What kind of work do they do?
The job title of a police officer is “To Protect and To Serve”
and to be the crime fighters for the communities they work in (Das 1). Chief
Anthony V. Bouza of the New York Police Department wrote, “It is said that the
cop on the street exercises more power over our daily lives than the President
of the United States” (2). They have to “maintain order, prevent crime, and act
against law breakers, all while maintaining a safe and secure order in society”
(Das 1). The responsibilities of an officer are very broad though, and are not
limited to just criminal activities, but rather a variety of jobs that have to
deal with the community. There are not very many professions where employees
have to make complex legal and moral decisions that impact the lives of other
people (Malmin). Officers not only expose themselves to danger by chasing
criminals or breaking up a fight, but they also have to show kindness and
courtesy to citizens. They may
have to lawfully take someone’s life under a stressful condition or be
compassionate when telling a family that their son was killed in a car
accident. And because of this they are mentally, physically, and
emotionally prepared for any situation that is thrown their way. Every time
they put on their uniforms they are asked to put their lives on the line to
protect our societies. Law
enforcement jobs have a unique weight that goes along with the badge. These
stressors come from trying to balance their work, social, and family lives, as
well as trying to overcome the conflicting expectations of law enforcers. I know
this because I come from a long line of family members being in the military and
law enforcement. It has always proved difficult for individuals
to draw a line to separate each of their priorities and commitments (Heibutzki).
The work of a police officer has its rewards, however the job creates
significant stress and problems that are not evident to all outsiders. These
individuals deserve respect because of the actions they encounter and their dire
loyalty and service to their fellow officers and peers.
and to be the crime fighters for the communities they work in (Das 1). Chief
Anthony V. Bouza of the New York Police Department wrote, “It is said that the
cop on the street exercises more power over our daily lives than the President
of the United States” (2). They have to “maintain order, prevent crime, and act
against law breakers, all while maintaining a safe and secure order in society”
(Das 1). The responsibilities of an officer are very broad though, and are not
limited to just criminal activities, but rather a variety of jobs that have to
deal with the community. There are not very many professions where employees
have to make complex legal and moral decisions that impact the lives of other
people (Malmin). Officers not only expose themselves to danger by chasing
criminals or breaking up a fight, but they also have to show kindness and
courtesy to citizens. They may
have to lawfully take someone’s life under a stressful condition or be
compassionate when telling a family that their son was killed in a car
accident. And because of this they are mentally, physically, and
emotionally prepared for any situation that is thrown their way. Every time
they put on their uniforms they are asked to put their lives on the line to
protect our societies. Law
enforcement jobs have a unique weight that goes along with the badge. These
stressors come from trying to balance their work, social, and family lives, as
well as trying to overcome the conflicting expectations of law enforcers. I know
this because I come from a long line of family members being in the military and
law enforcement. It has always proved difficult for individuals
to draw a line to separate each of their priorities and commitments (Heibutzki).
The work of a police officer has its rewards, however the job creates
significant stress and problems that are not evident to all outsiders. These
individuals deserve respect because of the actions they encounter and their dire
loyalty and service to their fellow officers and peers.