Pet Peeves

[IgnorantDirtbag]

Simple enough of a question: What are some of your biggest pet peeves in books, movies, or television when it comes to the portrayal of your profession?

[J2H]

Making street cops look stupid... ie detective shows

[John from Maryland]

Off hand, I would remark on officers racking the slide of pistols before taking action. In U.S. law enforcement agencies, we keep a round chambered at all times so that you can immediately present and engage a threat. Weapons that seem to be taken off safe or cocked when there is no need to do so are somewhat annoying, but I understand a screenwriter's need to illustrate impending danger. Still, jeeesh!

Secondly, it is extremely rare for someone to join an agency and immediately become SWAT or detective bureau even if they are transferred from another department. It may rarely happen in some places and I can understand that a cohesive plot is more important than strict reality, but jeeesh again!