American Reacts to German Police (Compared to American Police)

[@Girbie1973]

In Europe we have free speech as well. But insulting is not the same as criticising.

[@tim10243]

Exactly what I thought! Insulting is a kind of violence!

[@brunsheimmasterbaitwilfrie2811]

Was about to write something similar. You are allowed to critizise, just stay civil while doing so.

[@fredvankempen2177]

Jps, where in the law in your state did you see that you *are* allowed to **insult** a police officer? In many European countries (I am Dutch, but live in the US now) the law explicitly states that you are not allowed to "insult, coerce or threathen an officer (on duty.)" That is not the same as telling one "Geez, dude, that's BS, I dont agree!!" Same here in the US (in my state.)

[@Arsenic71]

Actually we do not. We have freedom of opinion, not freedom of speech. That's a significant difference.

[@brunsheimmasterbaitwilfrie2811]

@ True. What we actually do not have is freedom to make stuff up if it seriously harms people or insult them at will. I actually like how they set this up, since it allows satire, but inhibits things like denying Holocaust, since the facts it did happen are overwhelming.

[@zorrothebug]

0:37 criticizing officials vs. insulting them are two different pair of shoes. Of course you can criticize police officers on their job and tell them why you think they do a bad job. Calling them names is not ok.

[@ThePixel1983]

This. Also, insulting ANYONE in Germany can get you a fine. Not just police officers. "We have free speech" you say, but then give slightly different limits to free speech.

[@la-go-xy]

​@@ThePixel1983Free speech is tricky concept: free tu utter any lie and insult? In Germany, we have free opinion. But insisting on lies and forcing them on others is not it. for

[@ThePixel1983]

@@la-go-xy exactly

[@epultimast]

@@la-go-xy This. In Germany there is no legal basis for freedom of speech - only freedom of opinion. Naturally, the latter comes with additional limitations.

[@la-go-xy]

@epultimast Those additional limitations for the speaker is additional freedom for those who are thusly not insulted, slandered, discriminated against etc, I'd reckon.

[@mikac4036]

I never understood why are US American people so hung up on what rights they have and how to use those rights to be a pain in the ass to the police all the time. Be cordial, don't argue, show ID and you are done in a minute.

[@sksaddrakk5183]

The thing is if you do not exercise your rights, you may as well not have them. The SCOTUS (Supreme Court of the United States) itself recommended not to talk to the police, when stopped by them.

[@Arltratlo]

without a crime, the US cops have mostly no right to see your ID.....

[@gowdsake7103]

@@sksaddrakk5183 IN AMERICA, the world is NOT yankee doodle land

[@sksaddrakk5183]

@gowdsake7103 no kidding... maybe you should read the OPs question again before making comments. I am not US citizen btw

[@PUTDEVICE]

@@sksaddrakk5183 you know that the constitution is not written in stone. and what is it that offends you to show your ID. do you get mental problems. do you have something to hide etc. it only takes a few minutes,

[@misssphere2333]

Germany doesn't have freedom of speech, but freedom of opinion. Important difference. An insult isn't an opinion.

[@haraldschuster3067]

That's not the real issue. The issue is that the German constitution grants way more rights than the US does. So you can run into a conflict, like free speech vs human dignity. That conflict does not exist in the US.

[@deniskramer3562]

There is no law that specifically prohibits insulting police officers. There is a law that generally prohibits insults and makes them a punishable offense. So it doesn't matter whether you insult a policeman or a bricklayer. The small difference is that the bricklayer may ignore the insult, but the policeman will always report it.

[@EinChris75]

That is 100% correct.

[@adriangherghe5268]

Germany👎👎👎

[@Moni-y1q]

@@adriangherghe5268 Funny comment from someone with a german car in the profile pic.

[@deniskramer3562]

@ Why? Because our freedom of speech is not the freedom of the rude?

[@adriangherghe5268]

@Moni-y1q well, I'm an opportunist, I'll take whats grate from them and I will criticize what's bad and stupid!

[@Rick2010100]

Anyone who is cooperative and friendly towards the police, generally has a much better chance of getting away with a warning rather than a ticket.

[@biankakoettlitz6979]

and say 'Sie' when you would usually say 'you', because you sounds very like 'du' in German and that's illegal to adress a policeman with(exapt Dieter Bohlen from 'Modern Talking')

[@adriangherghe5268]

@@biankakoettlitz6979 That's really shit!

[@windycity70]

Not anyone, sadly

[@Anson_AKB]

@@biankakoettlitz6979 "Du" is the informal address to someone, in contrast to the formal "Sie" that expresses more respect to strangers. The insult when saying "Du" comes from the *_intended_* disrespect, and thus usually wouldn't be held against a foreigner that is not fluent in the language. And the "Bohlen-decision" by some court (that struck down the case of him saying "Du" to a policeman) was not directly caused by a celebrity-bonus, but on his defense that everybody would know that he would say "Du" to everybody(!) as could also be shown from many tv shows, interviews etc, and thus this alone wouldn't have been 'good enough' to express any disrespect.

