Treat a Cop the Way You Would like to Be Treated

As a cop on the street I am expected and required to perform a variety of tasks. Some are routine in nature and don't involve much interaction with the public. Many others require me to interact with people in different ways.

There is a world of difference between conducting a welfare check on a citizen and responding to a burglary call.
What is common with the two is that when I arrive, I will be professional, and as courteous as the situation permits. With the latter, if an arrest is called for, I will do so as quickly as possible and in a manner as to allow the offender to maintain as much dignity as possible. I will maintain a professional bearing and will make every effort to ensure that the subject's constitutional rights are observed and upheld. I will remind myself throughout the encounter that I am public figure, and as such, need to hold myself to the highest standard of behavior.

Checking local businesses and enforcing traffic law are also very different tasks, but both should be taken seriously and conducted with care. With the latter of the two, there are a number of things to take into consideration, but perhaps the one of the most important is communication. That is second only to officer safety.

For members of the law enforcement community, the ability to communicate effectively is one of the most valuable tools we have. I believe that this more true in the traffic enforcement scenario than any other, simply because a majority of our contact with the public is made during traffic stops.

Many officers, me included, have a method of initiating contact with a driver once a stop has been executed. For me it is a brief introduction of self and agency and an explanation for the stop. I will sometimes ask if there is a justified reason for the infraction that has been committed. All of this is done in a non threatening tone, and always with the courteous use of the appropriate "sir or ma'am". I then attempt to obtain the required documentation, and verify with the driver that the address on the license is current. I then thank the driver for cooperating, and ask that they remain in the vehicle until I return.

The manner in which I communicate in this scenario and most others can be attributed to several factors, but the most important is as simple as this. I talk to everyone (at least initially), the way I would expect to spoken to.
I do not assume that I will be respected by every person I stop simply because I am wearing a badge. I was raised to understand that respect is something earned, and that concept has been reinforced many times over throughout my life. Often, my soft tone, and willingness to listen to a drivers' explanation establishes a rapport that people respond well to. Regardless of the outcome, the situation starts and ends peacefully. I walk away from it grateful for the cooperation and respect. The driver leaves with an image of the law that reflects well on the entire profession. Believe it or not, at least in my experience, this is the norm.

Unfortunately, there are exceptions. Some people automatically react offensively to cops, again more at the scene of a traffic stop than others, simply due to the frequency of the task. Lack of courtesy and respect can range from passive, facial expressions and condescending tones, to outright verbal abuse and threatening behavior. Needless to say that the more aggressive behaviors require more assertive protocol on the part of the officer. For the purpose of this article, details of a firmer response are not necessary.

Given the opportunity in situations like this, I will ask the subject where he or she works. Provided that they tell me, I will ask how long they have worked there and what position they hold. If it's a place I am familiar with I will attempt to engage in some simple small talk about it. "How do you like it there?" "How are the benefits?" etc.
Once we reach this point, I shift gears a little and ask if I should expect to be disrespected at there place of business as soon as walk in the door. At that point most reasonable folks catch on and the situation de-escalates. They now understand that this is my place of business and that I am merely trying to do my job.
They understand that I only expect to be treated with the same respect they expect from their clientele. Again, whether you chose to believe it or not, this usually does the trick and exceptions are rare.

If you ever find yourself in a situation that requires interaction with law enforcement. Please remember that the officer or officers present are there to do a job. They are conducting business where and when it's required. Regardless of the time or place, it will make things easier for everyone involved if you remember that the current location is his or her place of business. How effective they are at the task at hand could be affected by how they are treated by you, the public. Before taking up an offensive or defensive posture, just stop and think for a moment about how you would like to be treated in the same or similar circumstance. Ask yourself what kind a response your actions will invoke. The answer should be clear.

Just like the law enforcement officer you are in contact with, your best tool is the ability to communicate effectively, courteously, and respectfully.