"tu" - from my french class - years ago, "tu" is used when you're familiar with someone, like you friends or family. "Vou" for someone you don't know or a teacher or superior. I don't think "tu" is automatically 'disrespectful'.
Have we chased all the French people away or can a native French speaker answer this??
"Your mother is a hampster and your father smells of elderberries. Now go away or I shall taunt you for a second time."
I'm french and you're absolutely right. It's also an indication of cop custody. Once in custody or near custody of a cop, there is no "vous" applying. It communicates clearly intentions.
""tu" - from my french class - years ago, "tu" is used when you're familiar with someone, like you friends or family. "Vou" for someone you don't know or a teacher or superior. I don't think "tu" is automatically 'disrespectful'"
It's similar in German. "Du" is familiar, used with friends, family and anyone else that is well-known to you. "Sie" is formal, used respectfully in social situations, both with people unfamiliar to you, and to your "betters." Germans can get quite upset, if you're being overly familiar. It is seen as disrespectful. The French would likely be the same, but less rigidly demanding in every instance.
In that context, it is indeed automatically disrespectful. "Tu" is used when you're addressing a social inferior, such as a child (even a stranger) or a servant, or to a friend. You say "vous" to anyone who out-ranks you. That's why using "vous" is used when talking to strangers, the way we use "sir."
But I think "tu" is considered correct usage when talking to criminals.
You are entirely correct (except for your spelling of "vous"). One would always refer to an official, elder, parent, teacher, etc. as "vous." Essentially, the cop was acting in an official capacity, representing the state, and should be referred to as "vous." The yute was demanding "equal" treatment when there was no cause for it. It's as silly as Charlie Brown insisting that Miss Oglethorpe refer to him as "Mr. Brown."