this too by that logic, right? Sorry, no that would run counter to every other crime thread I've every commented on where I stated that ultimately it was an individual's decision that got them into the mess they are in. Not their parentage, their economic cricumstance, their neighborhood, thier education, etc etc etc. Those guys made decisions that had adverse effects on themselves and others. The "but for" test applies: Regardless of how those firecrackers got in the desk, but for this incident those firecrackers would still be sitting in that desk. But for this choice, there would be no incident. Reminds me of that show Bait Car. Those guys are always so busted and make every excuse in the world. But for them getting into the running car and driving off they would not be facing charges. Does it matter that the police put the car there after all if they didn't those guys wouldn't be in trouble, right?
firecracker
Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 10:12 p.m.
@ricebrnr..I think you need to reread all posts...I am NOT saying that 'no one was hurt..so no one should get in trouble'...I AM saying that this whole thing should never have gotten to the point it has...AND since the chief is so certain that he should be charged as a criminal...then HE should hold some responsibility in the whole mess...HE allowed these firecrackers to lay in a drawer without inventory for YEARS...Casey should NEVER have been put through this mess...
Ricebrnr
Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 5:01 p.m.
@firecracker. I just want to clarify your position. If a drunk driver makes it from the bar to his home without getting in an accident. Does it make it ok for him to have driven drunk? If that drunk driver happens to be stopped, and if that person happens to be in authority (be it a fellow officer or a politician) does that drunk get a free pass? Not that many years ago what you advocate and the sentiment behind it was the way ALL drunks were handled. They got a little slap on the wrist. Then later maybe not everyone but sometimes officers /politicians/famous people did. This is not an apples to oranges argument, if you step back and think about the principles underlying them, they are very much the same.
Ricebrnr
Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 4:50 p.m.
@tdw, no offense taken :) @firecracker, I'm not sure exactly what your saying. On the one hand you're sayin gthe Chief should also be in trouble and on the other since no one was hurt that no on should be in trouble. I either case from the information already given, there are repercussions to doing stupid things (as pranks usually are). That the officer should be excused as many posters and Mr Kinsey seem to suggest leads to a slippery slope. What I am advocating is not elitism but equality. Some are not MORE equal than others and should not get a pass where others may not. I only offered other locations where other people doing something similar might get in similar trouble. None of that is predicated on someone getting hurt or not.
M.
Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 4:16 p.m.
@firecracker - The problem with that is that common citizens aren't given such lenience. "You threw a cinderblock off a bridge as a prank, but nobody was hurt and nothing was damaged...guess you get a free pass!" The point being made is that an officer of the law is to be held to the same standard, if not higher, than those working in a "prison, hospital, school, workshop/factory with heavy machinery, bus, garage (with flamables), firework factory/store, construction/demolition site, gas station...." and treated the same in a court of law.
tdw
Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 4:03 p.m.
@Ricebrnr no offense intended.Its just we seem to agree on just about everything so I'm just surprised that we are on totaly oppisite ends on this one
firecracker
Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 3:54 p.m.
@ricebrnr....First...IF the chief of Milan was "doing his job"...he'd have made sure those confiscated firecrackers were locked up, not accessible...yet, what consequence will HE suffer resulting from HIS actions...or I should say, LACK thereof...HE is as 'guilty' as this sgt...if not, MORE SO!! SECONDLY...your words of wisdom, comparing what happened here to it happening in a "prison, hospital, school, workshop/factory with heavy machinery, bus, garage (with flamables), firework factory/store, construction/demolition site, gas station...." two words for you....IT DIDN'T!!!! so many people get on here judging this sergeant with hypothetical situations...we can't judge him for what this 'may' have caused anywhere else...or at the station...the facts are what should be considered and that is ALL...This was a JOKE, NOONE was hurt, NO property damaged...
Ricebrnr
Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 2:44 p.m.
Boring...well I'm the guy that volunteered all through college to go with friends to bars so I can watch out for them. I don't drink so I'm happy to be the designated driver. Boring..maybe... On the other hand maybe I had a VERY exciting life, can see both sides and have learned expensive lessons....maybe... But as for me not being me, as the 2 previous comments, I think I sound like me. I don't think I'm being inconsistent with my message. I hate hypocrisy above just about everything else so if I am not sounding like me or contradicting previous statements, I'd sure appreciate it if someone would point that out. Actions have consequences, thinking things through before taking action....boring yes...but you may live to tell the tale.
M.
Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 2:25 p.m.
I don't see any reason it wouldn't be Ricebrnr on his own account, sounding like himself... I don't think that the lack of pranks involving explosives in one's life should lead to the belief their life is boring.
tdw
Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 1:33 p.m.
