3 answers
Thomas
Student
Salmon, Idaho
3
Questions
Asked
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How does law-enforcement interact with the public on a regular basis?
I am wondering what, how, and why they have certain interactions and how they would proceed in said actions with the public
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3 answers
Kevin Czora
Law enforcement
25
Answers
Amherst, New York
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
Thomas,
In my career, I was assigned to patrol, narcotics, and investigations. Each role I performed required different interactions with the public. One common thread throughoutt was professionalism.
As a patrol officer, my presence was often one of control and command. Often, patrol is dispatched to an event that is in progress. Upon arrival, my mere presence put me in charge of the situation. I needed order and calm to perform my job, and thats what I initially demanded. After that was accomplished, the task at hand was more listening and investigating. Clear, concise, respectful interaction was used.
As a narcotics officer, I often developed and utilized informants. Understanding these persons personal situations was important to developing information and a "relationship" based on trust. There were also times that required sternness, to maintain a necessary proper investigation. An informant that was wavering could lead to a unusable investigation, so discipline in activities was needed.
As an investigator, most of my time was spent in the aftermath of serious crimes. Being empethetic to the family of a homicide vitim, a child who had been abused, or an elderly person who lost their life savings was crucial. These are all people experiencing devestating times in their lives. Developing a rapport, which will take you throughout an investigation is important. These victims need to feel that they are being heard, and that they can trust you. Not only does this help as your investigation continues into trial, but it helps them with the healing process.
So as you can see, it often is assignment dependant. But again, the common thread, regardless of your role, is professionalism.
Best of luck,
Kevin
In my career, I was assigned to patrol, narcotics, and investigations. Each role I performed required different interactions with the public. One common thread throughoutt was professionalism.
As a patrol officer, my presence was often one of control and command. Often, patrol is dispatched to an event that is in progress. Upon arrival, my mere presence put me in charge of the situation. I needed order and calm to perform my job, and thats what I initially demanded. After that was accomplished, the task at hand was more listening and investigating. Clear, concise, respectful interaction was used.
As a narcotics officer, I often developed and utilized informants. Understanding these persons personal situations was important to developing information and a "relationship" based on trust. There were also times that required sternness, to maintain a necessary proper investigation. An informant that was wavering could lead to a unusable investigation, so discipline in activities was needed.
As an investigator, most of my time was spent in the aftermath of serious crimes. Being empethetic to the family of a homicide vitim, a child who had been abused, or an elderly person who lost their life savings was crucial. These are all people experiencing devestating times in their lives. Developing a rapport, which will take you throughout an investigation is important. These victims need to feel that they are being heard, and that they can trust you. Not only does this help as your investigation continues into trial, but it helps them with the healing process.
So as you can see, it often is assignment dependant. But again, the common thread, regardless of your role, is professionalism.
Best of luck,
Kevin
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Thomas
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1738
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Thomas,
this is a complex question! In specialty environments, such as airports, schools, etc., sometimes the interactions are more along the lines of "customer service" or being a positive role model. When I worked at the airport, travelers and businesses appreciated our presence. We didn't make a lot of arrests and things like that, although, of course, sometimes we did.
There are people who have had past bad experiences with law enforcement. Not just criminals, but also mentally ill people. So, when someone in uniform attempts to interact with them, even in a positive way, that interaction might not be too smooth. Most officers know how to adjust accordingly, to "de-escalate" the situation. There's always one or two though who take things to extremes, not really sure why they find it necessary to do that!
Police officers today have to operate on the assumption that EVERYthing they say and do is being recorded by somebody, somewhere. Even they have their bodycams. Every action is subject to post-incident review. My personal experience is as follows: I am a retired peace officer. I have on occasion summoned the police to my house (twice, both times pertaining to disputes with my neighbors about my dog). They have been cordial, and polite. But when I tried to engage them in a normal routine non-related conversation (like human beings tend to do), they refused to do so, and were almost acting like robots. It was sad. But, with the bodycams, I understand it.
When it comes to making arrests, a whole lot more comes into it, including public safety, dept policy, etc.
I hope this at least partially answers your question
Kim
this is a complex question! In specialty environments, such as airports, schools, etc., sometimes the interactions are more along the lines of "customer service" or being a positive role model. When I worked at the airport, travelers and businesses appreciated our presence. We didn't make a lot of arrests and things like that, although, of course, sometimes we did.
There are people who have had past bad experiences with law enforcement. Not just criminals, but also mentally ill people. So, when someone in uniform attempts to interact with them, even in a positive way, that interaction might not be too smooth. Most officers know how to adjust accordingly, to "de-escalate" the situation. There's always one or two though who take things to extremes, not really sure why they find it necessary to do that!
Police officers today have to operate on the assumption that EVERYthing they say and do is being recorded by somebody, somewhere. Even they have their bodycams. Every action is subject to post-incident review. My personal experience is as follows: I am a retired peace officer. I have on occasion summoned the police to my house (twice, both times pertaining to disputes with my neighbors about my dog). They have been cordial, and polite. But when I tried to engage them in a normal routine non-related conversation (like human beings tend to do), they refused to do so, and were almost acting like robots. It was sad. But, with the bodycams, I understand it.
When it comes to making arrests, a whole lot more comes into it, including public safety, dept policy, etc.
I hope this at least partially answers your question
Kim
Thank you so much for the advice.
Thomas
Kristopher Lanham
Military Operations Specialist II
1
Answer
Stonewood, WV
Updated
Kristopher’s Answer
Dear Thomas,
Law Enforcement Officers, or LEOs, have a multifaceted role when it comes to interacting with the public. More often than not, these interactions occur while on patrol, with officers frequently being the first point of contact in high-stress situations. The ultimate goal in these instances is always de-escalation.
But the role of a LEO extends beyond just patrol. They serve in a variety of capacities that involve public interaction, including Customs, Border Patrol, Traffic, Drug Interdiction, School Resource Officers, Asset Protection, Transport, and many more. It's crucial to remember that the majority of these interactions are positive, driven by a genuine desire to enhance public safety.
As officers, we start each day with the hope of returning home safely, and if we can lend a helping hand to someone along the way, it's a big win for us. If you're interested in witnessing these interactions first-hand and gaining a deeper understanding of our work, I'd strongly suggest arranging a ride-along with your local department during the evening shift hours. This time typically sees the most varied range of calls.
Feel free to get in touch if you have any further questions.
Best regards,
Kris
I suggest a ride along
Law Enforcement Officers, or LEOs, have a multifaceted role when it comes to interacting with the public. More often than not, these interactions occur while on patrol, with officers frequently being the first point of contact in high-stress situations. The ultimate goal in these instances is always de-escalation.
But the role of a LEO extends beyond just patrol. They serve in a variety of capacities that involve public interaction, including Customs, Border Patrol, Traffic, Drug Interdiction, School Resource Officers, Asset Protection, Transport, and many more. It's crucial to remember that the majority of these interactions are positive, driven by a genuine desire to enhance public safety.
As officers, we start each day with the hope of returning home safely, and if we can lend a helping hand to someone along the way, it's a big win for us. If you're interested in witnessing these interactions first-hand and gaining a deeper understanding of our work, I'd strongly suggest arranging a ride-along with your local department during the evening shift hours. This time typically sees the most varied range of calls.
Feel free to get in touch if you have any further questions.
Best regards,
Kris
Kristopher recommends the following next steps:
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Thomas