What defines a police officer? Today’s law enforcement professionals come from all walks of life. They are men and women, representing a spectrum of backgrounds and experiences, mirroring the diversity of the communities they serve. Many embody the best aspects of our society, demonstrating virtues worthy of respect and admiration. They answer the call to duty with a sense of purpose, eager to make a difference.
However, the reality of the job often differs from initial expectations. The challenges are immense, and the hope of single-handedly changing the world can fade. Police officers are unique individuals, often feeling a sense of calling to the profession. This calling motivates them to endure criticism, disregard insults, overcome obstacles, and unite in solidarity, much like the secure fastening of their body armor. It’s a profession where one moment they are the most sought-after individuals, and the next, they face hostility and rejection.
In environments marked by incivility, they are subjected to derogatory remarks and unprecedented challenges to their authority. Diplomacy becomes essential as they navigate disputes, striving to achieve resolutions that satisfy all parties involved. Each day brings new encounters, from settling neighborhood disagreements to confronting horrific crime scenes with living conditions unfit for animals. Despite the emotional toll, they often return home with little to say, as these experiences become commonplace, an unusual burden for those not wearing a badge.
Police officers are frequently required to make split-second decisions that could be debated by attorneys for months or even years. They must apprehend offenders, secure crime scenes, and provide aid to those in need, ensuring the safety of citizens unable to protect themselves. They often face the prospect of lawsuits, even when situations are handled effectively. The possibility of legal action can linger for years, causing sleepless nights as they reflect on their actions, questioning what they could have, would have, or should have done differently. This constant self-evaluation can lead to burnout, disillusionment, and emotional exhaustion.
Over time, the coping mechanisms they develop become as crucial as their oath of office. They are expected to use force judiciously, aiming to subdue without causing serious harm or death. They must be capable of overcoming any adversary without appearing brutal, regardless of the opponent’s size or the influence of drugs. Maintaining confidentiality is paramount. They must be aware of illicit activities without participating in them. From limited witness testimony and evidence, they are expected to accurately describe crimes, weapons, and perpetrators, and to know where offenders are hiding.
They spend countless hours reviewing files and writing reports to build cases against known felons, who may be released from custody before the ink dries. They receive complaints from victims who feel justice was not served and from defendants claiming their civil rights were violated. Police officers must possess the qualities of ministers, social workers, diplomats, psychologists, and UFC fighters. They are expected to be everything to everyone, without offending an increasingly sensitive and emotionally fragile society, a society often influenced by pharmaceutical drugs, street drugs, or alcohol.
From the perspective of law enforcement, many of these individuals are simply disruptive elements impacting the lives of good people. While acknowledging the existence of genuine mental health issues, officers need wisdom to distinguish between those with legitimate distress and those who use it as a smokescreen for vulgarity, bad behavior, and criminal activity. This discernment often relies on intuition, difficult to quantify or teach. When analysis and judgment are required, there is no manual to consult. Officers are either correct, in which case the matter is closed, or they err, subjecting themselves to intense scrutiny.
While it may seem that law enforcement is filled with martyrs, this is not the case. Most officers are passionate about their work, which is why they put on their gun belt, body armor, and badge each day. However, anyone who has spent time on the job understands the reality of the frustration, pain, and trauma that can leave lasting scars. To my friends and colleagues in law enforcement, you are an exceptional group of professionals. What I have described may seem impossible, but you accomplish it regularly. For that, I commend you. I have been proud to be part of this noble calling for three decades, but your job is more challenging now than ever before. As our culture becomes increasingly unstable, may God be with you, watching over and encouraging you in your role as the gatekeepers and guardians of civility and safety in our society.
—Jim McNeff