Police officers are the order of any country. In movies, they chase the worst criminals, conduct interrogations, and, of course, they save people. But is this all this true? And how do these things really happen?

Bright Side has collected the most interesting facts about the dangerous work that policemen do. Most people probably have no idea about these crazy facts.

1. Police officers know everything about you

When you get a biometric passport or in situations when you need to leave your fingerprints, you get into the police database. Of course, it helps them in investigations, but sometimes, they can use it for their own purposes. If you have a friend in the police force, you can be sure that he or she already knows everything that you tell them. And maybe a little bit more. And in some U.S. states, police cars are equipped with a device that can get the information using a satellite antenna, so it makes it much easier for the police to find out the information on necessary people.

2. Belts for supermen

Police belts can easily compete with any gadgets from the Marvel universe. They have almost everything that a real hero might need: a radio, handcuffs, flashlights, powerful tasers, a pepper spray or a knife (depending on the country), a gun and ammo, a folding club, a pen, a pencil, and keys.

3. The biggest part of the job is routine

Thanks to movies, many people think that working in the police force means having exciting car chases, making arrests, and surviving shootouts. But don’t forget that policemen also have to fill out an incredible amount of paperwork, such as reports and statements from cases like old ladies whose cats are missing. This can be extremely boring even for the people who love bureaucracy.

4. They have their own “brotherhood”

There is a so-called police brotherhood. They can recognize each other even in a crowd of people who are wearing everyday clothes. The goal of the brotherhood is to maintain order and help each other in difficult times. They have their own logo and secret rules that very few people know.

5. They cover each other

Many people share the opinion that police officers cover each other when one of them breaks the law if the violation is not very serious. This is in fact partially true. The reputation of the police is always in the spotlight in many countries and even the entire world since a policeman represents honesty and justice for society. But sometimes unfair accusations towards a police officer can cost everyone else in the force their reputation.

6. Why do they love donuts so much?

Donuts are just an excuse to have what they really want: coffee. A policeman’s shift is usually about 12 hours long or more. And where can you buy coffee or rest at 3 am after work? At a donut place. This is the only kind of place that stays open 24/7.

7. Interrogation tricks

Policemen have to deal with very talented liars and criminals. They can be prosecuted only if an officer is familiar with their methods. This is when police officers use special interrogation tricks. One tactic is to get criminals to feel convinced that there is some hard evidence against them. And this works like a charm.

8. Different sirens for different situations

Has everyone heard the sound of the police siren? The sound of the siren can actually be changed. But policemen usually use only one mode. This is because everyone knows what the sound is like. But sometimes there are cases when they use different modes for different situations.

9. Shoot first, ask questions later

In the U.S. there is a term known as, “swatting” which is a false alarm in 911. SWAT comes to the possible crime scene, breaks the doors down and gets in. The U.S. police work by the principle, “shoot first, ask questions later”. Unfortunately, sometimes this mentality is too harsh for a situation that may not be as serious. So, a guy who was offended by a friend made a prank call, and as a result an innocent person was killed.

10. Hand on the trunk

This way policemen make a vehicle-related case faster. If a driver of the vehicle becomes part of a crime, the fingerprints left by a policeman will be a serious piece of evidence. More than that, it will make it easier to find this vehicle. Another reason why police officers touch car trunks is that they are trying to check if there is a person inside.

11. Self-defense comes first

Being a police officer is one of the most dangerous jobs because the probability of returning home after a shift is much lower than that of more mundane jobs. This is largely because an American policeman often shoots to defend themselves. The level of the threat is determined by the officer.

12. A nice chat is deceiving

A nice chat with a police officer can work against you or the people you know. When a policeman pulls you over, they try to find out as much information about you as possible. “Where are you coming from?”, “What did you do there?” These seemingly harmless questions can be a provocation. This way, the policeman is able to learn the information about the possible events that might have transpired. For example, if you are returning from a party, there are definitely people who are drunk (who might drive home under the influence). And this is how a police officer learns about the place where the party is. Be careful when you talk to a police officer and choose your words carefully.

13. Accusations are inevitable

Everyone knows the term, “presumption of innocence”. In some countries, this concept doesn’t exist at all, and a policeman can be sure that you are guilty until the opposite is proven. Stay alert when talking to a police officer in other countries — there’s a chance you are already considered guilty.

14. You have the right to remain silent.

Movies taught us that police officers must read us our rights while arresting us. This is a myth. In fact, they must read you your rights only if they are going to interrogate you. If it’s not the case, all they need is an arrest warrant.

15. Cynicism is an acquired trait

Some people think that police officers are cruel people who are unable to feel compassion or understand other people’s pain. In fact, their job forces them to be unbiased and sometimes cynical. They see violence, murder, the pain of the people who have lost someone; and after all this, they have to continue doing their job.

Which of the facts seemed unexpected for you? Tell us in the comment section below!

Preview photo credit Foxsearchlight