The Police and the Public

Exploring the basic meaning of police power and how it must be redefined.My ultimate objective is uncovering the dynamics of the police–citizen contact, including the emotional nature of not only the police officer but also the private citizen, and probing those wounds of discontent, frustration, and anger. We have to do it now. This is the year 2021, and we have to realize that nothing has changed. We see the failings of the police–citizen contact with no relief in sight. I hope to have an impact on all who read these practical insights that I have gained over forty–five years. I will help you recognize that it is necessary for the private citizens in the community to accept the fact that the police have a very difficult job. The police have to intercede in the citizens' personal issues of domestic violence, the acts of gangs and drugs that create victims, and other criminal acts in general that make the community feel unsafe. However, the demeanor in which an officer responds to these issues must be taught and controlled. We have seen that there is a cost to neglecting to teach the police self–reliance.Police officers' sense of self–reliance must become a foundation of police training. Just as we teach our children how to get dressed, use a fork properly, and drive a car, the police must be taught to be prepared beyond reading a book, self–defense, and shooting a pistol. There is a necessity for the police to not only prepare for resistance, defiance, and physical attacks but also to teach, guide, reinforce, and provide constant remedial training on the recognition and control of their reactions to their emotions. This cannot be a basic training subject; it must be an occupational necessity with daily reminders of advice, guidance, and support. It must also be recognized that it is not just an individual responsibility to work at such a complex nature of human reaction to emotions but a team effort. It begins at the top with recognition, education, and guidance. It must filter down with complete support for the man and woman wearing the badge and facing the onslaught of verbal attacks of overzealousness, callousness, and even racism at a time that emotions are strained and unpredictable. Self–reliance is only up to you. It creates your future and will reflect your success.My motivation has been to make clear that the small components in law enforcement are actually important. Failure to acknowledge their importance creates a sequence of events that perpetuate a lack of emotional control at a time that control is most important. Hopefully, this information will help in understanding the root of our failure to deal with our reactions to our emotions. This book is a must–have practical reference for both the police and the public alike.

-- Stephen M. Ziman