NCJ Number
217977
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 55 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2007 Pages: 101,104,106
Date Published
March 2007
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article presents and explains a simple model for describing what it takes to be an excellent law enforcement officer.
Abstract
The model consists of trios of As, Bs, and Cs. The three As are attitude, academic ability, and appearance. Attitude involves taking pride in the service provided by policing in general and in one's particular policing duties. Academic ability refers to having the knowledge and skill that comes from the training and education essential for dealing with complex and changing social and legal issues faced by an officer. Appearance involves officers presenting themselves in good physical condition that enables them to manage the stresses and demands of police work. The three Bs are behavior, booze, and bucks. Behavior refers to acting ethically and lawfully both on and off duty. Booze refers to the avoidance of substance abuse, and bucks refer to the responsibility of officers to exercise the self-discipline necessary to live within their financial means. The three Cs are courage, character, and compassion. Courage involves performing the actions necessary to protect the public regardless of the danger it poses to oneself. Character refers to the total package of attitudes, values, habits, and behaviors that define what an individual brings to the quality of his/her relationships and actions. Compassion refers to the dominance of sensitivity to and caring for the needs of others.