Martin Ling wrote:
>
> On Tue, Jun 20, 2000 at 08:03:31AM -0700, James Rogers wrote:
> >
> > Every time I have ever called 911 (always for someone else), I was put on
> > hold for 3-5 minutes before someone even answered.
>
> Really? In the UK, 999 response is almost always immediate. I honestly
> find it hard to imagine a system boasting anything less can be
> considered to be working well enough.
Here in the US, the Supreme Court and the apellate courts have
repeatedly ruled that police and other government agencies or officials
are not authorized, responsible, or liable for the protection of any
individual person. Their job is to show up after the crime has been
reported, investigate the crime scene, question witnesses, arrange
medical care for any victims or perpetrators still living (but not to
pay for it), and attempt to figure out, apprehend, and bring to trial
whoever was at fault in the incidents. If they stop a crime during its
commission, that is merely an unexpected bonus for the average citizen,
not something they should expect, and only serves to a) provide
eyewitness testimony by policemen as to the guilt of the perpetrators,
and b) ensure that as many victims and witnesses are alive to testify as
possible.
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