The Detrimental Aspects of a Police Officer’s Job

Hazardous situations are a common occurrence in the life of a police officer, but it's not just dangers and crises that can ruin a cop's day.

Challenging Public Behavior and Traffic Directing

One recounted story from a police officer's father, a deputy in Lewis County, New York, vividly illustrates the impact of a single incident on the officer's emotional state. The father responded to a call where a father accidentally backed over his daughter. This incident was so traumatic for the officer that it even required my grandmother's comfort, as he was visibly emotional about that evening.

Traffic directing is another source of frustration for police officers. People often display a remarkable level of stupidity and entitlement, making even the simplest tasks exceptionally difficult. When directing traffic, blocking a single road, or altering the flow of vehicles, it's astounding how many people react with anger or disbelief. They often have a profound misunderstanding of the purpose of traffic control and dispute the slightest change in their usual route. The issue escalates when people insist on an explanation, even when you explain that every third car will find someone who is just as upset.

People will drive headlong into a line of cones or even a police vehicle in the middle of the road without looking more than five feet beyond their front bumper, often resulting in minor accidents. It's disheartening to see individuals refuse to follow reasonable instructions or adjust their behavior in a minor disruption, making the job even more stressful.

Afterhours Calls and Late-Night Incidents

Adding to the stress, police officers frequently receive calls at the end of their shift when they are on their way back to the station to sign out. These calls can often be about minor issues such as lost keys or pets, but they disrupt the officer's plans for the evening. Indeed, the police officer must drop everything and handle the situation, whether it's late in the evening or on the weekend.

Other stressors include the unforeseen complications that can arise during such late or after-hours calls. For instance, an officer might have taken drugs from the evidence room to plant on someone, which could lead to severe legal and ethical dilemmas. Additionally, the meticulous attention to protocol and procedure expected by the administration can sometimes lead to contradicting a superior's decision in hopes of a better outcome, further adding to the stress.

Administrative Scrutiny and Second-Guessing

The third aspect that can exacerbate a police officer's job is administrative scrutiny. Officers constantly have to prepare for and deal with disciplinary actions and policy violations. The guilt of wrongdoing, combined with the fear of repercussions or political backlash, can weigh heavily on their minds. Sometimes, petty disagreements or a politician's temper can lead to unnecessary administrative battles, which can ruin an officer's mental state and even their career.

Back in the day, there were military-style dress hats adorned with grommets, which while fashionable, caused more trouble than they were worth. The grommets were an inconsiderate feature, often getting in the way, especially when entering or exiting a vehicle.

Despite the challenges, police officers maintain a sense of duty and commitment to their community, often facing these issues with resilience and a strong sense of purpose.