Citizen Guardians

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