The Role of Policing in Modern Society

The Role of Policing in Modern Society

Today's police officer is more than a representative of the law and the legal system. Today's officer provides a vital service to the community, and performs a service for the greater good much as doctors sustain public health, lawyers defend individual rights, and military personnel as myself defends our country. When the public views an officer in their neighborhood on a regular basis, they feel a little bit safer, and often, this presence also helps them become more observant and responsible themselves, watching for criminal activity more effectively. In areas where community policing has not reached effectiveness, or is not in place, that can be very different.
There are plenty of strategy that’s could be increased training in sociological and psychological skills for new officers. This would include more public service training on how to deal with members of the community, as well as how to recognize specific social problems within the community, such as abusive relationships, gang activity, and a lot of other problems officers might eventually encounter or uncover. In addition, it seems that officers are extremely vulnerable to stresses that occur with the job, and if they could receive more psychological training, it might help them recognize certain destructive behaviors in themselves and fellow officers. Stress management techniques as a part of this training would be extremely effective. After initial training, stress management activities within the department might also make a difference. For example, the department might offer free yoga classes, or other stress management activities officers and their families could participate in if they chose. It would also help to include some family counseling activities for family members who are suffering stress from their loved ones' jobs, since dissatisfied family members can be another source of stress for the officer. Most people understand the role of a police officer is stressful, but many young...

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