Time for budget reductions.
/johnny
It’s almost like they are looking for an excuse.
‘The government ain’t paying for PhDs’
Based on some of the salary and especially benefits packages of some Law Enforcement officers, we are paying for PHDs’.
I think you may have inadvertently hit on the crux of the problem. The cop in question is undoubtedly highly educated and speaks (and only associates with people who also speak) perfect English.
He was confused by the vernacular double negative - 'Don't Punch Him No More' - and thought he was complying with the wishes of the crowd for stricter measures.
(Do I really need to tag this as sarcasm?)