[@Nithrade]

I agree. It always worked. Well, the three times I had contact with an officer in the last 50 years, but it was for very minor things, like a non-functioning front light on my bike.

[@Lechuque]

It's not about guns, it's about sick society.

[@epultimast]

it’s also about social standing and environment. Most crimes and gun violence in the US happen in and around (usuallly democrat run) cities.

[@RustyDust101]

​@@epultimast source, please.

[@arnodobler1096]

@@epultimast Cities are usually more left-wing than rural areas, even in DE (although we have more parties). Crime has to do with society, not whether the mayor is right-wing or left-wing.

[@helenwood8482]

No, he didn't need to look suspicious. It was a situation where there was a risk of an assassination attempt. They were searching everyone's bags. Again, not a problem if you're not criminal.

[@arrogantbandit1]

Think you can critisize, just not insult. There's a difference. At least in NL. 'This is BS becuase of ..' = OK 'You are an absolute A-hole' = Not OK And even with the second one they'll just warn you to watch yourself before arresting you.

[@balaenopteramusculus]

Fact. The times I had discussions with the police, sometimes heated but always polite.

[@Gryffcom-Lasserian]

German officers are usually very nice and polite. They will always rather help and advise to prevent activities that might get one into trouble instead of waiting until the deed is done. If you yourself keep it it nice and polite there is usually no problem at all. The motto for them is always "The police is your friend and helper" - and that´s what they exercise on the people - unless they are literally forced to act otherwise and reenforce the law 👮‍♂👮 Even though they have special police privileges and obligations (which includes for example carrying guns in public) they are subject to the law themselves and have to prove in court that the usage of the gun for instance plus each single bullet shot was absolutely necessary to save lives in life threatening situations as a last resort. Otherwise it´s considered careless harm of the body, careless killing or in the worst case even: murder.

[@peterprokop]

In Germany, the spoken word is important, and the concept of honor is codified in law, and you have the right to defend it, also in self-defense. Name calling is seen as an attack on someone's honor and outlawed. You can get up to two years in prison for "Beleidigung", for "insult". You are allowed to say true things, though, even if they are insulting, but you can not lie or make up things or call someone with insulting names. The courts tend to find a reasonable balance, and cases are not that frequent, but I think it helps to keep debates more civilized and helps lower violence, but in general people insult each other all the time without anyone suing, but nobody has to tolerate it, either.

[@Arsenic71]

Yeah it's a snowflake society.

[@Oi....]

Germany is a civilised Country, America is still the wild west in mentality with guns. That's the difference.

[@la-go-xy]

Sure, US cops have to fear guns much more likely than in Germany. So, in standard situations adequate action does not involve guns in Germany.

[@mirceamaier6546]

​@@la-go-xyWhy do the US cops fear guns? in Finland and maybe even Switzerland there are more guns per capita than in the US . But the cops int these countries don't fear guns as much as the US cops, not by far. Maybe it is a question of education?

[@la-go-xy]

@@mirceamaier6546 Good question. Qualification, attitude... Swiss and Suomi probably know when and how guns may be carried, loaded etc.

[@martinhuhn7813]

Well, you don´t get involved with the police very often in Germany. Their typical behaviour is to remain polite but distanced, do their job, solve the problem and don´t get involved to much with the people they meet. A while back my car failed on the Autobahn and after I set up the warning triangle, informed the towing service and waited off to the side, a policecar stoped at a little distance. They just stayed in their car for a few minutes. Finally I decided to approach them to check what they wanted. Only then they told me, that they thought my car might sit on a risky spot and that they concidered to tow it themseves. When I told them, that the towing trruck would propably come soon, they just stayed in the car until everything was done. I am 45, but I only got into a general traffic control once. That was in a dense fog and it was a bit risky, that the police did that, because it was really confusing for the drivers. But other than that, it was just brief controll of paperwork, few words and I was on my way. They could have pointed out, that one of my backlights was broken ... I also got checked (twice) when I was sleeping in my car on a public parking spot in the countryside, obviously after somebody had considered me to be somehow suspicious. It was always cold, professial and neither meant to bother me or to be intimidating. They just showed up with a big enough force to handle the situation for the case, that there was actually something fishy going on. I can´t compare that to US police from my personal perspectiv, however I can tell clear differences to the norwegian police. There were a few situations, when I had my car parked in some nature spot and had my tent set up somewhere hidden closeby and after a few days police showed up. They never checked my papers, they never indicated, I might have done something wrong and they never showed up with a bigger force. The reason was alllways the same: Some norwegian had passed the car (of me, a total stranger) for a while but not seen anybody, so they sent the police to check, if I was posibly lost. All of them asked, if I was fishing and if I catch enough fish. I also once witnessed when a norwegian was captured by a speed trap (in Norway) and the police officer was pulling pulling the speeding car out. The police officer was actually laughing friendly and openls and approached the other car directly and alone. And of cause, the guy who was captured was also smiling - even though speeding is an order of magnitude more expensive in Norway than it is in Germany. Nobody involved was aggressive or expected aggression and nobody approached the other as if he might be an enemy.

