Our Constitutional Rights - Part One

Note: When I started this write up/blog, after two hours of writing, I realized that it was so long, no one would truly read what I wrote. Not that I write for any special person to read, I am hoping someone is taking the time to read my wanderings. So will be breaking this up into three Parts over the next three days.

When we take the oath at the time of our hire for a law enforcement job, we promise to uphold the laws of our city/county, state and Constitution. What is not part of the oath is our willingness to give up our own Constitutional Rights, our Bill of Rights written in the Constitution. For example:

Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

As a member of law enforcement, we don't have the right to state our views or opinions. At least, not in public. Has to be behind closed doors. And hope there is no audience because it could come back and bite you in the ass at a court case (remember the Simpson trial) or for disciplinary action (for those of us who blog our thoughts/opinions and are threatened with our jobs if we continue).


Amendment II
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

Most officers carry firearms off duty. After all, never know when a suspect they have dealt with decides for a little payback. But those of us who also deal with these same suspects are not permitted to carry a weapon for protection. After all, we are invisible, they don't know our names. Right. Testifying in court or other information that can be derived from watching the people coming and going from the department is obtainable. And there are those family members who have been known to carry off their own retribution. But we are not candidates for retribution? Okay... Guess those dispatch centers that have been shot up were just accidents?


Amendment III
No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

Anyone ever hear of eminent domain? Okay, this one we haven't had to give up by joining law enforcement.


Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Our work lockers are open for search and seizure at any given time. Our purses and other personal items we carry to work are open for search and seizure at any given time. Our phones calls are monitored. Our computer work is monitored. At the agency there is no, I repeat no, right to privacy.