Police: Are They Good or Bad?
What was the first thought that flashed through your mind when you read the title of this post? Did you pick a side? Good? Bad? Some are good? Some are bad? What kind of dumb question is that? What are you getting at?
Building brand equity in the policing industry, that’s where this post is going.
Branding is usually associated with marketing of goods and services we buy as consumers. We are bombarded with branding messages wherever we go; some messages are subtle, some loud and proud. Branding is typically defined as the marketing practice of creating a name, symbol or design that identifies and differentiates a product from other products.
Policing is branded; there is no mistaking the images of badges, uniforms, cars and guns for hardly anything else. As far as the definition of branding goes, we can check the name, symbol and design elements off of the list.
But what about the part of the definition that speaks of identifying and differentiating a product from other products? What does that have to do with policing?
As police we certainly do not need to attract more customers or drum up more business, and we are not competing with anyone for ‘business’. I would suggest that we have competition though; we are and have been competing for a favorable image in a world that is stacking negative messages against us. We are in a battle to differentiate our profession from the false version of who we are that has been peddled for years.
Policing has been a giant money maker for a lot of people and businesses, other than the police. Think about how many television shows and movies have been created that were based on policing. Think about who leads the 11 o’clock news almost nightly and fills the front pages of newspapers. If it bleeds it reads. And if it reads, it sells advertising.
The question of the day is: what kind of branding does all of this attention create for policing? I don’t think it does us a lot of favors.
Movies and TV? I can count on one hand how many films and shows paint the policing industry favorably. Most focus on the negative parts of the police culture and the human failures that are experienced. The exceptions, police corruption and incompetence, become the rule.
The news programs are not much better. Occasionally, there may be a human interest story that covers the police politely, but it’s the darker stories that run more often.
Add in social media and the internet as whole, and the force multiplier is incredible.
All of this has a profound impact on how the police are perceived by the public and sadly, most of it is out of the control of the policing industry.
We own a little of the bad message. The policing industry has a long history of struggling through corruption and bad behavior as it professionalized. Even today, we still find officers that use excessive force, ignore constitutional law or simply treat people like dirt. They are truly few in number, but none the less, give us a black eye, two if they are really boneheaded. We can control this part, if we want to bad enough. I know I want to see this change.
But how do we get the dog back to wagging the tail when it comes to the external forces that are casting a bad light one us? Can we control this?
Are there ways we can impact the TV and movie industries? That’s a tough one. I have always been curious when I watch credits at the end of some movies and shows and ‘consultants’ are listed. I would hope that a self respecting cop would think twice about taking a job consulting on a project that disparages the police. We certainly don’t have to pay to see this junk and we should encourage others to avoid it as well.
The TV news is tricky too. What if we took advantage of today’s relatively inexpensive technology and produced our industry news ourselves? The public has an insatiable curiosity about what we do and what we see; I say let them hear it straight from the source, commercial free and close to real time. Media outlets would get their news from our sites. Talk about getting scooped.
Let’s crowd this one; how can this be turned around and brand policing in a beneficial light?
“The power of the brand is not in the name but what has been invested in that name over the years.”
― Bernard Kelvin Clive
© 2015 DAVID A. LYONS
Its better not to inform criminals of our tactics, tricks of the trade and many other areas of the job.
I liked your article very much. But more so, I loved your idea of transitioning law enforcement into more of a business model.
I recently retired as a Detective Sergeant with the Newark Police Dept in New Jersey. I think that some of the bigger departments have taken some of the principles of a successful business, like accountability and responsibility issues, but there are whole lot of other principles that would be beneficial to adopt.
The hardest sell will be because a lot of cops, even upper brass, became cops very young and never really worked in the business world in a significant capacity.
Good luck.
Thank you! I am finding more like-mind cops than I originally thought I would.
The public will never see the police in a good light ,due to the fact that we issue moving violations and parking summons. We arrest them and their friends and family. I’ve never seen the public hold a demonstration to give the police a raise.
I would also like to know why we ask the the public to help to police solve crimes in their neighborhood. They’re not helping the the police. They are helping themselves to a safer existence.
Larry Smith
Principal Owner at Accredited Investigations
I spent 30 years doing the job and I think we have both. Good and Bad. It is just like any other profession you have good ones and bad ones. I thank the good Lord that the majority are GOOD.
