Figured I'd weigh in on this one since it is personal to me and my occupation.
I am going on record right here, getting extra pay for using a computer to write a report is one of the reason public employees have become so hated by those who are in the private sector. It's greedy and just plain wrong.
And Peabody PD? They should be embarrassed and ashamed for trying to cash in on one of the saddest days in American history. I am glad I don't work there, end of story.
As a member of my union, I am many times disgusted by the attitude that some of my coworkers, both in-house and abroad, display when it comes to benefits, etc. I realize in no uncertain terms, not only does the general public not feel we earn our pay, they openly detest their very being. I have to say, lately, it you read the papers, watch TV, or listen to the radio, if you work in the public sector, you're automatically a moron, lazy, a hack, over-paid and gernally a do nothing. But, if you work for a private business, you're a working class hero, regardless of what you might do or not do in a typical day.
As a cop, if I do nothing, people complain. If I stop a dozen cars a day and make arrests, they complain and say why don't you catch real criminals, if you follow the law and arrests, it's why don't you catch real criminals.
And secondly, guys, it's 2008! We don't eat donuts much anymore, it's all about the BAGELS! Sheeeez, if you're going to slam my brothers at least be accurate about it! Mine is whole grain with peanut butter. Man, does peanut butter make a mess of a blue shirt when it drips off the bagel...
