Several times during my 37 years in law enforcement I observed that a few officers always felt they had a RIGHT to wear their badges. Over the years they had forgotten how precious that badge is and that they were privileged to be a part of the law enforcement tradition. As a police chief I had my "WSMs" just like every other department - my "whining, sniveling, malcontents." I called them my five percenters. You know who I am talking about. If you gave them a raise today, they would complain that they did not receive it yesterday. These are the officers who lack integrity, values, or ethics and believe that gratuities are justified because they work in such a dangerous environment they are entitled to them. Give me a break.
Now everything I am stating is my opinion... my statements reflect my observations, and I am not asking anyone to agree or disagree with them. I also realize I am preaching to the choir and I believe if we can do something to assist other officers from tarnishing the badge then it is all the better for our profession.
To me wearing the badge is a great privilege and I would do everything in my power not to see the badge tarnished. Remember, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link and the same applies to us: we as law enforcement professionals are only as good as our weakest officer. When an officer goes bad, we all suffer for it. It doesn't matter which department they represent. They carry a badge and that is all the public sees.
Officers who wear a badge are a special few. If you don't think so, remember your academy class. How many candidates started with you and how many actually finished? Of those how many are actively involved in law enforcement today or honorably retired? We are a special breed.
Early in my career a large California police department had a scandal where several officers were arrested for committing burglaries while on duty. When asked how this could happen, one of the young involved officers related that after awhile the uniform began to fit like an old pair of jeans and the badge wasn't as shiny. He also felt that police work didn't feel the same anymore and he wanted to fit in and be one of the boys and that is why he started to do the burglaries. He knew it was wrong but he wanted his fellow officers to like him. You can draw your own conclusions as to why he was involved. My personal observation is that he was just weak and shouldn't have been wearing the badge to begin with.
We are very hard on our fellow officers. We demand that they uphold the laws they have sworn to enforce and adhere to the rules and regulations of the department. We do a very good job. Less than one percent misfit that uniform. That is a better average than the clergy, but we have to constantly strive to improve.
As you can tell I am passionate about our badge and in 1983 I read an article written by George H. Savord, former Chief of Police of Cypress, California entitled "This is Your Badge." I review it often and read it in my classes, no matter what the rank of the participants. Some times I feel we get so busy in our professional and personal lives that I think it necessary to take a step back from time to time and remember what we are about. With that in mind, I would like to share Chief Savord's article with you.
This is your Badge
It is lifeless, made of metal. A die has stamped it from rough stock, shaped it in traditional design and inscribed the word "Police." It has been plated and polished, sold for profit.
Now It Is Yours
It is a symbol of Americanism. It is law, order, justice and freedom. It is the Bill of Rights, The Constitution, E Pluribus Unum, the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Badge Lives
It is a courageous defender - brave, noble wise and strong. It laughs and cries - knows fear and tragedy. It represents fairness, honesty dependability. Possession of it transforms you from citizen to sentinel - guardian of the safety and welfare of others.
Display It With Dignity
Wear it with pride. Stand tall behind it. Defend its principles. Emulate the qualities it represents. Treasure it, polish it, keep it gleaming - the reflection of the badge is one of hope peace and security.
Respect your badge and others will too.
