What Makes a Good Police Officer? (From Police Human Relations, P 26-30, 1981, George Henderson, ed. - See NCJ-75046)

• NCJ Number: 75048
• Author(s): C M Kelly
• Date Published: 1974
• Length: 5 pages
• Sale Source: Charles C. Thomas
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS. Reprinted from 'Vital Speeches of the Day,' V 40, P 354-356, April 1, 1974

Annotation

This address by a former FBI director commends the police as admirable and selfless public servants and advises a critical public to appreciate and understand their burdens.

Abstract

Both the police and the public tend to think that police officers should be perfect persons. The public expects competence in all situations, sensitivity, perfect honesty, and great courage, even though it refuses police officers the best in pay, benefits, working conditions, and training and equipment. Despite much public criticism, however, the police enjoy their work and perform admirably, valuing the public good more than self-interest. Moreover, physical danger has been increased in police work and contributes to an ever-rising rate of officer deaths and injuries in the line of duty. However, as the widow of one police officer attests, both officers and their families are dedicated to public service despite the risks. Citizens critical of the police should consider whether they themselves serve the public as excellently and remember that the public generally does not know the police as human beings.