@wookie I'm not sure that its really Ricebrnr making these posts
Ricebrnr
Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 12:09 p.m.
hmm...firecracker prank in a.... prison, hospital, school, workshop/factory with heavy machinery, bus, garage (with flamables), firework factory/store, construction/demolition site, gas station.... I'd wager there'd be some serious repercussions up to and including that which this deputy faces if an employee (a regular joe as it were) were to pull a similar prank in just those "regular" jobs off the top of my head...
tdw
Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 11:45 a.m.
@malorie If this had happened in another occupation it never would have made it to a judges brain to begin with in the first place
M.
Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 11:30 a.m.
To me, it all comes down to how this incident would be treated if the persons involved had a different occupation. Any argument of "it was only horseplay" wouldn't even register in the judge's brain. You can't expect police to be held as accountable as everyone else, and then turn around and say their occupation gives them special exceptions.
Ricebrnr
Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 10:15 a.m.
Well there are a lot of laws that make no sense but WE are ALL obliged to follow them until such time as we can get those laws changed. That's the definition of a law abiding and concerned citizen. That one may feel a law is stupid and can therefore be disregarded leads to anarchy. That those in authority feel that they are allowed to slide on some issues leads to....? The chief whatever his motivations is in fact doing his job, which if this officer had also been doing instead of pranking would've avoided this entire situation. Creating a dangerous situation in a sensitive area is not a prank and I wonder if a high school student pulling the same prank would not have provoked a shut down of the school and neighborhood and armed police response not to mention personal repercussions in kind... Actions have reactions.
trunkmonkey
Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 8:38 a.m.
This is the dumbest thing that I have ever heard. Some of you want to comment and say that this is a trust issue and that if a Police Officer plays a prank on the job, then its possibly going to cost the tax payers money and blah blah blah. I have news for you, Police Officer's pay the same taxes that you do, so in a sense, they pay a portion of their own paycheck, wow what a concept. They don't get a set lunch break, sometimes they don't even get to use the bathroom without having to run out and handle a complaint about your neighbor standing to close to your fence or their dog pooped in your yard. Why don't you take at look at the Chief's actions in this matter and you will see the real waste of tax money. The law against fireworks is one of those laws that has been on the books for too long. If this Sgt. gets convicted of something this stupid, then I can guaruntee you that any person being caught with fireworks will go to jail and be charged with it as well. Lets be careful of what we wish for because if we demand the "whats good for the goose is good for the gander" reaction, then i will bet that we get it. I will also bet that when that time comes around to you, you won't be demanding as much then will you? Its time we all started concentrating on whats important, like the economy, and how Obama and Pelosi are spending our retirement and Social security to bail out banks. The Milan Police Chief is ludicrist for doing this and he has wasted our tax dollars and State resources to fund his own witch hunt for whatever reason he may have.
Ricebrnr
Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 8:27 a.m.
If the police confiscate something (whether that something was illegal is not confirmed) what happens to that item if not submitted to evidence? I believe ordinance such as fireworks are routinely submitted to the bomb squad or some such for disposal. In any case if someone were to "confiscate" something for personal use (under the color of law or not) how is this different from stealing? It's little things like this that lead to big things like the outrages after Katrina.
tdw
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 10:55 p.m.
The rticle says it waraken from a drawer of conficated fireworks, not evidence,I don't where the evidence thing came from.In order for something to be evidence it must pertain to a crime,then it must be logged.tagged,labeled and sometimes sealed.It must also be listed in a crime report.This was NOT EVIDENCE if was problely(spelled wrong) taken from some kids and since nothing is ever done about fireworks anyway they got put in a drawer.Again I would like to know why people reffeing to it as evidence
Andrew
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 9:39 p.m.
Some people have made the assertion that nobody is ever held accountable for possession of illegal fireworks, but I'd like to point out that this particular firework was taken from evidence storage. If nobody is held accountable for such a crime, there would be no fireworks in evidence storage. I have two serious issues with this situation: The crime of taking evidence from storage for personal purposes and the creation of unnecessary risk in a public workplace. As a citizen, I'm expected to trust the police--and I do, generally--but raiding an evidence room for prank material erodes that trust. Second, most fireworks that are illegal are illegal because they are dangerous. As I recall, even this officer thought the firework would produce a different effect than it did when he lit it. If someone would have been hurt by this firework--which is dangerous according to public policy--taxpayers would have been on the hook for medical expenses, property damage, high insurance rates for the police department, etc. To say that this was an excusable incident undermines our trust in public servants of all stripes and exposes our community to an irresponsible and unnecessary level of risk.
tdw
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 7:04 p.m.
@cash He did'nt get a break he did not commit a felony. There was no felony, therefore he could'nt be charged with one. Just the fact that the chieif want'd to charge him with one suggests the cheif is out to get him
Lokalisierung
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 6:26 p.m.
