Law enforcement has changed dramatically since I started nearly 28 years ago as a police officer in Grand Island, Nebraska. Society’s expectations of police officers has steadily increased in demands of service, performance and behavior with fewer financial and staffing resources. The result has been an increasing demand on officer time and priorities to get more done with less time and assistance. As is to be expected the focus becomes on the “here and now” and less on the bigger picture. As a result, it is very easy to becomemyopic in the view of the role of policing.
Policing is an honorable profession. It is a calling, not just a career. Take time to remind yourself every single day of the nobility of the profession in which you belong. Post it on the mirror so you see it every morning and before you turn in every night. Remind yourself that you make the difference.
Work as a team and support each other, not to labor on the negative aspects, but to celebrate the victories and console each otherduring times of despair and sadness. Seek wisdom of others both inside and outside the profession. Find yourself a confidant outside the business in whom you can confide and bounce ideas off of. Outline your goals for the next five years. Write them on an index card and carry it in your pocket. Review it often. Work toward your goals. Don’t let the negative folks drag you down in their petty bickering and despair. Misery really does love company.
Work to serve. Work to make others successful. But most importantly, be true to yourself. Hold your family and your God in reverence and always keep your priorities straight. Don’t lose who you are to the job. Keep perspective and if you feel you are slipping away, seek help immediately. Most importantly, share your experience and passion of the job with others.
Don’t be afraid to cry. It’s OK to be frustrated, angry and afraid. It’s also OK to be ecstatic, happy and cheerful. At the end of the day. Know that you have made a difference. Look for the good you have accomplished. Remember that the majority of the people out there appreciate and respect the job you do. Don’t let the vocal minority taint your views or how you perceive the community in which you serve.
Stay honest, ethical and compassionate. The job you do as a peace keeper is the noblest of professions and demands nothing less.