Uniform Does Not Always Make "The Man"

I am a huge fan of pomp and circumstance. Formalities really do matter in so many ways. There is a certain amount of respect that goes with the customs and traditions of such things. My fascination with law enforcement is mostly based on this idea. As a young boy, I watched my dad come and go in his police uniform and I knew right then that I would one day follow in his foot steps, shiny paten leather shoes and all. The tradition of the police uniform cannot take entire credit for the respect that we, as citizens, have for our law enforcement. But, it sure plays a large part of that history.

In our larger U.S. cities, as well as internationally, the police uniform is as recognized as some of the cultural landmarks. Whether it is the checkered hat of the Chicago Police Department or the dark blue dress uniform which the NYPD proudly displays, the effect is unmistakably. When these icons are spotted the viewer knows full well that the police are on the scene. The uniform demands a respect that is necessary to ensure the continued free society that we enjoy.

However, when the uniform becomes soiled, it loses respect as quickly as the gleam of the badge demands it. Recent cases involving police officers who are involved in criminal enterprise is as bad as it gets. While the courts have been pro-active in handing out stiffer penalties for these people than the average citizen who might commit a crime, it can never be enough. The public must know that our law enforcement is not held to the same standard as they are, but in fact a much higher standard. Lack of confidence in our system will be quick if these bad apples are not made an example of. The courts must ensure that each case is handled swiftly and without mercy if we are to maintain the credibility that is imperative for a successful relationship between law enforcement and the community it serves.

Others, who have no ties to law enforcement at all, have put the uniform in jeopardy by wearing it without authority for various reasons. Some have used it to commit crimes; others have donned the police uniform to feel some power that they will never know in their own pitiful lives. This abuse of the symbols that represent authority has also eroded the respect of the uniform in so many ways. People are sometimes unsure if the person, who approaches them, while they may look like a police officer, is in fact really police officer. This hesitation of cooperation has led to injury and in some cases death by people who thought that the police officers might be imposters. The results of this resistance, while perhaps somewhat justified based on their geographic area where imposters have surfaced, is extremely dangerous. The courts have also taken swift action in these cases of wanna-be police officers but we must be vigilant that they too are handed the most severe punishments. Most police departments are now utilizing second and third levels of proper identification to diminish the efforts of those who are not legitimate.

Contact your local department to see what checks and balances are in place for proper identification. The uniform can make the man when used properly, but when used improperly it can be a detriment to mankind.