I've spent more than my fair share of time in police stations. Not because I'm a career criminal, but because my mother, father, and stepfather are all (now retired) police officers. I thought I'd share my knowledge with the world by compiling a list of the most important things my law enforcement parents have taught me over the years.

There are bad people everywhere.

This is not meant to sound cynical or pessimistic; it is just something you need to be aware of. Are you more likely to avoid criminals when you're in a "good" area? Yes, of course. But that doesn't mean you should blindly trust everyone around you.

There are also good people everywhere.

You will be amazed at what people will do in an emergency situation. Some victims are saved by strangers on the street who do the right thing and call the police as soon as they witness a possible crime.

Cops are people, too.

If a police officer is rude to you, they are rude to you for the same reason that a McDonald's worker is rude to you. Reason 1, you are being incredibly rude to them, or reason 2, they woke up on the wrong side of the bed that morning. Cops have families, friends, and lives outside of their jobs, so cut them a little slack. They spend their days dealing with horrible people who don't want to be around them or witness the worst human tragedies imaginable. Their job is nearly thankless. So, when you get pissed off the next time a cop is pulling you over, instead of getting snappy with them, apologize and be prepared to take what you get. And maybe, just maybe, they will cut you a little slack too.

Read the entire post at TheOdysseyOnline .