I'm not convinced of that. Just becasue the city wanted to prosecute it as a felony I am unaware of what charge that would have been. Obviously if they wanted to, and they didn't, their must be a reason why. I'd have to know what that was about to make a judgment.
Cash
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 6 p.m.
Loka, sounds like this guy is being cut a break...from a felony to a misdemeanor. I'm sure the same would be done for anyone.
Lokalisierung
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 5:38 p.m.
""statistics on 90% of people who get pulled over being let go", " If you are going to quote someone you should probably use actuall things I they type and not a paraphrase which gives a completely inaccurate account of what was said. I said 90% of the time "they cut you a break." As in marking you down for going 5 over when you were going 10 etc.
Rich Kinsey
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 5:21 p.m.
@firecracker--FYI I am not blue11 or any other screen name but my own. For better or worse when I make a comment you'll know it's me. Thanks for your support. Rich
Cash
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 4:43 p.m.
Loka, I have driven for almost 50 years and have not had your "experience" of being pulled over many times but never ticketed. I don't speed. If you have proof of your "statistics on 90% of people who get pulled over being let go", I'd love to see it. Then I could stop laughing! Also....I'm just guessing the person got a warning that they were speeding. I'm guessing they were not told "Oh it's okay because it's fun. Don't worry about it"
Lokalisierung
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 4:39 p.m.
"Ah but what is the likelyhood of an armed response to an explosion at your job? Very small I'll wager." Seems like it was a whistling bottle rocket so no weapons they hear have that sound before a report. But yes I admit that is a valid point.
Ricebrnr
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 4:31 p.m.
@Lokalisierung, Ah but what is the likelyhood of an armed response to an explosion at your job? Very small I'll wager. At a police station? Very probable. And the more times a weapon is handled the higher likelyhood of an accidental discharge. Also at the shop I used to work at, where there are lots of fun machines and such going, the likelyhood of an injury with this type of prank? Indirectly, pretty good that someone will get cut or burned (heat and/or chemical) should they be startled. It's all fun and games until someone loses an eye? eh?
Lokalisierung
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 4:03 p.m.
"I hope that if I am ever stopped for speeding (not that I would ever speed, mind you) the officer will laugh and say "It looked like you were having fun so I'll let it pass.Because if you have fun when breaking the law, it's okay." Funny you should mentionthis. Since you have never been pulled over let me tell you what happens in 90% of the cases, they cut you a break. Almost never have I gotten a full ticket. Many times i've been let off completely. Everybody wants complete 'by the book' law enforcement until it's staring them in the face and then they aren't so hard. Post a story on speed traps and watch everyone go bonkers on this site about cops giving them tickets,
Cash
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 3:47 p.m.
I hope that if I am ever stopped for speeding (not that I would ever speed, mind you) the officer will laugh and say "It looked like you were having fun so I'll let it pass.Because if you have fun when breaking the law, it's okay." I'll bet this man's ex-coworkers at AAPD let people go all of the time because they are just having fun.
Lokalisierung
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 3:32 p.m.
Also i have been "caught" lighting off fireworks quite a bit, not just transporting them. I mean come on, 4th of july and all that.
Lokalisierung
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 3:24 p.m.
"I must say I very highly doubt if you threw a lit firework into a police station that you would not also be facing some very serious charges. But hey I could be wrong..." Ahh, sorry I didn't mean it that way, I meant me throwing a firework at my job. I didn't assume you were making that correlation because it's silly to think one can do the same things at somone elses work. Ovviously I wouldn't walk into a Fast Food place and go behind the counter and start making food.
Ricebrnr
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 3:15 p.m.
@Lokalisierung, I must say I very highly doubt if you threw a lit firework into a police station that you would not also be facing some very serious charges. But hey I could be wrong... As for your experience, generally speaking your being "caught" with fireworks may not have equated to any trouble anyway since IIRC Michigan has a wierd set of laws where simply possessing certain fireworks is ok, but using them is illegal. Much like certain knife and baton laws, possesion = OK, use with intent = bad juju
jj
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 2:39 p.m.
Thanks for sharing. It certainly brought back memories. One particularly prank that I was fond of would be to go to the prep radio rack and turn all of the radios' volumes to high. First radio transmission (especially in midnights) and you'd get six-twelve radios blaring at high volume.
cinnabar7071
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 2:35 p.m.
I still want to see the video!
Lokalisierung
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 2:01 p.m.
"The same activities done by regular joes would not get the same treatments me thinks." This seems to be a popular idea relating this incident but one I disagree with. After hours at a "Regular joe's" job what would really happen if this occured? Maybe we just have diffent ideas of a regular job but most jobs I've worked I really don't think this would be such a big deal. If we're talking about the legal side of it I transport fireworks into this state all the time and have been caught with them plenty...I've never got in any trouble from it.