[@mauer1]

that sadly changed a good bit in cities near borders.

[@jensschroder8214]

In the US there is freedom of speech, in Germany there is freedom of opinion. That's not the same. In Germany you can't say that Hitler was a good man. But if you think so, it's not a crime.

[@maurelxo6017]

What is also important to know in Germany you are not obliged to cooperate with the police you are only obliged to show your ID or passport everything else the police want from you, i.e. information about third parties or help with searches, you do not have to actively support but you must not actively hinder the police officers. and to the question about the judge request no in every city is an judge in standby for requests from police officers to oder a blood test it takes legit under 10 minutes for them to call a judge

[@pok81]

Actually that's not "important to know".

[@maurelxo6017]

@@pok81 I think it's quite important because it happens very often that people get themselves into trouble by answering everything they want to know to the police officers even though they don't have to answer.

[@naftyloescher]

7:00 they will calculate back to the time they stopped you

[@eggiex6297]

I am from the Netherlands. We got the same law. "Belediging van ambtenaar in functie" We have only freedom of the right opinion.

[@rudymorganti7155]

The same here in Belgium

[@robertgieseler1220]

Besides what's already been said, it's a difference whether you critisize or insult somebody. You can definitely criticize a police officer in Germany and he/she will in all likelihood specifically respond to that criticism and perhaps even accept it (which was different for me when I did the same thing in th U.S.).

[@helenwood8482]

The blood test is analysed based on the time you were driving. It's science. It can prove you weee drunk at that time. Why are you so worried about it? If you're not drunk, you're fine.

[@t.a.k.palfrey3882]

In the US, if a guy carrying a backpack was walking just 50 yds from where Donald Trump or JD Vance was to give a speech in a short while, wouldn't the police be able to insist to take a look inside?

[@sksaddrakk5183]

not as far as I know. They need to have reasonable, articulable suspicion that you have committed, are about to commit or are committing a crime. A hunch is not good enough. Unless of course the area is fenced off and you can only get in when you subject yourself to a search (like in an airport for example).

[@chrisleblanc581]

sksaddrakk5183, you are incorrect. Presidents and vice presidents would only be speaking from a secure area. To enter that area you would have to submit to search. I’ve attended talks given by bill clinton, George bush, dick Cheney and Joe Biden. I had to pass through a metal sector and submit to a pat down of asked in all cases.

[@ezion67]

I had my bag/backpack searched in both Berlin and Paris. In both cases it was a anti terrorism situation and the officers apologized in advance. The search was NOT at the discretion of the officer, they have to do it even if they think searching your stuff is a waste of time.

[@aurayadewitt5301]

"Random stop and search is in effect" does not mean the officer doing the search can decide that on the spot. As was explained in the video, in certain locations (e.g. trainstations, airports, known hotspots for criminal activity) or during specific events (e.g. demonstrations, sport events, politicical speeches), someone in the chain of command declares this to be in effect and officers on the ground then can/have to act on it. And this is always tied to a location or event, basically replacing the need for reasonable suspicion in these circumstances. But no officer on the ground can just decide "now would be a convenient time for this to be in effect".

[@nadinebrandt2021]

Since I can remember, I’ve been told to keep my ID card with me whenever I go somewhere. Maybe not on a simple walk/Spaziergang, but anywhere else I do. It’s mandatory, and you never know when you might need it.

[@grav-x1430]

Freedom of Speech is on thing, Insulting an Officer is another..

[@DJKLProductions]

The offence of insulting a public official no longer exists. This means that insulting a police officer, for example, is no longer a specific criminal offence and is treated as a "normal" offence of insult. This means that a person must file a criminal complaint for an insult to be prosecuted, and that a police officer must file this complaint as a private person. Thus, such an offence is treated strictly separately from any administrative or criminal offences that may cause police officers to stop and search you. Of course, you make life difficult for yourself if you insult police officers, and incidentally, an insult is not criticism. You should keep these strictly separate.

[@lindaannkroeker6716]

Please don't make excuses for Americas violent gun culture . I expect that Americans will be under more scrutiny with the political

[@Salzbuckel]

There is a principle here. Free speech? Allowed! Freedom of any other kind allowed. Not allowed? Insulting anyone, person, company or officials. Insulting a private person? Not allowed, but minor. In public? Thats step 2 and can lead to punishment in court. Insulting any person with a public duty or government related duty, like police or justice or any other public duty is step 3 and seen as insulting the office and duty of the stat. Thats a crime. It's dishonoring a public institution, that is installed to take care for the people. NOT ALLOWED AND HEAVY, seen as a ver major misbehavior. Criticism ? always allowed.

[@samuelsamenstrang6069]

That´s not true. There is no legal step 3.

