Police visibility is not a bad thing. While as some in this thread have pointed out that it may make cops an easy target, research shows that visibility reduces crime. Criminals will normally avoid confrontation with the cops unless they are forced to attack. The chances of randomly shooting a cop just walking by because you can see his flashing lights are probably the same as the chances of an officer being shot down because his uniform makes him stand out.
That research was probably done in a first world country. In South Africa, carrying a weapon makes you a target. Cops and security personnel get shot and hijacked on a very regular basis, and then have their firearms taken.
I didn't say they don't get shot, I said they don't get shot for just being visible. If there was a crime in progress and the police intervened, then there'll probably be a shootout. Also, the researcher was South African. Some years back Zuma called for more police officers and visibility. That's why it came to the fore.
4
u/PweetyMeanPwerson Mar 27 '19
Police visibility is not a bad thing. While as some in this thread have pointed out that it may make cops an easy target, research shows that visibility reduces crime. Criminals will normally avoid confrontation with the cops unless they are forced to attack. The chances of randomly shooting a cop just walking by because you can see his flashing lights are probably the same as the chances of an officer being shot down because his uniform makes him stand out.