To Be Feared and Loved: The Life of a Cop

By Austin Brentley
austin.brentley@careertrainingdirectory.com
Career Training Directory Columnist

No one likes to be pulled over for a speeding ticket. In fact, it’s a pretty safe bet that any time you see a cop on the highway, you get a little nervous—no matter how slowly you are driving. The vast majority of people would be happy to avoid cops altogether if they could… except when there is an emergency. Then, all of a sudden, cops are our heroes.

Unfortunately, this divided public response is a fact of life for cops. Law enforcement is a rewarding career, but new recruits should be aware that they won’t always be welcomed by the public they serve.

What They Don’t Teach You in Law Enforcement School

Before entering law enforcement school, it’s important to contemplate the challenges that come with a cop’s authority. A cop is just as likely to encounter resentment and fear as gratitude. A thick skin ought to be a prerequisite of the job: an effective cop needs to stay focused on his or her role, even in the face of resistance and physical danger.

Fortunately, the standard law enforcement school curriculum focuses not only on crime prevention, but also on the relationship between cops and the general public. Law enforcement school trains prospective cops on what to expect, and how to handle difficult encounters with the public.

Public Safety is its Own Reward

The best cops are those that derive satisfaction from knowing that their work builds strong communities. Outside acknowledgement may not always be forthcoming. It’s simply human nature to respond to authority with mixed emotions. Fortunately, scores of men and women choose to enter law enforcement school and dedicate their lives to protecting their fellow citizens. Their ultimate reward is seeing the daily impact they have in promoting public safety and wellbeing.