NCJ Number
193517
Date Published
2002
Length
214 pages
Annotation
This book discusses the reality of becoming a police officer and the things that are important in an officer’s life.
Abstract
Chapter 1 reviews the history of law enforcement with the intent of helping police officers understand police tradition. Chapter 2 examines issues such as greed, honesty, temptation, and pride and the choices that officers must make. The chapter talks about issues that may ruin a police officer’s career. Chapter 3 focuses on the characteristics of an exemplary police officer, which include personal control, discipline, caring, positive attitude, hard work, supporting others, and continuing one’s education. Chapter 4 examines the judicial system with a discussion of the law, American justice, prosecution, courts, civil suits, plea-bargaining, defense attorneys, and legal terms. Chapter 5 looks at the issue of surviving the street, which includes strategies and techniques of the Nation’s foremost authorities on survival training. The chapter includes information on mental conditioning and practical realistic techniques and gives critical information on anticipating danger, understanding physiological changes in a crisis, and analyzing shootouts. Chapter 6 examines the issue of emotional survival. Officers suffer serious medical problems or die from stress-related problems more than attacks from guns or knives. The chapter examines why people become police officers and how to manage stress. In addition, information is provided on dealing with irate citizens, officer relationships with spouses and children, exercise, and the unique concerns of veteran officers. Chapter 7 discusses the importance of an officer’s physical fitness and gives helpful information on physical exams, choosing the correct exercises, and nutrition. Appendices, index