Ricebrnr
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 12:39 p.m.
I appreciate the behind the scenes narratives Mr. Kinsey has provided and I have no problems with a little horseplay at work BUT... The problem here is the aw shucks the boys will boys or he's a good'n articles (this and the drunk driving lawyer one) excusing or justifying when activities that are (or have been ruled) illegal are perpertrated by those in authority. The same activities done by regular joes would not get the same treatments me thinks. That should worry everyone as the saying goes, power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely. All things start small, how it's handled when its small either exacerbates or prevents bigger things later. In the meantime we have two such pieces in a row when how many houses have had their doors kicked in in the last few weeks? As many as 5 reported in just a few hours on one day last week. How about a follow up article to the original "Lock it up, dont leave it unattended, be aware and watch out for your neighbors"? Obviously locking it up isn't cutting it for these victims. How about that hardening your home article I've suggested and given links to instead?
Sparty
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 12:30 p.m.
Oh my gosh!! I loved your article! Great to see that people still have a sense of humor....especially in the intense/stress setting of being a police officer. I think pranks are great as long as all that are participating are willing participants. There are soooooo many more important things to be spending our tax $$ and concentrating on other that this prankster police officer!!
Moose
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 12:03 p.m.
Horseplay has no business in the workplace. Particularly in public service. If someone wants to prank or play practical jokes (to build camaraderie??) let them do it away from the workplace.
Cash
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 12:03 p.m.
I don't know these folks but here's my problem with this, and with this retire officer's attitude... Workplace "jokes" can be fun and enjoyable. Workplace "jokes" that are ILLEGAL need to stop. Not just for police officers but for anyone in the workplace. But, if this retired police person wants to keep a crime committed by another officer "hidden" from the public because he found it humorous....I object.
Alena
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 11:07 a.m.
@ Gary, The Chief makes sure that the money and drugs are locked up!
Alena
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 10:21 a.m.
I also want to thank you for coming out and saying that things should stay "in the house". Can I request that RICH be Milan's Police Chief?? Who agrees? :)
Gary
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 10:13 a.m.
I believe there's a bigger issue than horseplay in the Milan case. The officer was using confiscated property as if it were his own. Does he do the same with confiscated drugs or cash?
Sarcastic1
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 10:02 a.m.
Practical jokes are great. One time I wrote a girl's name and phone number on a piece of paper and put it in my married friends pants pocket. It worked to perfection when his wife found the number and confronted him about it. Of course he denied knowing anything about it, because he didn't know anything about it. He's still getting questioned about it 5 years later.
81wolverine
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 8:40 a.m.
Personally, I'm not a fan of pranks in the workplace. They can get dangerous sometimes, or can be taken seriously by "victims" creating bad feelings. Plus, people who are planning elaborate pranks aren't focussing very well on their jobs. There are other ways to create a light atmosphere or to relieve pressure/tension than pranks. The Milan case is a stupid prank that shouldn't be tolerated. Lighting off firecrackers or any kind of device indoors that can start a fire goes beyond being funny to me. I enjoy a good laugh as much as anyone. But not when it's at the expense of someone else or creates a potentially dangerous situation. Just another side of the argument.
Mike D.
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 8:22 a.m.
To the photo production genius at AnnArbor.com, a hubcap is a cover that goes over a (usually steel) wheel. The alloy wheel pictured above does not have a hubcap. This is a hubcap: http://image.motortrend.com/f/2004_ford_crown_victoria/2309083490638281102+ppromo_mt_large/front_wheel.jpg
Wolverine3660
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 8:12 a.m.
Lie Mike said, the police haters will go ballistic today, Rich!!! And I do think that the Milan PD Chief needs to develop a sense of humor,and withdraw all charges against the SGT.
gobluefnp
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 8:09 a.m.
Thank you Rich, your article made me smile. My young son is going through background checks right now to join his first Police Dept as an officer. It is encouraging to see that there are hi-jinks and laughter to help dissipate the stress that comes with the job. Thank you for the inside look.
firecracker
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 8 a.m.
Thank you for offering a reasonable view of police pranks! Personally, I find it comforting to know that this exists in "the house"! These men and women in blue/brown need some sort of fun amidst the daily stresses they face. I am wondering if you are "blue11" on the blog! Surely others are wondering the same! THANK YOU AGAIN!
Mike D.
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 7:47 a.m.
Oh boy, the holier-than-thou types who love to post on here are going to have a field day with this one. They were shocked about sarcastic emails, so this will send them over the edge. My experience is that a group of people who feel comfortable enough to joke around with each other is a group of people who work well as a unit. I'm glad you had that kind of camaraderie.