[@devilskitty5032]

An insult is something completely different than a criticism

[@johanneshalberstadt3663]

Important distinctions: First of all: We have "Meinungsfreiheit" in Germany, which is the related concept to "Freedom if speech" but I would argue that it is the more mature version of it. As to insulting police officers: Yes, you are allowed to criticize, but you aren't allowed to insult. And that goes for anyone, not just police officers. Meaning: you can voice your dissent or criticism, so long as you do it in decent wording. There is no need to use expletives or swear words. That does not fall under opinion, but just you trying to, immaturely, blow off steam, letting out you very subjective personal emotions. "Human dignity shall be inviolable" is one of our main statutes in the basic law. It has nothing to do with suppressing criticism, but doing it in a way that isn't degrading, derogatory language on a personal level.

[@hansweith4947]

German Police is well trained and not willing to make a quota

[@RustyDust101]

3:16 agreed, Germany doesn't have the same rate of gun ownership as in the USA. However there are still around 32 million registered firearms in Germany, with a population of around 84 million. So roughly 1 in 3 per capita (very rough 😊). Yes, it's nowhere close to the roughly 1.4 guns per capita of the USA. But it's still not nothing. The gun owner numbers however are far lower. In Germany there are around 2.2 million registered gun owners, so around 4% of the population. Whereas the percentage in the USA has to be much, much higher. I couldn't find reliable, trustworthy numbers for the USA. Even if we take into account that in Germany only adults of age 18+ have ANY chance of becoming a registered gun owner. So the percentage of adults is a bit higher, creeping up to maybe 6%, again very roughly calculated. Here's the difference: legal open or concealed carry is INCREDIBLY difficult to attain as a permit in Germany. The total number of such persons who are NOT police officers on the job must be less than 100,000. Even police officers who are OFF the job rarely have the permit. In the USA many states are full carry states for any gun owner, be they legally owning a gun or not. Seeing a person being a carrier isn't rare in the USA. In Germany the only time I can remember seeing guns carried openly was ONLY by cops. Sure, anecdotal evidence at best as I also don't move in the circles of society that would require such a permit. Open or concealed carry in Germany still is incredibly rare. Seeing such a case is immediate cause for concern. Throw in factors like shady behavior or sloppy clothing, potentially drug addict behavior, and there's a good chance of such a person to be reported by concerned citizens, with an immediate response by the cops. Because it is so incredibly rare. As such police officers in Germany don't have to fear every Joe and Jane to carry. Which allows them to be much calmer, more professional, and much less confrontational. So resulting in potentially deescalating a situation instead of aggravating it by reaching for their own guns.

[@groppermilk]

In my younger years, I often went out at night in a big German city. Once I came out of a club quite drunk at six in the morning. As I was about to get into my car in this state, I was asked by two police officers in a patrol car whether I had seen a road rager who had already caused a lot of damage. Baffled, I said no. To my surprise, the policemen weren't interested in me at all, nor in the fact that I wanted to get into my car in this condition. They simply asked me to ride with them in the patrol car so that I could tell them if I recognized any vehicles in the city centre. And so, I came to enjoy a free sightseeing tour with two friendly policemen on a glorious summer morning. That's how it goes when zealous public servants in their hunting fever turn a lawbreaker by a snatch into an investigator. Sometimes love of the job can be blind, too! By the way, the policemen dropped me off at my car again. But I won't tell you whether I actually drove home in it or not. 😂

[@helenwood8482]

You should consent to a breathalyser test as it quickly proves you were not driving drunk.

[@Shiroikage98]

ah the awfull mentality that is "du hast nichts zu befürchten wenn du nichts falsch gemacht hast". You would love living in a authoritarian state with that mentality

[@sbjchef]

We also have roadside drug testing in the UK

[@ChristianBeckerKapraun]

Also, freedom of speech should IMHO not be used as an excuse to insult people. You can say whatever you want - even if you believe the earth is flat and/or hollow... But insulting someone should never ever be protected by anything. If you could prove that the insulted is an idiot on the other hand, that would be another thing ;)

[@embreis2257]

2:03 'is that the United States he is talking about?' dead sure that is exactly what this is. sure, there are many countries in the world with corrupt police officers or even whole forces. usually, when we compare the United States with other countries, the emphasis is less with some developing countries or with autocracies around the world but with fellow western liberal democracies - in this context the United States have an abysmally failing police force and the only saving grace is the FBI. all other police forces in the US fall extremely short of expectations due to the nature of their recruitment and training traditions.

[@sbjchef]

Qualified Immunity gets me imagine being told you don't need to learn the laws you are enforcing and if you make a mistake it doesn't matter

[@Arsenic71]

He's quite wrong. In Germany Police laws are state matters, and literally every state has different police laws. And some of them are even unconstitutional. So there is very little you can say about "ze German police". Sure we have federal police, but those are not the people you usually interact with. His advice is sound, though. Remember Benjamin Franklins words: “Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety”

[@AdvdW]

I think in America they are so focused on their rights, because they really think the US is the land of (endless) free speech. But it isn't. Nor any other country is. Freedom of speech isn't endless. Everyone knows what is allowed by law and what isn't. But what also important is how you treat an officer and you show respect for their job. The training of police officers is also important in this. The big difference between US officers and Dutch (the Netherlands) officers is: A Dutch officer should not come across as aggressive and have to deescalate the situation. An US officer comes across as dominant and authoritarian. It will escalate the situation sooner.

