Tis The Season For Insanity and Humanity

Well my brothers and sisters, it’s that time of year again.  We know it’s coming every year and every year we’re sure we won’t see anything as ridiculous or silly as we have in the past years… and then we’re proven wrong.  The ability of humans in general to act in ways that make us simply shake our heads seems never ending and ever imaginative.  Unfortunately, it’s also true that this time of year shows us an increase in personal crimes, most often in thefts of various types, but sometimes in acts of violence.  In such a working environment it is all too easy to become cynical in even greater measure than we regularly experience.  It’s easy to lose hope and to let our already suspicious nature (hey, we’re cops) get out of control.  With that in mind, I felt it might be a good idea to put my fingers to work and share a few thoughts.

First off, let’s remember that the accelerated silliness we see during the holiday season doesn’t last forever. In fact, it takes a brief break from the day after Christmas until New Year’s Eve.  Yes, that’s those rare few days where people are enjoying their new Christmas presents and recovering from having eaten way too much.  Sure, we still have a few drinkers in that window who cause us a few problems, but most folks have released the bulk of their stress in the orgy of shredding wrapping paper as they open gifts, so they don’t have to find an outlet for that stress energy and we have fewer domestics to deal with.

Second, let’s remember that while we get call after call for service related to some stupidity, violence, drunkenness, or just plain evil, that’s not all there is around us.  It’s simply what we get saturated in due to our profession.  In between calls take the time to visit with the folks you know aren’t the super silly / stupid types.  Visit some of those families who will offer you a warm cup of something (non-alcoholic!) and ask you if you have to work on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.  If you do, they’re the ones that will offer you a plate and a place at their table if you can take the time.  Appreciate those folks.  Recognize that THEY are the very reason you go out and sacrifice and sometimes struggle to do your job.  THEY are the citizens we are happy to protect and serve.

Third, remember that the holiday season brings with it a higher expectation of kindness and generosity.  Keep that in mind as you decide whether or not you’ll exercise discretion in your enforcement actions.  That higher expectation of kindness is not specific to those who would need some level of mercy or forgiveness but applies to us as well.  When we make mistakes on reports or have the unfortunate (but often unavoidable) minor traffic accident, we’re going to ask our supervisors to “have a heart” and cut us some slack.  You get what you give.  Just keep in mind that we all live on the wheel.  What goes around comes around.  Put in what you want out.  Is that enough clichés yet?  Be kind… to the greatest level you can without sacrificing your officer survival tactics and awareness.

Fourth, remember that this IS a profession.  While many will criticize how we do our job, few have an understanding of the minutia involved in our everyday work.  Few will understand – or even try to – the incredible amount of information we have to take in, process in a split second, and then make a life or death decision on.  Few will appreciate the raw torn feeling we get when we have to hug and kiss our families good bye to go work on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day.  Few know the sacrifice we so willingly make.

But for the ones who DO understand – or at least try to… for the ones who do appreciate how we must feel and the sacrifices we make… for the ones who DO express their thankfulness that we’re out there, day after day, night after night, weekdays, weekends and holidays too… for THEM, remember that it’s a profession and we owe it 100% of our best every moment of every shift.

Fifth, remember that we’re not the only ones sacrificing.  Stop by the local firehouse and EMS unit.  Pay them a visit.  Give them some friendly grief and then give them a hug of thanks.  Sit and relax with them for a minute when you can. Share stories about home and family.  Don’t talk about the ugliness of the streets, but share heartwarming stories about past events that made you happy to be alive.

Last, but far from least, remember that you have a family that wants to see you, hug you, kiss you, see you smile and surprise you with an unexpected gift at the least expected time.  Be careful on the streets.  Watch your six. Back up each other without hesitation or pause. Don’t let the streets keep you – or any other brother or sister officer – from going home at the end of your shift.

Most of all, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Stay safe.