Reality of Law Enforcement Coping With the Reality

The Heavy Badge The badge does not make the officer. Training and more training makes the officer. The badge is as heavy as you make it.

Authority Figure People in society see you and treat you differently. They expect you to solve problems. They expect you to conduct yourself properly.

Officer Isolation The badge separates you from all others. You cannot associate with felons. You cannot hang out in places that have a bad reputation. Your conduct must be different. Above reproach

Corrections work in quasi-military structured institution. There are mental health concerns with military structured environments. There are mental health concerns in working in a institution. There are always rules and regulations you must follow. There is a Chain of Command you must follow.

Shift Work Shift works alters the individuals life style. Your shift may change yearly Hours of the shift vary Institutions, shifts, and hours vary Overtime might be mandatory, all which create stress within the officers.

Camaraderie has two edges Creates a sense of teamwork Puts us against them As in military, you work as a unit We perform as a team not as individuals

Stress Levels Vary from day to day Vary from shift to shift Leave home at at home Leave work at work

Emotionally in Control Officers must have restraint in their emotions Be Fair, Firm, and Consistent Remain focused Be observant and let your eyes and ears guide you

Gray Areas? There are NONE If it is not in writing it never happened Right and Wrong are determined by a standard Even with a badge there are rules and regulations to be followed.

You at work with negativity!! You will see the bad part of society at work You will see the criminal, the abuser, the violator You must be positive in a negative environment You may be here if you violate the law. Follow the law, obey rules and regulations for the rest of your life.

Families are affected Leave home at home Leave work at work Do not treat family members, as an inmate Be a professional officer at work Be a professional spouse at home

Hollywood Law Enforcement Actors are professional imitators. Actors use dummy ammo Actors use artificial weapons Actors use stunt people Movies are calculated, and designed.

Real vs Hollywood

Coping Considerations Get a good night rest Get up on time Leave home at home Give human respect Display respect and values of cultures unlike yours Be tolerant in the face of adversity Understand / follow agency policy / procedures Present a calm and professional demeanor Do not become a target of a con Be consistent Defuse hostility

Coping Considerations Do not make a promise you cannot keep Give positive feedback Be accountable for all your actions Maintain a positive attitude Maintain high work standards and work ethics Do not follow negativity Critique yourself Take a good look at yourself in the mirror and if you do not like what you see give yourself an attitude adjustment