[@sbjchef]

In the rest of civilisation we prefer to be free from things like Racism, instead of the American idea of the freedom to do what you like such as spout racial hatred with impunity. We (mostly) expect and give respect based on not antagonising each other unless it is justified socially and that justification is regularly tested in our courts by juries.

[@mirceamaier6546]

Ok. I live in Eastern Europe. You might think our police officers are more abusive than those in Western Europe. You drive down the road, you exceed the speed limit, police officer stops you. The police officer, first of all, introduces himself. Than he tells you: I stopped you because you exceeded the speed limit by this many km. Licence, registration, insurance, ID, etc. Here is your ticket or maybe just a warning. If you want, you can go to court. Never trying to ask you questions to incriminate yourself. Of course, if they suspect that you have been drinking or you have taken drugs, they will do a test on you. Negative- good bye. Positive - take you to hospital for more tests . But will never ask questions like : where are you coming from, where are you heading, etc. "Can I search your car" is a big no-no. Also, generally in Europe, you must show ID if the police ask you too. But it is quite uncommon, it is very unlikely to be asked that without a serious reason. There is a huge difference between US police and European police. Our (European) police is better trained and they don't behave and are not equipped as if being at war with the citizens they are bound to respect and protect. They are respectful, professional and more balanced than the American police officers (who sometimes behave as if they were militaries fighting in Iraq)

[@LeChuck1717]

I was so stupid when i was young, never had the guts to just say no to the police. I had Dreadlocks and drove a very old VW Golf so every police stopped me and suspected me as a weed user (illegal back than). I always panicked, had no idea how to react and did endless Urin tests. Especially in Bavaria the cops were just sadistic and had a very weird education 20 years ago. Even the wording was extrem. They always asked "Haben Sie Gift genommen?" " Did you take poison?" (yes, the german word Gift, not the english word gift.)

[@charlestaylor3027]

In the UK they are allowed to "count back" to decide if you were drunk when they caught you.

[@simonkustner1561]

You are not allowed to insult anyone in Germany, not even private individuals. Criticism is allowed.

[@patrickbrady447]

My only experience with the police that I did not like was in Ireland when I lived there. I was hitching a lift to Dublin City and a guy gave me a lift part of the way and dropped me off when he turned off in the middle of the countryside. A "Garda" patrol car came along and started firing questions at me which I answered. I started to get a bit angry because I knew I had done nothing wrong, so I said " have I done something wrong" . He then said no you have not, how wound up his car window and just drove off. That is an example of him shooting questions at me until I questioned him, he then stopped and drove off.

[@helfgott1]

A german police officer will have to go through a 2-2.5 YEARS of training, Not in the us I mean Trumpland.15 to 16 weeks. Police trainees primarily learn how to use firearms and some local and federal law. There are also a few hours in various social sciences.

[@michaelhahn6955]

Well, in some parts of Berlin you have to expect that if you make noise in a group at 3 a.m., a police squad will arrive. The officers know their stuff!

[@Gaston413]

6:50 In the German past, a blood test could only be ordered by a judge or public prosecutor. If these cannot be reached promptly, the police can now order this themselves if they have sufficient suspicion of drug use. When assessing a penalty for blood alcohol, the elapsed time and the course of the blood alcohol level are also calculated. A breath alcohol measurement and statements are also used to assess the blood alcohol level while driving, because the punishment and consequences are determined accordingly. If you have drunk alcohol and are not sure whether you are below the permitted level, it is better to refuse the breath alcohol test. In an unfavorable case, the penalty can be significantly higher because the public prosecutor can use the measurement to prove that the alcohol level was higher at the time of driving.

[@sleepingcity85]

3:33 I agree that the gun laws in the US should be stricter. But it is more like a culture problem. Lets compare the Swiss with the US. There are 45 weapons per 100 people in the swiss and about 120 per 100 people in the us. 42% of all households have a gun in the US, about 30% of all swiss households have a gun. People in the US tend to have more than one weapon. Now lets look at the death by police. Swiss: 1 (in 2019, they had only 15 incidents in general where a gun was fired from a cop). Thats 0,00001%, even less than Germany, while in the Swiss are way more gun present.

[@elmarwinkler6335]

In the last few years we had problems with attacks during speeches.

[@perryrhodan2009]

An insult is not criticism.

[@skipper409]

British law allows for alcohol ‘back calculation’……height/weight etc gives an estimate of how fast your metabolism burns alcohol, so a blood test result can be projected back in time to the point that you were driving several hours earlier. These results are provided by a forensic laboratory and can take several weeks to obtain. This also allows for someone escaping the scene of an accident and claiming that they drank following driving. This is very complicated and requires an interview to discover what consumption is claimed (if they don’t say it in interview, they can’t suddenly make a claim in court).

[@Andreas_NordNordwest]

The most important difference: in Germany, not just anyone can become a police officer. The basic requirement is the Abitur / university entrance qualification and athletic aptitude, the German sports badge. Training standardized over 3 years with rigorous testing. in Germany, police officers are very well trained civil servants. in the United States, only people who do a job. no comparison possible.

