NCJ Number
225858
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 78 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2009 Pages: 1-12
Date Published
January 2009
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article explains how the development of “spirituality” in law enforcement officers enhances the personal resources (emotional intelligence, intuitive policing, ethics, and stress management) of law enforcement officers, which is also related to their job practice, performance, longevity, and vitality.
Abstract
Police officers are exposed to the worst characteristics of human nature as well as the suffering and death that such behavior inflicts on others. Being able to cope with and continue to expose oneself to such a circumstance while bringing the best in human nature to influence positive outcomes requires “spirituality.” As used in this article, “spirituality” is defined as “the continual, intentional nurturing of the inner person (spirit) that motivates and implements the spirit of the law.” In elaborating on this definition, the author notes that spirituality is an inner power that instills and revitalizes personal thoughts, emotions, and psychological states that influence a person’s perceptions of the meaning of life and his/her reactions to and management of specific circumstances and experiences. For law enforcement officers, spirituality is the fuel that constantly drives their commitment to protect and serve the safety and best interests not only of crime victims but also offenders. Spirituality is an officer’s well-spring of thoughts, emotions, reactions, and coping behaviors that promote “emotional intelligence,” “intuitive policing,” “ethical behavior,” and constructive “stress management.” Spirituality as a law-enforcement career resource influences the “vitality,” “longevity,” “performance,” and “practice” of an officer. As this article explains each of these fruits of spirituality, it shows how officers are enabled to recharge themselves in the “spirit of the law” throughout their period of vocational active duty. 1 figure and 52 notes