The more I think about this, the more wrongs I see with it. How are average people supposed to differentiate between somebody impersonating a cop for nefarious reasons, and one who is a 'private' cop impersonating a 'real' cop? Why not just go become a 'real' cop?

And it also makes me think of the disaster of 'private' contractors in war. That all started out hunky-dory too.

(Can I also say that when I read the title of this topic it's kind of alarming, like a headline from another country.
"Private police carry guns and make arrests, and their ranks are swelling" )

Last edited by BYOB (3/06/2015 3:12 pm)

Mmmm, me too, and that's disturbing. That's just what we need, a fleet of Zimmermans, seal-team-sixin' it around our neighborhoods at night. Somethings bound to go wrong. Probably sooner rather than later.

BYOB wrote:

Mmmm, me too, and that's disturbing. That's just what we need, a fleet of Zimmermans, seal-team-sixin' it around our neighborhoods at night. Somethings bound to go wrong. Probably sooner rather than later.

Put your hands in the air, and step away from the Skittles!

Is this really just a naming thing? I mean, private companies, homeowners associations, etc hire security firms all the time. Some of those security forces are armed and have arrest or detention capabilities.

If I understand the Virginia law, this just allows people to be independent contractors instead of working through an agency.

The requirements to be a Virginia SCOP seems exessively weak. The WaPo article says they are increasing training but I still think they seem to be too low. 

 

Didn't we used to call these groups "Vigilantes"?

Although it could lead to a resurgence of such groups like The Guardian Angels, Hell's Angels acting as concert security, and the KKK.

Can't wait for the barrage of lawsuits that will be inevitably filed on behalf of plaintiffs arrested, fined, or just generally harassed by these pseudo "law officers".