How easy is it to get into trouble with the Police in Poland?

Hey, I've complained about this elsewhere, but since my arrival in Poland three months ago I've had to deal with more than my fair share of stares, finger pointing, and as of today, name calling ("czarny" because I'm black.) So taking a walk is pretty tortuous and it's not like in New York where I could make a funny face or comment if someone stared at me and just deal with their reaction. Being here, I'm afraid of getting into a fight because 1: I don't want to feed the "violent black man" stereotype, and 2: I feel that if I were to get into a fight, about 100 other poles would jumb in to kick my ass, and 3: I don't know what could happen with the police should they get involved.

Are the cops hard-asses here? And now that I've just crossed the 3 month limit, would any encounter with the police mean immediate deportation?

The cops here are amongst the toughest in the world. I wouldn't mess with them. U don't face immediate deportation but it's better to get all the paperwork done on time. Polish bureaucracy is rather unforgiving

Czarny isn't really a racial slur. It justs means black.

Czarnuchu is bad tho, right? I wouldn't count on help from the police. How many black Polish police are there nationwide? Can't be many. Many top policemen in America are black, they have all the credentials to make top officers. To introduce black policemen here would only increase the potential for crime unfortunately.

Well, depends on the context.
Sadly, I read that police when approached by black folks who got racially abused generally aren't doing much to tackle with that problem. They just don't want to get involved and make everything to discourage offended people from prosecuting their offenders. It's a real shame.

Funny you mentioned black policemen. Some time ago i have read an article about foreigners in poland and there was an interview with one black guy who happened to be a policeman. :)

Yes, Czarnuch is a racial slur.

Why wouldn't you think about getting help from the police? It's their job and they are getting paid for it.



What would be the reason for it?

Matyjasz, for such a smart guy, that was a stupid comment. In theory, the police are there to help u but that'd reflect in the faith in the police force. Look at studies that disprove this. Many people get paid for sth and make a hash of it.

Black policemen here, IMHO, would be targets for racial hatred. They wouldn't command the respect of many communities and would likely get set upon whilst doing their beat/patrol.

Should I feel complemented or offended? :)

If demanding from the police to do their job is just a wishful thinking than what is the purpose to have them in the first place? Do you really think that low about polish police?






True. One could offend someone calling him a princess, still it doesn’t mean that the word princess is offensive.




If that’s true than it is really a very sad state of affairs.




Those who abide the law wouldn't mind, and those who don't, don’t respect "psy" anyway. But I do see your point.

Well, u made one stupid comment but u r a smarty guy so u should feel complimented. There was a neighbourhood dispute and I had to liaise with the police and they didn't even want to know. They do a great job at footie grounds tho!!

Well than, thats quite a original way to complimant a person, but thank you. It takes a great man to aprieciate another great man. ;)

I also understand now your sceptic aproach to polish police. Still, we were talking about, and I quote:



If one couldn't count on the police when attacked by a gang of thugs than how could we call Poland "państwo prawa"? ("the land of law"??)

I'm not entirely sceptical either. I think that they are very disciplined and are often on patrol. There are also different levels of police which I like. The straz mieska streel patrols are a very good idea.

It's just a hunch Matyjasz but I'd hazard a guess that the police may turn a blind eye unless he was getting badly beaten.

Yeah, and how much time will it take to change these attitudes ? We're supposed to be a civilised country after all...

Poland is a very civilised country. It's just that certain events bring out the fools

Sheep, what the hell... Policeman doesn't have to black to help... and how many ? One.

I know that, good officers are good officers, irrespective of colour. I dunno how many black policemen there are, maybe they are like black sheep