It is my personal belief that we have a few more bad ones these days or is it just because of access to all the different types of digital devices, and Media that we notice more.
i think people entering law enforcement today have very different reasons to joining this profession. The pay and benefits packages are great. We used to join because we wanted to help the community and make a difference. Just my thoughts
Leroy Moody
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Very good
Dave Fischer
Advertising Director at association of retired police officers
For the most part, all officers are not only good, but dedicated to preserving the peace, protecting the public and serving the public with all good intentions. However, that being said, they are human also. So when certain segments of the populace talk down to officers, curse them, block them from trying to do the GOOD job they want to do, at those times, some of the officers can get frustrated, so much so, they may want to strike out (who at times can blame them?) and become a little more responsive in a manner that some will find either offensive, or as they refer on occasion, obnoxious………….or as I have said before…shit happens….remember, officers are human and in some cases the public can push a little too hard and may not like the response they will get….remember, give respect, get respect………
Keith Heiden
Police Lieutenant (Retired)
This is a discussion we don’t need. Police departments ensure that they are doing the right things, even to the point where an officer receives minor discipline for and inconsequential action just to appease an unhappy citizen.
Debra “Rayna” Alexander
Retired Federal Law Enforcement, currently Realtor Sales Associate at Morris Williams Realty
I think police organizations nationally need to do more positive publicity, or branding if you like. They need to promote those officers who go above and beyond, the ones who volunteer their time with kids or at the senior center, the ones who jump into a river to save someone who is drowning. Not sure what the vehicle is for that, but right now, it needs to be done. TV and movies have not always painted police in the best light, but people know that Hollywood is Hollywood. However, the news coverage in recent months has been dreadful. People believe the news in whatever way it is spun. I think on a local level, the local PD PR people need to develop a proactive relationship with news outlets where feel good stories can be funnelled through, and not just a reactive relationship for damage control when things go bad. On a national level, we need something similar.
Doug 3,625+
Retired Law Enforcement Professional !
It seems as the Officer doing the blow it off or what ever is doing well. But when cops are dieing on the streets and put of with the bull shit that is ttrown at them by assholes ! Not the time to hand out coloring books and such ! I used to do that Officer Bill Program way back in the 70’s and it was very cool at the time ! But now , and there are cops that give in sports centers and such ! We need some head people with BALLS , that stand up instead of O, Holder, Sharpton, and all the rest of the limp dicks that want protection, but should just go home and lick thar balls , which I am sure they are good AT !
Doug 3,625+
Retired Law Enforcement Professional !
There are always bad apples ! I put some in Prison over the years , and had some in Jail, makes me sick. Dickheads ! No Excuse who they are No One is above the Law , you take the Oath ! Then you make a commitment to your Death ! And also the Family !
Steven White
Corporate Security Consultant/ State Licensed Professional Investigator
Well, a great test would be for American police officers all take a weeks annual leave…see how many people will beg for them back! Probably the begging would start in an hour or less….
Doug 3,625+
Retired Law Enforcement Professional !
And the CLEAN UP would last much longer !
Kenneth Turner
Supervisor-Evening Watch at Henry County Board of Commissioners
I think our profession has been trying to re-brand itself for a long time through community oriented policing, ‘Sgt McGruff’ and even the old “Officer Bill” program. We have reached out into the schools through DARE, STOP and other like programs attempting to make greater impacts at a younger age. Most jurisdictions have programs to develop neighborhood watches and conduct citizen “police academy’s”, building relationships with our communities. It would be nice if we could get the public, en mass, to take notice of the positive things we do in our communities through a publicity program, but the truth is, we have to address the negative perceptions through a variety of avenues and invest much time and effort to see any swing in those mentalities. As long as many in the general public foster their “entitlement” mentality, we will always be viewed, at least in their eyes, as the bad guy. We stand in the way of them being “entitled” to do as they please because we are a free democracy. My opinion, best course of action is to hold the line and be professional, be larger than any issue we face, use tact and consideration, always be fair and give respect in order to receive it. I don’t think we can erase the divide completely with the citizens we serve because they will always expect us to behave differently than the average Joe and make the unpopular decisions. Most will also never really understand the “why” in some of the actions we have to take.
“Mr. Henry” New York
retired NYPD, secretary NYS FOP Memorial Lodge 100
all this sounds good, but the problem is the race baiters who teear down the good we do. This includes the current administration at the federal level as well as state and local levels. The police are just convient if anyone wants to throw blame on people other than those responsible.
my computer, my opinion
Samuel McCutchan
Retired Police Officer at Dallas Police Department
Excellent article and comment. People and the news media almost always report the negative side of things instead of the good and when people hear it enough they will begin to believe any lie that is told to them.
