The police locker room: a sanctuary embraced by officers everywhere. It’s a refuge from critics, the misinformed, and those who take cheap shots at law enforcement and the noble work they perform. It’s a space where officers can be themselves, share experiences, and prepare for the challenges of the job.
When law enforcement officers report for duty and enter the locker room to prepare for their shift, the conversations can be deeply personal and private. Imagine the scene: an officer spins the dial to open their locker, and suddenly, partners are discussing yesterday’s felony car stop. “What did you think when we suddenly found ourselves in a crossfire?” asks one officer. “I know, right? How often do we discuss it, then suddenly it happened,” replies the other. These conversations are a vital part of processing the intense situations they face.
Uniform pants are pulled on, boot laces are cinched tight, and the Velcro from a Point Blank vest is secured. Cops don body armor without much thought; it’s simply part of the uniform. But when you consider its purpose, it is quite sobering. How many other professions are required to take such precautions to preserve life before heading out for the day or night? The weight of that responsibility is ever-present.
“Lord, please protect me and my partners as we seek to maintain order tonight,” is a frequently uttered silent prayer while getting dressed for duty. This quiet moment of reflection and supplication underscores the inherent dangers and the reliance on something greater than themselves.
Handcuffs are pulled from their pouch and spun to ensure they are on the final click for quick and easy administration during hostile encounters. Firearm and Taser in place; check! Every piece of equipment is meticulously inspected, ensuring readiness for whatever the shift may bring.
The conversations continue with therapeutic benefits that are rarely considered. Partners in arms bond due to the shared experiences of the profession. The dialogue can be as free-flowing as that of a conversation by a bunch of cops sitting on bar stools, minus the alcohol. This camaraderie is essential for maintaining mental and emotional well-being in a high-stress environment.
The sanctity of the locker room was never so real until employees from city hall were allowed to invade our “private space” in order to access the department weight room, which was located between the men and women’s respective locker rooms. The reaction was visceral. It felt like an intrusion. City hall employees were good people, but this was our inner sanctum. Consequently, officers didn’t want people outside the fraternity co-mingling with them, whether preparing for duty or changing clothes to go home.
Suddenly, officers had to measure their conversations when using the locker room during day watch, making night shifts even more appealing. They could no longer “high-five” cross-town partners who endured a fight for their life with a crazy person in the hospital emergency room. Unexpectedly, the blue crew had to mind its manners!
So while the sanctity of the locker room was invaded, peers became like territorial animals marking their turf and deploying an unwelcome form of non-verbal communication. Although the weight room belonged to the city, the equipment within was the property of the police association. As a result, labels quickly appeared on machines declaring ownership: “PROPERTY OF THE POLICE ASSOCIATION.” It might seem juvenile, but officers felt justified in their actions. Moreover, the icy reception on display when city hall employees entered our sanctum suddenly made it an unwelcome place for non-cops to travel. A mild form of mad-dogging communicated words that never left our lips. Naturally, this was not the kind gesture that should have been displayed, but it underscores the thought process possessed by most police officers— Us vs. Them.
Over time, the uninviting atmosphere worked. All but one of the city hall employees discontinued using “our” weight room; thus, they no longer had reason to invade our locker room.
Sadly, this wasn’t a proud moment, although the feelings of invasion were understandable. The locker room represents more than just a place to change; it’s a space for camaraderie, support, and preparation for the difficult tasks ahead. Any perceived threat to that sanctity is met with resistance.
Oregon State Trooper Nic Cederberg’s body armor from a December 25, 2016 shooting. (Courtesy PPB)
Photo courtesy DanSun Photo Art
Part of the weight room at my agency. (Fountain Valley Police Officers Association Facebook)
