NCJ Number
128621
Date Published
1991
Length
264 pages
Annotation
This book covers those areas of knowledge, skill, and behavior required to be an effective police officer.
Abstract
Following a brief history of law enforcement, the book reviews ethical principles and pitfalls that can make or break officers' careers, their personal lives, or both. A discussion of characteristics of a "great cop" focuses on personal control, discipline, wisdom, caring, staying positive, hard work, being supportive, and maintaining state-of-the art knowledge relevant to policing. A chapter on dealing with the judicial system covers such topics as the law, American justice, prosecution, courts, civil suits, plea bargaining, defense attorneys, and legal terms. Advice about surviving on the street encompasses strategies and techniques of the Nation's leading survival trainers. Mental conditioning is emphasized. Also discussed are the importance of anticipating danger, physiological changes in a crisis, and an analysis of shoot-outs. A chapter on emotional survival examines why persons become cops, aspects of police occupational stress, and how to manage such stress. Remaining chapters detail a physical fitness regimen for police officers and suggest resources for updating police knowledge and techniques.