[@Joe_Sheffield]

3:11 when a suspect is aiming a gun at a police officer in pretty much any country, they're going to get shot. That's not unique to the USA, Joel. You can't claim that the police brutality rate being higher is because your crime situation is unique. It's really not. I'm Germany and even the UK, if you brandish a firearm at the police officer, chances are you're going to get shot. And in the UK especially, firearms officers are very specifically trained and under orders to shoot to kill. Not shoot to wound or disarm.

[@suicidalbanananana]

2:06 - Just a heads-up, police officers in EU will want you to pay on the spot if your not an EU citizen because they wouldn't be able to track you for the bill otherwise, *_not_* because they are corrupt.. 😳 Its because the US doesn't uphold 95% of EU warrants etc, unless its for some really serious crime, then they MIGHT consider it, but they're certainly not doing anything for an American not paying their EU speeding fines or whatever small time stuff like that... 🤷‍♂

[@gerardharrison262]

We have freedom of speech in Europe. I despair that many Americans seem to think that it is something limited to the USA.

[@nadinebrandt2021]

Also one thing I noticed is german police officers are quiet fit and mostly handsome.. Seems like a law itself.

[@Moni-y1q]

Germany has wide spread guns. You underestimate how many people in Germany can and do legally own firearms. Our gun laws are more restrictive than those in the USA, but that only applies to trade. Basically, everyone is allowed to have a firearm here. All they have to do is apply for it and, depending on the type of weapon, pass a test. Anyone who doesn't behave completely stupidly and doesn't have a criminal record can have a firearm here without any problems and many people do. In Germany, there are around 5 million firearms in the hands of 3 million private individuals. That is just under 3.7% of our population (from infants to the elderly). If you only count those aged 18 and over, 4.3% of our population own a firearm. That is not a small number. Sure, not 30% like in the USA, but still a high percentage for a “normal” country without a "gun fetish" (not meant as an insult).

[@sbjchef]

does Germany allow you to carry a gun everyday just when going outside?

[@Moni-y1q]

@@sbjchef Yes. If you've the license for it. But you aren't allowed to do it openly and in some areas it's forbidden.

[@sbjchef]

@ Thanks, but getting the Waffenschein carry licence is very heavily monitored compared to the USA but that is the norm everywhere else.

[@thomasd5]

It is not only illegal to insult police officers in Germany, it is unlawful to insult anybody in Germany (§ 185 of the criminal code (StGB)) and can be punished with imprisonment of one year (or two years if it includes a physical assault). There are special laws for insults to politicians (§ 188)with up to five years imprisonment. But the usual fine for an insult is financial. If you are publicly insulting a person with "facts" that are untrue, the result might be up to five years, too. An insult to dead people might you to get imprisoned for up to two years (§ 189). However, it's usually only a financial fine, but judges are usually generous. For example, the highest German Court, the Federal Constitution Court (BVerfG), ruled that "ACAB" (All Cops Are Bastards) is not generally an insult. It depends on the circumstances. It might be an insult if a single officer or a small group feels specifically addressed. If it is only a general statement, no specific person can feel personally insulted.

[@peterkeijsers489]

There's a difference between telling a cop "you're a pig" and "I believe you're a pig". The first expresses an opinion, which is punishable by law indeed, while the latter is a FACT (after all, no one can dispute that you think the cop is a pig). Semantics, I know. But there IS a difference in expression indeed (and the latter is NOT punishable by law!).

[@human144k3]

if you refuse a alcohol or drugs test because you did nothing wrong, you are allowed to drive on but you still get a 289 EUR find for refusing their tests 🤨

[@tinzi4x4]

Compared to US police officers, who undergo something like 12 to 16 weeks of training before hitting the road/being let loose on the public, german police officers undergo three years of training and only then the are allowed to start working as police officers, although initially only with an experienced police officer.Psychologic evaluations during training and even during their career as police officers areregularly conducted. Also do police officers have to undergo further regular training regarding policing (I believe every two years) Germman police officers know the law, know how to de-escalate situations and they control each other ensuring that their colleagues abide by the laws. German Police Officers are there to help and assist the public!

[@robertpanek5944]

In Poland police needs to have a reasonable suspicion, which they need to tell you right off the bat, in order to get your name or any other information.

[@slave3.6billion]

Firstly, the UK government brought in a random stop and search under Section 44 of the Terrorism Act and they would set up checkpoints at the exits to underground railways stations in London and search everyone leaving. It was legally challenged and the European court of human rights ruled it was unlawful and a breach of human rights. UK officials have a tendency to do things that are unlawful and wait for it to be challenged. Similar to Germany, at certain places where there could be potential issues, you can be searched but authorisation has to be obtained in advance of the event that is happening. I love Germany (or rather loved it as I haven't been there for 20+ years) but I find it too oppressive for me in some respects, compared to what I'm used to

[@maryvofin9042]

6:50 yes. thats why lawyers advise not to say anything about what, when and how much you had to drink.

