'make a difference'... cliche?

[zmancarlvr]

Bottom line... Is it possible for a Police Officer to actually make a difference in the community?

Many people say they want to make a difference etc etc... But is it truly possible?

Thank you.


-Z

[acreature]

Yes

[TX-LEO]

Most definately. You arrest a drunk driver before they wreck their car against a family of 4, you made a difference.

[valycop]

Sure Z a cop or cops (partners) can make a signifigant difference in a community. Look at the story of New York City Officers Greenberg and Hantz. They made such a difference they wrote a book about their experiences and it was made into a movie. I know a few NYPD officers and one that actually knew them (they're retired now I think) and they were legends in the NYPD. So was Frank Serpico and the list goes on.

[valycop]

Most definately. You arrest a drunk driver before they wreck their car against a family of 4, you made a difference.

Amen, it's the little things that make a difference and TX-LEO gave a great illustration. Thanks TX-LEO.

[chewy]

Bottom line... Is it possible for a Police Officer to actually make a difference in the community?

Many people say they want to make a difference etc etc... But is it truly possible?

Thank you.


-Z

I think it is VERY possible, and in fact happens all over the country. I believe a lot of it has to do with the department and also the Officer wanting to be involved. Some cities still assign PO's to specific areas so that they get used to who lives there and what goes on. This allows the PO's to know the regular problems and be in a position that people might feel more comfortable approching with something being they see the Officer all the time. I'm not an expert in this or anything but I believe NY PD still does this with thier Foot patrol officers. I know Milwaukee did when I lived there. I think that most cops want to help people get through thier situations and help out whenever possible but nowadays it seems there are more and more violence so it isn't always possible to come to the happy movie endings. On top of that, with the civil liability and law suits I think our generation is more and more cautious of letting people go with warnings and such, trying to cut them a brake and see the errors of thier ways, because there is the fear of getting sued plus the department policies and laws are more strict (the domestic dispute for example. Used to be the cops showed up and got it straightened out...or tuned up the husband or abuser, then went on their way. Now a lot of places it is mandatory arrest).

Reply if you disagree, as I don't work this type of patrol LE I may be way off but this is kind of what I gathered from my regular cop friends.

[scott715us]

Let's just rid the entire country of LEO's and see what happens. Then, ask the question again. ;)

[acreature]

Again, I say yes.

[tomahawk134]

Yes

[zmancarlvr]

Thank you all for the responses.

The reason I asked, is because one big thing that excites me about policing, is the idea of being able to make a difference, and I know that is definitely something I want to do (when I become one in the next few years).

So thank you again.


-Z

[chewy]

Thank you all for the responses.

The reason I asked, is because one big thing that excites me about policing, is the idea of being able to make a difference, and I know that is definitely something I want to do (when I become one in the next few years).

So thank you again.


-Z

Oh, well, after you have a couple years on the job you'll get over that idea. :p

[Wombat311]

Yes, I can and have made differences to my little corner of the world.

[Star]

I hope that I make a difference for someone everyday of my life. It might sound cliche' but I am all about that. Even if it's something like putting groceries in some old ladies' car, I'm on it! I have a very big heart. I would do almost anything for anyone anytime of the day, no doubt, if it's helping them.

A person who becomes a police officer is automatically making a difference. Word! :D

[txinvestigator1]

Bottom line... Is it possible for a Police Officer to actually make a difference in the community?

Many people say they want to make a difference etc etc... But is it truly possible?

Thank you.


-Z

Yes, but don't expect general recognition from the public, the community, or the agency. You have to know from within that you are making a difference.

[Nole795]

I was a member of the Police Athletic League with my old PD. I educated a lot of underpriviledged children to understand teamwork, honesty, and respect to the community. These kids saw police in a positive factor instead of the bad guys that took their mom/dad to jail. I don't think there is anything I will ever do in my career that will rise above that.