Worth a Look: What the Police Will Never Be
Policing takes on new roles and methods regularly; its how we stay up-to-date and actively participate in the process of ongoing or continuous improvement. If we are not watching our environment, we are on our way to trouble.
But there is one thing that police will never be. Ever.
Responding to the fire storm of anti-police rhetoric last year in an op-ed piece that appeared in the Florida Times-Union by Flagler County Florida Sheriff’s Office Detective Jonathan Dopp, Dopp concluded his article with a simple statement that we can all agree with.
Click here, read his article, and let me know what you think.
“There is one thing, however, that we will not be for you.”
Jonathan Dopp
© 2015 DAVID A. LYONS
Martin Palmer
Experienced Manager & Trainer: Looking for new challenges and opportunities
Interesting read with some valid points. Thanks for sharing.
Mike Addison MAIRSO
A valuable message for all. Well said.
James Blacker
Adjunct Professor at Stratford University
Retired Scotland Yard Officer
The op-ed by the detective is very, very, well written. I agree with his sentiments entirely. One of the major problems of American society is that the journalistic profession (if it even earns that description nowadays, for they are by no means professional, generally speaking) has sold its soul; truth is often ignored; impartiality is a word they can’t spell let alone practice; integrity is an unknown concept for many of the so-called reporters. One could go on but they won’t change in the foreseeable foture.
Angela McMinn
Parole Opposition specialist
That was an awesome explanation of what law enforcement is, was, and will always be. More important It was a great Statement about what no one has the right to expect of them. Thank you for posting this David. Detective John Dopp you are the kind of man we need in the Attorney Generals Office, you would make a great top cop.
John P. Hebb, Esq.
Attorney at Law
I put in 37 years on the job. I went to Law School and became an attorney. I teach college now that I am retired. I consider myself to be well spoken and able to express myself well in writing.
I could ever approach this op-ed piece in accurately portraying what a cop is and is not. This was excellent.
Detective Dopp, thanks for writing this and David, thanks for posting it.
Dave Telford
Undergraduate Psychology Student (The Open University)
Thank you very much for posting this item, David. Make that Detective a police spokesman nationally! What a well thought out and presented arguement.
Stan French, CD
Adjunct Professor with Nipissing University
I agree with Dave. Very good article. The effects of operational stress can be bad enough on their own. The effect of the stress that comes from being seen as the enemy by the people you are trying to serve makes it that much more difficult to maintain health. For those that feel the effects I hope the pendulum swings back soon.
Michelangelo Sledge, MBA
Consultant
I agree with the basic sentiment of the author in which he states “What’s not acceptable to me is if the public expects us to willingly become victims at the hands of criminals because they expect us not to employ the force necessary to protect ourselves and make an arrest.”
Kevin Spriggs
Consultant at Humana
Wow. Interesting peice and the point is noted. I wouldnt expect that either.
Angela McMinn
Parole Opposition specialist
The oath to protect and serve is strong and needs to be held up. There should be and even stronger oath to yourself and your loved ones that you will do every thing humanly possible to return home each night. My Daddy did not come home when I was 10, I know he did every thing he could to return to us. I also know that he believed so very strongly in protect and serve. I am proud of him. He is a hero and I can’t say how proud I am to be a small part of that vast family of blue. Take care and remember there are no routine calls.
James Welch Ph.D (c),Lecturer Police Trainer
Intelligence and Security Subject Matter Expert
Personal stories, like yours Angela, helps to underscore the harsh reality of public service, both the dedication and the sacrifices this entails; not only to the serving member but to the family as well. Constant vigilance, teamwork, training, and education are all essential parts of officer security and should never be underestimated. Stay safe.