Show Police Officers And Courtesy By JOHN EDGAR HOOVER director Emerson once stated slated that Life is not so short but that there is always time for courtesy This truism expresses a principle which should be a common virtue am among ng all present-day present law enforcement officers THE ENFORCEMENT of the law in our country today today to to- today day is not an easy task Certainly law enforcement is subjected to more abuse and criticism than ever be be- fore SOME CITIZENS not only verbally attack policemen but they also physically assault assault assault as as- sault them without tion While such unwarranted action cannot be condoned the law enforcement officer should not let hostile public reaction affect the manner in which he performs his duty One of the complaints law enforcement officials hear repeatedly repeatedly repeatedly re re- re- re is that the personal contact between the public and officers on the streets is decreasing NO DOUBT this is true but police officials have valid explanations for the decline Some of the factors I involved include the rapid I increase of population the continuing growth of areas to be policed the lack of manpower and the obvious I advantage of direct constant communication cation with motorized I patrolmen Thus in adopting procedures and changes to meet its obligations obligations obligations ob ob- I in the fight against I crime law enforcement has out of necessity but with reluctance reluctance reluctance re re- re- re lost some of its valuable personal relationship with the individual citizen THIS IS WHY it is so vitally important that thai every officer be courteous and considerate in the contacts that he does make Objectionable traits of one member of a police department department department depart depart- ment can be a serious liability li liability liability li- li ability to all members Arrogance Arrogance Arrogance Ar Ar- and condescension have no place in law enforce enforce- ment fir r. r IF AN officer is to uphold the ethics of his he cannot let personal 1 i ings or prejudices influence his actions As a policeman he is given a public trust and the public has every right to expect him to serve all citizens alike with integrity and honor After all the goodwill good goodwill goodwill will and assistance of the public are his most valuable assets Departments seeking means to improve their public image should check their courtesy COURTESY is basic to good public relations While it may maybe maybe maybe be in danger of becoming a alost alost alost lost art in some segments of our complex society courtesy must be an ingrained habit of every law enforcement of of- He should always have time for courtesy |