[@nadinebrandt2021]

Oh I rember one small thing that happened to my older brother on our way to school. I had one earphone plugged in his hear while riding a bike, so got a small ticket around 20-30€. The police men said its illegal. He paid the ticket back then. Just few days ago my bf son came back in from riding his bike with both headphones in. So we talked about it. Apparently it's not if you're able to hear your surroundings in traffic. And the law ain't new... They lied about it. So I thought it's strictly forbidden. But if you think about it everyone listens to music in their car..... What a fool of a Took I am..

[@JohanB-jo5ek]

For the police contacting a judge is just a phonecall. So this won't take long. So no infuence on your blood-alcohol level.

[@pendorran]

That guy should be arrested for having that awful haircut.

[@robinwbarrett]

Searching a vehicle in USA is easy all they need do is say I can smell marijuana

[@fzoid3534]

I agree that you cannot compare Germany and the US that easily when it comes to gun violence. But.. I don't believe that the police only shoots when someone draws a gun. The big issue is the possibility that someone could have a gun. This already makes everyone nervous and I truly believe our German cops would overreact more often when everyone everywhere could be armed. I'm very glad this isn't the case here.

[@klaus2t703]

According numbers ... these 1000 people shot by police include about 400 that are shot illegally. Again: illegally! And about: You can compare the numbers, because we don´t have this amount of guns": 1) true, this is the reason why we have gun control. 2) Switzerland has a huge number of guns. Then shouldn´t it be fine to compare against them? I was stopped by the police several times. "Remain calm and polite" always worked for me. Never had any problems with police, they all were clam and polite themselves.

[@thorstenh.5588]

Criticizing and insulting are not the same thing. I am sure that freedom of speech in the USA ends very quickly if I insult a police officer there, or can I insult him and call him a..hole without being punished? I don't think so.

[@embivi77]

Freedom of opinion. You can say what you want, but you can’t insult anyone (not just police). If you go up to any random person and call the an incompetent asshole (for example), they can sue you. And of course you can’t run around spreading untruths etc, and you can’t do forbidden gestures publicly.

[@suicidalbanananana]

The "dont insult police" thing exists in a lot of EU countries, if not all of them. But if anything it seems to be some sort of backup charge to just be able to arrest some annoying drunks etc for _something,_ if you just call a cop some bad word once or twice 95% of them will just go "okay now calm down and work with me or we're gonna have an issue" Its not so much about freedom, its more about respect, at the end of the day the cop is just doing their job & doesnt deserve insults. Its sort of similar to if you'd start swearing at McDonalds or something, they could deny you service. Since the cop "denying you service" would be you not getting a ticket thats obviously not going to work out, so instead they get the ability to write some charge for it. 🤷‍♂

[@slappedhappy9549]

Another interesting video! Thanx😉

[@ianscott424]

I don't really see any issue with being stopped by cops and answering whatever questions they choose to ask as I haven't done anything wrong. I don't understand some of these people on the internet that intentionally go out of their way to get in to a confrontation just so they can flex their "rights".

[@haraldschuster3067]

We also have freedom of speech. The issue is what *you don't* have. And that is - among other things - the right to your human dignity. If you insult someone in a specific way, let's say you call them a pig, you are making use of your freedom of speech but you violate that other person's human dignity. So a court will need to decide which ranks higher, your free speech or the other person's dignity, and it's established practice here that dignity outranks free speech. You can, however, circumnavigate that by insulting them without insulting their dignity. You can, for example say, that they *behave* like an idiot. That is insulting their behavior, not he actual human = free pass.

[@hansweith4947]

On Trainstations and at Airports there is the Bundes-Polizei (Federal-Police). If they have suspicion they have to hand the fellow to the local Landes-Polizei (State-Police) of the state this happens e.g. Bavaria or Hamburg or Berlin.

[@tinaunderhill5412]

On average USA police officers train for 20 weeks. German police officers train for two years. Nuff said.

[@BrianMac2601]

If you want a side by side comparison try Switzerland, i think they have a comparable if not higher gun ownership per person by population.

[@drau331]

What the guy there tells is semi-true. F.E.: The police can stop and search you in a corridor of 30 Kms to borders at any time and without any reasons.

[@markylon]

Borders not boarder, a boarder is someone boarding a bus or train

[@drau331]

@markylon yep, your right, thanks

[@Chuulip]

That's what the America "freedom of speech" does wrong. We also have freedom of speech. Except out freedom ends where the freedom of another person is compromised. That includes insults. You can talk to a police officer and discuss with him/her, but if you call them slurs or flip them off, that isn't ok.

[@Kris1964]

An insult is only an insult if it is not true…eg you may call a hore a hore. So there is a famous case of a political protester who called a policeman a wanker. He was arrested for insulting an officer. The case went to court an famously ended with the judge asking the policeman… well, have you ever….😂😂😂

[@Bramfly]

Professional as opposed to unnecessary authoritarian and possibly lethal.

[@MarabuToo]

I studied at uni back in the 1970s, when left-wing terrorists were extremely active. There was one particular spot ideal for road blocks, and I experienced dozens of them; every time lots of typical "student cars" (Citroën 2CV, Renault 4,...) were being searched. I drove a Saab 99 - and wasn't stopped a single time. Not sure whether nowadays you could still escaped the Police's notice so easily or whether they have learned something since then.

