"Community Helpers" - No Cops Allowed?

[PandaGoPanda]

I've noticed that whenever I've seen a kids' TV show episode about different careers, or seen a new children's book series on community helpers, police officers get left out. I mean, there's usually a construction worker, chef, artist and firefighter, but rarely a cop. Obviously, cops deal with a lot of intense stuff you wouldn't want to tell kids about, but there's ways to give them a basic idea of what police officers do. WTF? :confused:

[Hockey9019]

Here

Every single department that I've ever known asks you a question when you are interviewed: Why do you want to become a police officer? Those who really don't know usually come up with some answer like "To protect the community" or "to serve the citizens" or some other BS. All that is garbage. You can serve people better as a garbageman than you ever will as a cop. You want to protect people? Join the fire department. Everyone loves them. You get to be heroes and protect people and rescue them and you won't have to worry about being shot at or stabbed or beaten. Some do it because they are adrenaline junkies. Nothing wrong with admitting that. But unless you are single with no family you need to find another way to get your fix. The real reason we do this job nobody knows. It is fixed into our DNA.

Its the 110% truth.

[suzanne1020U.S.]

Well, officers usually get alot of publicity by protecting the communities, and it's there you see little kids saying, "When I grow up I want to be a police officer!"

When I was little, it wasn't so much the words of the adults, but rather the actions. I KNEW officers were heroes at such a young age,
and not because my grandfather and uncle were L.E.O.'s but simply because you just knew they were there to protect you.

:D I will now step off my soapbox.

[PandaGoPanda]

Hockey9019 - I've never thought of it that way before. It's maybe a less "romantic" picture than I'd normally have of why someone becomes a cop. But I think it has to be something good and idealistic that calls you to be one. You could also be a drug dealer and get the adrenaline rush, risk of getting stabbed/shot, but a cop chose to be on the right side.

[Kimble]

It's the free coffee at Starbucks and half-off hashbrown plate at Waffle House. :D

[Wolfman]

Obviously, cops deal with a lot of intense stuff you wouldn't want to tell kids about, but there's ways to give them a basic idea of what police officers do. WTF? :confused:

One possible answer (besides the one you mentioned) comes to mind:

Because a lot of the public does not like the perception of LEOs anymore due to a general disrespect for authority permutating in the American Society for the last 20+ years.

[Hockey9019]

Don't forget, the way the public used to/still looks at Law Enforcement is "taking mommy or daddy away"

[suzanne1020U.S.]

Don't forget, the way the public used to/still looks at Law Enforcement is "taking mommy or daddy away"

Yeah, if your mommy and daddy have a rap sheet with BNE...lol:D