Cop Tales: Legends, Pranks and Stories from a Bygone Era

Before the dawn of political correctness and the almost choking fear of offending someone, there was a brand of humor that deemed no one sacred. In the world of law enforcement lived those who dared to trample upon everything from the sanctity of motherhood to race and religion. There were no exemptions or exclusions and anyone could fall prey to a trivial barb or a very elaborate prank. Cartoons, poems, letters, and living creatures from cats to snakes were just a few of the "tools" of the police humor trade. Of course, the calls for assistance often provided some moments of side splitting laughter and comic relief. The mere twisting of a word could alter the response to a call and cause dozens of police cars to rush, with lights flashing and sirens sounding, to a home or business. Seconds after arrival they could be left scratching their heads and asking how a bird became a burglar. Back in those old days of policing a tough guy who boasted, "If you didn't have that badge and gun, I'd stomp your ass," often found his wish granted. And, on some those occasions when the badge and gun came off, bets were placed on the outcome.