The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) has a great new program: “Why I Wear the Badge.” It’s on their web site: http://www.theiacp.org/whyiwearthebadge. IACP President, Chief Richard Beary, introduces the program in a short video.
SIAC encourages everyone to visit the web site. There are numerous positive examples on video where you can hear about what motivates people to become police officers. Thought it doesn’t surprise us, what you hear over and over is the word “service” and the phrase “helping others.” In today’s quick judging, finger pointing world, it’s far too easy to forget that officers all across the United States put on their uniforms and badges to protect others, serve their communities and help make the world a little better place.
In our work on alarm management issues we meet and talk with many officers around the country, and are continually struck by this same sense of purpose – officers giving back to others. We hear and see it time again.
What do we see? We see positive role models. We see officers who want to build a strong bond between students and police officers. We watch police officials mentoring to pass down their knowledge to the next generation. We’ve met officers who have a brother, sister, father, uncle, son or daughter in the force, and they enjoy the family feel and sharing.
You’ll find these voices on the IACP web site. Check it out. The voices are powerful and should be heard.