Al Pieretti
Sergeant – Retired at Niagara Regional Police Service
I am a retired Police Officer (Ontario, Canada) and I agree with the comments of Samuel McCutchan.
Most Police Officers are hard workers and can be counted on to perform their duties effeciently and are law bidding as citizens in their off duty hours.
Police Officers in Ontario, Canada, according to the Ontario Police Services Act, regulates the actions of all police officers on duty and off duty to which they can be held accountable for unacceptable behavior either it be Criminal, Offence regarding Provincial Statutes of Ontario, Municipal Bylaws. As well for those Police Officers who abuse their authority and excessive use during the performance of their duties. Should such excessive use cause serious bodliy harm or death to an individual, then a Ontario Province Unit, known as the ‘Special Investigations Unit” then takes command of the investigation from that police service involved.
Citizens can also lodge complaints against police officers, either on-duty or off-duty, with the organization known as the OIRPD, which comprises of a bunch of individuals with no law enforcement experience or of legal training. This orgainzation fails to keep those “BAD OFFICERS” unaccountable for their actions on duty and especially “OFF-DUTY”. There is a real lack of transpiracy and accountability.
I have been subjected to “HARASSMENTT/BULLYING” by a fellow police officer who fails to comply to Provincial Statutes and Criminal Harassment. Yet the Police Service (Senior Staff of the Police Service & Chief) refuse to take action and fails to keep the victim informed of or lack of any action taken.
This same officer, should a fellow officer ever need assistance in an emergency, don’t expect assistance from that officer in question.
So, transpiracy is a “MAJOR ISSUE” when it comes to dealing with “BAD COPS”.
Another issue is when a Police Officer abuses his/her authority due to being a Senior Police Officer when a complaint made against a police officer and the complainant wants no action taken but that Senior Police Officer goes out of their way to have such officer Criminally Charged, such officer who has been a great cop and has gone out and beyond in promoting Public Relations with Students, Businesses and Charities and as well with other Law Enforcement Agencies.
Yet there have been officers who have done less and have been charged.
What does this then do that individual Police Officer whose life is turned upside down when maybe such Police Officer required assistance to deal with personal matters.
Yet again, Investigators look at one side and not both to ascertain who really was the problem.
There needs to big changes made.
Police Officers are human beings as well, they do not walk on water and are not above the law.
Al Pieretti
Sergeant – Retired at Niagara Regional Police Service
I made a mistake, not the OIRPD but OIPRD being the “The Office of the Independent Police Review Director” ( OIPRD) receives, manages and oversees all complaints about police in Ontario. As an independent civilian oversight agency, the OIPRD ensures all public complaints against the police are dealt with .
John M Fleming
President, NYC Detective Investigators’ Association
“Good” or “bad” is in the eye of the beholder.
Bruce Conklin
Retired at Oakland Police
I don’t know let me think a minute, is a criminal bad or good kind of nit wit would ask a question like that anyway.
JOHN Wilson
Retired Chief of Police at Louisa, VA Teaching Now!
How did we ever get to asking this question in the first place? When I was growing up there was no question that the police were the good guys and the criminals the bad guys. Now more than forty years later we are asking this question because of a society that has lost its way, dropped its moral standards, and is looking for someone to pin it on.
We have seen the pendulum swing left and hopefully it will swing back more of center right than full right. Having this happen is going to take a lot of work and educating the public through fair news releases, not the kind that has been rampant for the last twenty plus years. Is a Police Officer Good or Bad? Take him out of the picture entirely and see what bad is really like. Cops are human, make mistakes, but are held to a higher standard than civilians. Hopefully we can survive this latest onslaught of hate and denigration. God Bless the Thin blue line and may you all stay safe out there!
“It takes two to tango-police-community relations” is the title of my most recent publication on Law Enforcement Today. For those interested in this blog, you will find the article to be of interest.
Those of you who have been in the “business” of dealing with people problems you know that whenever there are two or more parties everybody involved shares in the responsibility of the altercation and consequently in the solution.
Until all sides take responsibility there is no solution………
Shirley Woods
Lieutenant at Memphis Police Department
Whether they’re good or bad they’re what we need.
