Turning An Ear to Society: Should Law Enforcement Agencies Express More Diligence in Listening to the Concerns of Citizens?

            One unique perspective on police officer’s is that we often are viewed as bullies and abusers in today’s society. Though that view is not a direct reflection of all members of society, it is, for the most part, a majority of society that perceives us as untrustworthy and abusive. Most members of society are affected by their interactions with police officers on a daily basis. The National Institute of Justice has opined that people tend to form their opinions of police officers based upon interactions with police or stories from family members and friends. With this in mind, it is important to remember that police officers, at least for a small majority, are responsible for the perceptions of society upon them. 

            I strongly believe that in today’s society, especially with the unique challenges of the increased resistance of society to authority over the past couple of years, law enforcement agencies across the nation have a significant chance to involve and create a trust from the public that is unshakeable. Unfortunately, a majority of law enforcement agencies have failed to grasp this opportunity, viewing the resistance of society being the result of a spoiled and self-entitled generation. Though that may be the case…though that may be the generation that we live in today….and though that may be the result of the way parents have raised their children in recent years; Law enforcement agencies should evolve to meet the needs of society today. 

            When speaking in terms of police evolution, I do not promote conforming to the antagonistic requests of a litigious society. Rather I speak of evolving police operations to be more of a teaching mechanism in order to educate society as to the choices, reasons, and mannerisms that cause police to perform their job in the way that they do. We should teach the younger generation why police officers make choices to use force, issue citations, or make arrests when responding to calls or conducting traffic stops. I have found that simply explaining yourself to someone, even when arresting them, and further elaborating on how they can attempt to improve themselves or their position makes a positive progression in the trust that those individuals have in me as a law enforcement officer. 

            While some may view my conduct and methodical mannerisms in which I conduct myself on the job as being “weak”, I take pride in knowing that I, at least, attempt to exemplify what a police officer should be. I believe that officers should be examples of the higher standards of morality that officers should be held to. I believe that officers should attempt to further relations with their community by listening to the needs of society and attempting to meet those needs. Sure, there are some needs that cannot be met due to restrictions from the laws set in place that govern police operations. However, looking at the past examples of leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose teachings, quotes, and philosophy of life and civil rights revolutionized the African-American communities in America, law enforcement agencies could go a long way by listening to society’s anger and opinions.

Did you enjoy this blog? Let me know what you think in the comments section and if there are any measures I could use to improve my topic.