We should be able to just go out, do our jobs, and be supported, but we can’t.  Citizen complaints due to police activities is one of the foundational aspects of democratic policing.  The upside is that our citizens can freely voice their opinions and exercise their rights without fear of police reprisal (compared to other countries).  The downside is that politicians will throw us under the bus for what they know is absolutely necessary, but politically dangerous for their careers.  Embracing this culture of policing with politics starts by defending our actions with facts not fiction.

Web Links:

• Additional Tools; Chula Vista Police Department

About The Author:

Keith R. Lavery, M.A., CMAS, is a full-time criminal justice educator teaching at a public Career Center, University System of Ohio. He has facilitated and designed criminal justice, security, and law enforcement courses of instruction at the post-secondary level. Keith had a very diverse police career spanning nearly 20 years, working in urban and rural law enforcement settings with assignments ranging from patrol to specialized functions, to include HIDTA Drug Unit, CLANLAB Enforcement Team, SRT and Supervision. In 2008, Keith was awarded the Certified Master Anti-Terrorism designation from the Anti-Terrorism Accreditation Board. Academically, he has completed post-graduate course work dedicated toward a Doctorate in Education. Keith is currently the Law Enforcement Liaison for the Cleveland, Ohio, Chapter of ASIS International.