James Barth
Crime Prevention Practioner / State of Florida . Law Enforcement Professional
Great article David and a great idea
Susan Godfrey
Retired at RCMP
I read your article and I agree with some of it. The RCMP tried to run like a business but when we messed up they always reverted back to the para military regime that we are. There are cop shows like ” Serve and Protect” in Canada and there’s “Cops” in the U.S. I don’t believe in showing the criminals what and how we function. They already out gun us and have better technology. Why let them see the guts of the organization so they can completely destroy us. They are always going to have the inside track because of the bad cops. Most cops are good and believe in being good. Let’s keep it that way!
Kathleen Swanson
Queen of the Universe
John Wilson, most eloquently expressed and right on the mark. Thank you.
William Beattie
Independent Security and Investigations Professional
Top Contributor
Good for the public, bad for the criminal.
sebastiaan Robbers
retired at Test1
Ahimsa_/|\_Desmond Tutu said: “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, You have chosen the side of the oppressor.”
Police, fire and ambulance services, it is good that they exist, however, you should never need to use them.
Scott Zierden
Lieutenant – Patrol Shift Supervisor at Minneapolis Police Department
Because of the nature of our job, it is difficult to get the public to understand anything about us or what we do. Some of them even view us as objects rather than people because it’s easier to hate us that way. I give credit to departments that are trying to alter the image of the police by the public; but they are up against some stacked odds.
Departments have been trying for decades to put a positive image out to the public and create better community relations. The biggest problem with the strategy is that it relies heavily on assistance from the general (mainstream) media. My department has a public information officer, and puts out a newsletter of positive stories to the media monthly and we also have a Facebook page where even more positivity is put out; but little of it is aired/reported by the mainstream news channels in our area. They may put one out once in a while just to throw us a bone, but they usually look for the bad stories to air/publish because, let’s be honest, people would rather watch a car crash than read a story about a cop who helped someone. And the “journalists” (I hate that term) will gladly give them a negative story if it gets them a by-line or a lead story on the six o’clock news. And the majority of people soak these stories up like sponges without ever questioning the veracity of the facts or the source of the information. They live on the theory that if they saw it on TV it must be true.
I’m in my 27th year on the job, and I have always tried to treat people as well as they would let me. I have passed this on to the officers that I have trained as well. Much of the good that we do goes unnoticed by the majority of people, but we all understood that when we took the job. We just keep doing as much good as we can. It is the best we as cops can do to change our image – one person, one community meeting, or one school event at a time. It’s up to us to get that image changed. I know it sounds like a monumental task, but Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Stay safe.
Debra “Rayna” Alexander
Retired Federal Law Enforcement, currently Realtor Sales Associate at Morris Williams Realty
I agree with Mr. Henry. The race baiting has to stop, and that isn’t likely any time soon, especially with this current administration. Their actions, especially in the last few months, have been reprehensible, pouring gasoline on a campfire to turn it into a wildfire. Toss in a little Bill De Blasio and you have a conflagration. Way to go guys, you’ve created a race war, with police in the middle. Nicely done. Welcome to 1968.
Wayne Walker
Retired LEO/ Fire Fighter/ EMT/ Diver
Wow with all the great comments and points already made I can’t add any more.
Doug 3,630+
Retired Law Enforcement Professional !
Cops are human for the most part they are damm good, but that doesn’t mean that there is not a bad apple around. I have had afew of those locked up ! But the main thing is No One is Above the Law ! It goes along with Priest’s, Reverand’s , Doctor’s , Boy Scout leaders, Teachers , etc.. Both sex’s and all races ! Judges, Attorneys, if your profession is not in there put it there ! Understand ! TY !
okebugwu chidozie
Assistant Superintendent of police at Nigeria Police Force
YES. POLICE IS GOOD
Tony Everson-Darragh
Uniformed Investigator CID Reigate at Surrey Police
Dear Mr Lyons / David,
I have compiled some observations which may or may not assist you. I will admit it is lengthy and I would not like to be overly criticised for sending the Western world to sleep.
I have sent you an e-mail direct to the main site.
If you or anybody else feels by posting the various chapters here on the forum would assist in the discussion and for you to obtain the views you desire please feel free to advise.
Regards
TED (Police UK)
Tony Everson-Darragh
Uniformed Investigator CID Reigate at Surrey Police
BTW.
In answer to the heading. There are good and bad in all organisations and I have been both fortunate and unfortunate to have worked with the best or endured with gritted teeth and fists tightly clenched in both pocket the worst.
