There was a time in this country when a law enforcement
officer could walk alone into a troubling situation with the confidence the
people were on his side, that he had all the backup he needed if things should get
out of hand. There was a time when
officers were allowed to exercise good judgment first, before resorting to their
authority, brute strength, weapons skills, martial arts and tactical training. “Yes Sir” used to be the first two words of
every reply to an officer’s query. What
can our law enforcement agencies do to help restore the public’s confidence,
trust and respect for our citizen guardians?
Here are a few suggestions:
1. Take off the reflective Ray-Bans, put on a
smile, and introduce yourself to the citizen with whom you are engaged. Give them a business card for their future
reference.
2. Traffic regulations and enacted laws are
primarily intended to curb criminal behavior and punish the violators. Treating a usually law-abiding citizen like a
common criminal is not the foundation upon which we build mutual respect and
trust.
3. Stop using traffic laws as a principle source
of revenue for the public entity. The
fact our elected officials have negligently diverted resources from essential
community services should not be justification for such policy.
4. Be courteous and polite to those you are
issuing a citation. Yes, the citizen is
probably disturbed and this is all the more reason why acting in a
professional, engaging and respectful manner is imperative. The use of “a warning” for a non-egregious
violation will do wonders for the relationship.
5. Re-consider the necessity of wearing 40
pounds of gear and weaponry as your normal work attire. If you look like a storm trooper, you will be
thought of and treated like a faceless, anonymous storm trooper.
6. Stop referring to a fallen or wounded officer
as, “one of our own”. It reinforces the
“we versus they” or the “us against them” syndrome. Unless, of course, you use the phrase to mean
“one of our own citizens”.
7. Get rid of the military style rank
insignias. You are not the military, and
you should know the difference. Soldiers
are trained to obey the orders of their superiors without question. Law enforcement officers are expected to use
good judgment, restraint, and concern for the welfare of the people.
8. Stop saluting at formal ceremonies. If you want to show respect, hold your hat in
hand across your chest. If you don’t
have a hat, place your right hand over your heart. Do your best to resemble the people you serve
instead of the opposite.
9. And yes, stop marching in military-like
formations on any occasion. The more you
look like and act like a military organization, the more you will be regarded
as militaristic and set apart from the community you serve.
10. Lose the privilege you believe you have
earned by wearing the uniform of the law.
11. And for the department’s leadership, stop
accepting funds and materials from other levels of government. They come with strings attached and ulterior
motives -- sooner or later you will have to choose between the people you serve
or your department’s benefactors.
Bill Monroe
Southlake, TX