IN A DEMOCRACY, THE SUPPORT OF THE

PEOPLE CANNOT BE FORCED. IT MUST BE

WON. IF THE JOB OF THE LAW
ENFORCEMENT IS TO BE MADE MORE
EFFECTIVE, THIS SUPPORT MUST BE WON,
AND IN A HURRY.
Jean Marie Omolon
Reporter:
the support of the people cannot be
forced. It must be won.
■ This statement means that genuine support from people cannot
be achieved through coercion or force. Instead, it must be
earned through trust, respect, and actions that align with their
values and interests. People are more likely to support those
who demonstrate understanding and empathy towards their
concerns and needs.
The best way to win support of the public is through professional
conduct on the part of the law enforcement officers. This is certainly
not easy. The desire to act and be professional is a prerequisite, but
there are many obstacles between desire and performance.
In many departments supervisors and administrators are from the
“old school”, and they often resent the “new breed". We must
realize that it is difficult for them to say that their way was wrong.
We must understand that it is part of man's nature to become more
resistant to change as he grows older, after all, he has an
investment of himself in the past. For that reason change often
comes slowly. Many of the new breed" will become martyrs
when their progressive ideas clash with the reactionary thinking
of some of those above them in rank. This has always, to some
extent, been man's lot, but never in the history of the world has
change been rapidly demanded as it is today.
There has been a constant change going on over the year in
the status of the law enforcement officer and a forward
movement toward professionalization.

A policeman’s duty also tends to make him officious,

dictatorial and arbitrary toward individuals, Policemen as
a class are inclined to be vain and somewhat egotistical.
They do not, how ever, lack in courage as their numerous
encounters with the criminal element bear abundant
witness”.
Apart from the problems of an indifferent public and
reactionary thinking in the occupation, the professional
minded law enforcement officer must know and face the
problems of his own personal weaknesses. He must know
and understand his own human nature and how he can
prepare himself for the small pitfalls that await him and
which can lead him away from professional standards, not
by leaps, but inch by inch. The important thing to
understand is that although the problems mentioned
certainly make professional law enforcement difficult, they
also make it more necessary.
When does one learn to become
professional?
■ Some learn it from their parents. Some learn it from schools,
colleges, churches and from the writings of great philosophers.
Many feel that too few of today’s youth have digested the
lessons that these disciplines offer, or for that matter are even
receptive to them. The answer to this will certainly have a great
bearing on the very future of our country.
Where does one learn to be a good
police officer?
■ Becoming a good police officer typically involves a combination of
formal education, specialized training at a police academy, on-the-job
experience, and ongoing professional development. Police academies
provide foundational knowledge in areas like law enforcement
procedures, criminal law, conflict resolution, and physical training.
Additionally, learning from experienced officers through mentorship and
practical experience in the field is invaluable for developing the skills
needed to excel in law enforcement.
To be a good police officer requires constant efforts and
self-evaluation. A professional police officer must reach for
the idealistic goals that have been set forth as standards for
his profession.

The most sincere police officer needs some professional

standards or set of rules to which he may look as a daily
guide. One which sets the pattern of professional conduct
toward which he can strive.