A question of respect (let the flaming begin...)

[flesh]

This is a very polite "debate" 
I have a number of friends who are in the force and most have agreed with my tongue in cheek comment of "do you have to be a c*?t to be a poice officer or is it something your develop into...".  :\
Like any job, especially those that give you a postion of responsibility, you will always get those who take it a bit too far or seriously. That being said how would you react being in a job where you do not know if the person who is speaking to you could in a minute pull a blade and stab you.....that may change your perceptions of how you deal with people.
As far as your misdemeanours go Simon, whilst there was room for "debate" in both of your instances (IMO) legally you were in the wrong on both occasions although the officer in question could have used discretion if neccessary.
I tend to be nice to the police as most are reasonable individuals. I am however more than happy to be objectionable (and have done so on many occasions) if I am in the right, there is no evidence for a prosecution and the officer in question is just being a twat. It is a fine line though