PROBLEMS OF BEING A POLICE OFFICER (FROM POLICE PATROL READINGS, 2D ED. 1970, BY SAMUEL G CHAPMAN - SEE NCJ-01974)

• NCJ Number: 15160
• Author(s): R H BLUM
• Date Published: 1970
• Length: 13 pages
• Corporate Author: Charles C. Thomas
• Publication Format: Document
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS. ARTICLE FROM POLICE, NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 1960 AND JANUARY-FEBRUARY 1961.

Annotation

PERSONAL TENSIONS AND CONFLICTS, SUCH AS LOYALTY TO FELLOW POLICE OFFICERS, FEAR, AND GUILT OVER USING FORCE THAT RESULT FROM BEING A POLICE OFFICER.

Abstract

A WIDE RANGE OF SITUATIONS WHICH MAY CAUSE EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL STRESS IN THE POLICE OFFICER ARE DISCUSSED. CONFLICT SITUATIONS, IN WHICH TWO OR MORE INCOMPATIBLE GOALS OR BELIEFS INFLUENCE THE OFFICER ARE FIRST EXAMINED. AMONG THE SITUATIONS DISCUSSED ARE CONFLICTS OF LOYALTY AND HONESTY WITH RESPECT TO FELLOW OFFICERS, CONFLICTS ARISING FROM TEMPTATION, FEAR, OR INABILITY TO EASE HUMAN SUFFERING, AND CONFLICTS IN BELIEF WITH THE LAW OR WITH THE AUTHORITIES. THE PRESSURES OF MAKING IMMEDIATE DECISIONS AND UNCERTAINTIES ARISING FROM COMMUNITY AND DEPARTMENTAL CHANGES ARE EXAMINED. THE UNCERTAIN ACCEPTANCE BY THE PUBLIC AND THE OFTEN UNFAVORABLE NEWS COVERAGE THAT THE POLICE RECEIVE ARE SEEN AS TWO OF THE MOST SERIOUS PROBLEMS FACING POLICE. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVING THESE SITUATIONS ARE PRESENTED, AND INCLUDE INCREASING THE PROFESSIONAL STANDARD OF POLICE THROUGH TRAINING, DEVELOPING A GENERAL ETHICAL CODE FOR POLICE, AND A PUBLIC POLICY ON THE NATURE AND DUTIES OF THE POLICEMAN'S JOB.