[@johanneshalberstadt3663]

11:48 Again, I see it differently. Police officers have no interest in incriminating innocent people. What would be the purpose of that? They just want to make their own work easier. If they pulled you over for, say, speeding, and then they ask "Do you know why I pulled you over?" And them you go "Maybe I was going to fast?" then it is mich easier for them to lock the case down. You as the one potentially recieving a punishment of course want to minimize your punishment. But in am ideal world, you would just accept that thet.you broke a rule and accept your punishment that is there for a reason. I dont think there is an incentive, or at least there shouldnt be, for police to incriminate people that dod nothing wrong. But they will have pulled you over for some reason. Which in the case of a random traffic stop is either actually random, so no reason at all, or they did find something wrong with your car or the way you were driving.

[@annanadel]

"germany hasnt wide spread guns like us"! dont americans always tell us that guns would bring more security? im confused lol

[@anthonyphillips9989]

In the U.K in 2019, 3 people were shot and killed by the Police.

[@sbjchef]

The Brit in the video is suggesting this searching is wrong wouldn't get very far with British coppers, the power lies very much with the copper stopping you especially in cars. this is mitigated by better training and entry qualifications, plus there is nothing as insane as qualified immunity, all our coppers have to know ALL the laws they enforce and are subject to them themselves even when using deadly force just the same as I would be.

[@Jan_Seidel]

7:00 they can calculate your level based on the time the took the sample. But they cannot estimate how much you had from the beginning if you don't disclose times. The police has to take a deep think before going for a blood sample. It is seen as bodily harm if someone had to give a blood sample against the will and gets cleared as sober. This can have serious consequences for the cop if the detainee wishes to file a case. 10:00 No matter if you have nothing to hide or may have, you should always keep your statements as short and precise as possible else you may go down deep rabbit holes and end up having your home searched for nothing just because of a stupid joke or bad choice of words to express yourself. I give my details when stopped, when they ask where I come from and where I plan to go I point to the back and say "from there and going there" whilst pointing forward. My standard response to any polite question of co-operation is "Not if I don't have to" and I never had to. 11:00 very famous to the question if I would know why I got pulled over are replies like "You feel lonely", "Are you looking for a date? Sorry, I am married" or "You have lost the direction?" 😆

[@TheVcasf]

Don't you think a bad guy in Germany can get a gun?

[@danielp8433]

I fully agree wirh you and im german. Seen enough of your police Videos to know you cant compare.

[@patrickbrady447]

Whether there is a law against insulting a police officer of not, firstly it is bad manners to insult anyone and it is bad manners to insult a police officer who is doing their job. But I also think it is also stupid to do so, why would you do it, it is inviting trouble. Maybe one of your light bulbs have failed that you did not know about, insult the cop and you are getting a ticket for sure and for anything else they can find, a tyre with borderline tread left for example.

[@CaptianInternet]

8:30 - I think also people might get searched because they look unsuspicious. I mean from a police point of view it would be quite stupid to rely only on superficial labels to a person to make the decision weather to search the person or not. Especially on a scene where many normal and regular people are around it is likely that someone who wants to do something illegal does not try to look suspicious but has a bad of some kind. So I would never take the fact that I get stopped or searches as sign for "they do that only because my shoes are white". There are many other things to consider.

[@CaptianInternet]

On the other hand... he wears glasses and has long hair. For me, a bald person, that IS in fact suspicious. He could be a geologist, a professor for physics, a mathematician, a teacher or anything. Do you ever know what a person with long hair is about, just by looking at them? No. so better ask them and make sure that they are not something dangerous like a schlagermusikproduzent. Which honestly could be...

[@FrancescoSalvatoreReinero]

Die deutsche Polizei schießt nicht die Fragen eher ob es dir Gut geht und sie stehen zu ihrem Wort

[@wino5086]

How about how Trump reacts to the FBI? LOL- what a country

[@MichaelATH]

Insulting is not the same as criticism

[@MelodyMan69]

Not sure, but have you compared Australian Police with America. We have Laws that give Police power to stop any Car, any time for BAC Test. No exceptions.

[@ticktock7483]

😂yes you can compare these figures side by side.

[@hansweith4947]

Hi JP, the Brit escaped the Island, mean how the comparisons are made

[@666Wizardsleeve]

When he said they can't compel (my word) you to do a Breathalyser test, surely you are obliged to give a Preliminary Breath Test? Or can you just drink drive at 320kmh on the Autobahn? Perhaps this bloke misunderstood and the laws are similar to Australia, because honestly, that sounds pretty bizarre. Cops need to perform a PBT which then informs their belief on reasonable grounds which then activates all the subsequent powers. Otherwise it's unworkable and ludicrous.

[@FrancescoSalvatoreReinero]

Du bist mehr in Sicherheit bei der deutschen Polizei als bei der Amerikanischen Polizei

[@arnodobler1096]

Insulting is not criticize