There’s nothing a police officer hates more than a cop that’s dirty. Yeah, I know — the dirty cops get all of the media attention. The other 99.9 percent of hard-working, ethical police officers constantly have to live under the long, dark shadow cast by that tiny percentage of bad officers who lie, cheat, steal and deprive others of their civil rights. 

Good cops know how important it is to use discretion when making a decision about an arrest. They don’t arrest or ticket for statistical purposes, don’t believe everything is black or white and never embrace the idea that the end justifies the means. For the few who do, the decent officer, who is in the majority but rarely grabs headlines, pays dearly. It is hard to wear a badge with honor and get spit on, called names and complained on constantly. Plus it’s a job that wears on an officer’s family and friendships. The ones who do it successfully are true heroes.

No one, and I mean no one, hates dirty cops more than other cops. Let them know you appreciate them.