Kind Regards
TED (Police UK)
Gary Williams
Retired Special Agent at State of California
I agree with Lt Heiden and do not believe a discussion of this nature is really needed. Especially at this time when a person in Law Enforcement appears to always be guilty regardless of the situation in the public’s view. I had the honor and pleasure of working with many law enforcement officers, deputies, agents etc over my 29 year career. I can tell you that the vast majority of these dedicated men and women are doing an excellent job. They train hard and work hard to do the best job they can possibly do.
People do not understand the dedication needed by the officer and their family to make it through this difficult career. We are trained to run to the bullets and not away to try to help those in need. Suffice it to say, it becomes your life to help others.
When did it become ok to break the law, resist arrest and criticize the great men and women of law enforcement?? The men and women of law enforcement are NOT the problem…
Phil Messina
President, Modern Warrior
In my sixty eight on this planet i have seen good cops and bad cops, good priests and bad priests, good politicians and bad politicians, good judges and bad judges. I have seen the same person be good one day and bad the next.
So the answer to the question “Police, are they good or bad is a simple one”.
YES.
Felix Montelara
Radio Host:Potencial Millonario-WIQR 1410am- Sindicated:BAMA Network-Potencialmillonario.com-Potentialmillionaire.net
In policing your brand is a promise. The promise to be honest and fair when the promise is kept your citizens feel that the department’s officers have treated them like humans. They will feel been treated fairly even when the police contact results in a not good situation for the citizens. When the brand is tarnished if your department and its officer have not made community integration your brand will suffer and so will the promise for good or for bad.
Anthony MUNDAY
Business Coach.(centering on Leadership) Young People’s Coach
The innate humanity and desire to ‘serve and protect’ the vulnerable ,amongst officers deserves our respect. The processes, bureaucracy and lack of Leadership that hinder these objectives also deserve scrutiny. In the UK, the reality of the decimation of Police Capability and Capacity as opposed to the Politicians Spin that ‘Reform’ has boasted efficiencies must be exposed.
if you want to be treated fairly in any situation you must start out without a chip on your shoulder and the attitude that you are being picked on because you are a”minority” as soon as you open your mouth with an attitude like that any officer is going to take a step back and brace for an attack! Negativism leads to negatism and later to possible violence and aggression on both sides!!!
Clayton Dewyea
Police Officer at Jackson Twp Police Dept
99% of Police Officers are good, and good at their jobs. It is that 1% that make the rest of us look bad.
Ahuva Ivry-Brill
Pawn broker at Maxferd
Certainly they are good! with out the police the world can’t be exist!
sebastiaan Robbers
retired at Test1
Dear Mr. David Lyons,
I was thinking a little deeper about your question. We always pick a side as long we have freedom of choice.
I think we must learn to see the difference clear between Right and Wrong, also in situations; what is right to do in a particular situation, at a particular time, under specific circumstances can be wrong in another situation, time and circumstances.
When we keep in mind: 1. Respect for self. 2. Respect for others. 3. Responsibilities for all our actions. Than we have a pretty good chance to make right decisions in situations we’re confronted with.
Honesty, Empathy and Compassion are keys we can use in all situations in our life.
Nothing human is alien to us, we can very much understand, however that does not mean that we approve all.
H.H. 14th Dalai Lama said: “practicing forgiveness does not mean accepting wrong doing.”
Wish you Good, Happy and Big Fun filled day(s).
manny khushalani
Independent Arts and Crafts Professional
It is not easy to get a Police officer Job……There is written & physical [health] test as well criminal ground cheek. .Police Department do not hire Thugs….{In Japan} “Children are taught to respect Police officer as a representative of King” & do not disobey there order….[In USA]. .Main problem is ..Kid in hood, half way pants down, showing middle finger also curse to the officers. They have no respect for Law Enforcement & The Civil Right Leaders, Attorney General & President of USA want change in the criminal justice [Jerry] & in Law Enforcement because Blacks are not treated fairly.
Cheryl Haselwood
Deputy Coroner at Lewis County Coroner’s Office
Part of the branding problem is the only time they make the news is when there is a problem. Where is all the coverage of the good things they do like rescues and welfare checks, and the arrests of people like the local drug kingpin or identity thief? If it is not bad it is not newsworthy? Why are there no citizen videos of officers doing good things? A small number of unscrupulous officers make them all look bad. Like the old saying, one bad apple can ruin the whole batch. So why not the other way around, a good apple enhancing the whole batch?