Seven Bullshit Police Myths Everyone Believes (Thanks to Movies)
Came across this amusing but mostly true rundown of seven bullshit police myths. The myths it debunks are the following:
Myth #7. Forensic Science is Magic
Myth #6. The Insanity Defense Lets You Get Away With Murder
Myth #5. Not Talking To Cops Equals Obstruction of Justice
Myth #4. Undercover Cops Have To Identify Themselves If Asked
Myth #3. Tracing a Call Takes a Long Time
Myth #2. Criminals Must Be Read Their Miranda Rights or They Will Go Free
Myth #1. Everyone Gets One Free Phone Call
Follow this link for an entertaining and informative explanation for why these are strictly myths (note that it contains a paranoid big-brother-is-listening-through-our-cell-phone theory that I’m not sold but otherwise seems accurate and is definitely worth a read.)
1/26/10 Editing Note: Added a line to (hopefully) clarify that the list alone isn’t what’s worth reading; you really need to follow the link.
Unsolicited Feedback
I liked the Bureau of Communication forms so much, I made one of my own (click for full-sized version):
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Public Apology Form
I just came across this great public apology sample form (click on it for the full-sized version):
You can make your own and even send it by email to the recipient of your choice at the Bureau of Communication.
D.A. Confidential
There’s a relatively new blog by one of our local prosecutors that’s worth checking out. In particular, I suggest starting with this humorous post. I promise it’s worth it but it would lose something in the translation so just follow the link.