Elements Comprising the Working Police Personality

Working Police Personality
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Working Police Personality
The world over, the police are charged with the mandate of maintaining law and order. In addition, they are obligated to provide protection and help to deserving people. In their line of duty, police officers have the discretion to either use force or not. Key elements in the working police personality that may contribute to or deter their use of force include the presence of suspicion, danger perception, and the authority they have.
The presence of suspicion is a key element that dictates whether to use force or not. Suspicion goes both ways; a suspect may be suspicious of a police officer's rationality, while the contrary can also happen. For example, a victim from a discriminated minority may be inclined to be apprehensive when seeking police intervention. Such a person may feel that he will be completely ignored or subjected to partiality. The contrary is true, and an officer seeking information from witnesses who feel disenfranchised may get none (U.S. Department of State, 2011). Therefore, it is inevitable to offer training that will instill communication skills that will help defuse tension where suspicion reigns supreme (Police Executive Research Forum, 2012). Officers can be trained to understand that not every situation requires police action and that they have the discretion to walk away. If both sides can do away with suspicion, they can voluntarily participate in settling disputes (Walker et al., 2002). This is known as mediation and is aimed at creating mutual understanding between disputing parties. When such happens, there is no need for the use of force.
Danger perception influences to a great extent the use of coercion and force. At times, police officers are faced with situations that pose a danger to themselves, the general public, or suspects. For instance, police officers may be called upon to respond to a mentally challenged person threatening to blow up a building. In such a situation, the suspect may not comprehend or respond rationally to instructions issued to him (Police Executive Research Forum, 2012). ...