Police Behavior A Historical Perspective

The position of a police officer was created in order to help ensure that laws were enforced and that the general public remained safe. As a result, police officers have been historically known to serve and protect our society. Whether they are mediating a domestic disturbance, solving a murder case, or ensuring that reckless drivers are kept off the roads, officers risk their lives on a daily basis to provide public safety. Not surprisingly, police officers have long been heralded as heroes in our society. Although officers have been traditionally regarded as up-standing citizens whose morals and values should serve as models for the rest of society, police behavior has come under increasing scrutiny in the past several years. Profile of an OfficerCriminologists and other researchers have spent years attempting to develop a bare bones profile that contains some of the most common personality traits exhibited by police officers. Although no two people are alike, a number of common features have been identified.Prior to becoming officers, these individuals tend to be somewhat more aggressive, impulsive, and willing to take risks than other individuals. Each of these qualities is desired in law enforcement officials who must ensure public safety by risking their own lives on a daily basis. On the other hand, it is important to recognize that these same qualities can also be attributed to criminals.In addition, police work fosters the development of certain super ordinate attitudes, creating a “police personality.” Because their jobs require them to be attuned to deceit, officers may become hypersensitive, suspicious, and defensive toward outsiders, ultimately isolating them (in many cases) from the bulk of society. This is only further propagated by the “us versus them” mentality that arises as police officers work together against criminals. Eventually, many police officers develop a sense of cynicism towards society.Law enforcement can be a uniquely stressful and demoralizing job. There are high rates of alcoholism, suicide, divorce, and even domestic violence amongst members of the police force. No matter how ethical or moral an officer is he or she may eventually succumb to the negative consequences that frequently result from their occupations.Another trait that researchers have linked to the police personality is a false perception of invulnerability, stemming from the power and authority vested in the badge. Many of those who wear the badge, even those who Category:Home › Other • Pomegranates: A newly discovered superfood • Where did the joke why did the chicken cross the road come from and why is it funny? • Can mothers diagnosed with bipolar disorder make good parents? • Spiritual evolution of human consciousness • Tips for getting a college basketball scholarship • Living with Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) • Caring for the caregiver • Technologys impact on society