Students Will Be Expected To Post Their First Initial 122633

Students Will Be Expected To Post Their First Initial Discussion Board

Students will be expected to post their first initial discussion board posting by Wednesday of each week. Discussion posts will be graded and late submissions will be assigned a late penalty in accordance with the late penalty policy found in the syllabus. NOTE: All submission posting times are based on midnight Central Time. Students are expected to post their responses to peers by Sunday. NOTE: All submission posting times are based on midnight Central Time.

You have been hired as a new police officer in a somewhat affluent community. There is very little commercial development, so most of your time will be spent doing community service and preventive patrol duties. You have been assigned to work with a field training officer (FTO) for the next 8 weeks. On your first day of training, your FTO tells you to forget everything you learned in the police academy because it could “get you killed.” He has been a police officer for almost 9 years and tells you that he has seen it all. He goes on to tell you everything that is wrong with the department and the community in general.

Paper For Above instruction

The dynamics of policing are complex and deeply rooted in various roles, styles, and perceptions that influence how officers interact within their communities and departments. Based on the scenario described, the type of policing most prevalent in this affluent, community-focused context is community policing. This style emphasizes building relationships, engaging with residents, and proactive problem-solving, which aligns well with the preventive patrol duties and community service tasks anticipated in such a setting. The focus is on fostering trust and collaboration with residents to improve overall quality of life, particularly in a community with little commercial activity where personal rapport can be especially impactful (Kappeler, 2013).

The concept of the field training officer (FTO) is integral in shaping new officers' transition from academic knowledge to practical policing. The FTO acts as both mentor and evaluator, imparting real-world insights, ethical standards, and operational skills that are crucial for effective policing (Broll, 2014). The importance of the FTO lies in their ability to influence new officers’ perceptions, attitudes, and professionalism. They serve as the immediate reference point for understanding departmental culture, expectations, and the realities of police work (Kadela & Borum, 2000). The FTO’s role extends beyond skill transfer; it includes instilling a sense of responsibility, ethical conduct, and community engagement, which are vital for success and integrity within the force.

The term "working personality" in policing refers to the set of attitudes, behaviors, and coping mechanisms that officers develop to navigate the dangers, ambiguities, and pressures of their work environment (Miller, 2003). It is shaped by ongoing experiences, departmental culture, and societal expectations. Officers often develop a pragmatic, sometimes cynical outlook as a means of psychological self-protection, which helps them cope with routine exposure to danger, corruption, or societal rejection.

In the case described, the working personality is likely being reinforced by the remarks of the FTO, who dismisses formal training in favor of street-smart survival tactics. This attitude can foster cynicism, a skeptical attitude toward community members and department policies. Such cynicism can impact an officer’s ability to perform their duties effectively by eroding trust, reducing empathy, and fostering a confrontational or detached attitude (Skolnick, 2008). When FTOs exhibit cynicism, they risk transmitting a defeatist or negative worldview to new recruits, potentially impacting morale and the culture of policing within the department.

The FTO’s cynicism, if unchecked, could hinder the development of positive community relationships and diminish an officer’s motivation to serve with integrity. It may also perpetuate a cycle where negative perceptions influence behaviors, further impairing community-police relations in a predominantly affluent community. Conversely, a balanced approach that acknowledges realities while emphasizing professionalism and community engagement can cultivate more resilient and community-oriented officers (Brown & Benedict, 2005).

References

• Brown, B., & Benedict, W. R. (2005). Understanding the role of police officers' attitudes and behaviors in community policing. Police Quarterly, 8(3), 307–329.
• Broll, S. (2014). The role and influence of field training officers in police training: A review. Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, 29(2), 97–104.
• Kadela, M. P., & Borum, R. (2000). The influence of field training officers on police conduct. Journal of Criminal Justice, 28(3), 231–242.
• Kappeler, V. E. (2013). Community policing: A foundational approach. Police Practice & Research, 14(1), 4–12.
• Miller, J. M. (2003). The police working personality: Implications for practice. Criminal Justice Studies, 16(2), 123–136.
• Skolnick, J. H. (2008). Justice without trial: Law enforcement in democratic society. John Wiley & Sons.