Don’t take the bait

On a national level, we are in an environment where it is popular and trendy to dislike the police. This trend is strong in disillusioned 20 somethings who do not feel the benefits of a good economy and the national bond of hating a common enemy as many of us did in the 80’s and 90’s

     Ignorance of lawful police practices, irresponsible news media and leaderless elected officials trying to jump on a band wagon make it worse.

   Don’t fight the ever changing environment. The key to survival and thriving is to adapt to your environment. What worked in the 90’s and early 2000’s may not work today. Stay fluid or you run the risk of becoming extinct.

     People are looking to confirm their theory that police officers are corrupt bullies. They will engage you in a manner so as to solicit a not so friendly response from you. Don’t take the bait.

   Dalton, a professional bouncer from the movie Road House, had the best philosophy for dealing with unfriendlies and rule breakers. He is a fictional character but he has a good philosophy. Still do your job. Enforce the law, make arrests, write summonses but be nice when you do it. It’s a job. It’s nothing personal.

     Dalton: “If somebody gets in your face and calls you a c*%#sucker, I want you to be nice. Ask him to walk. Be nice. If he won't walk, walk him. But be nice. If you can't walk him, one of the others will help you, and you'll both be nice. I want you to remember that it's a job. It's nothing personal.”