Rookie officers often emulate the actions of their field training officer. Therefore, why is it important to ensure we select the best field training officers in the organization?
Consider the scenario, Moral Weakness/Moral Courage, found in the lecture notes for this module/week. How would you have handled this situation? The following story was relayed from a police officer's personal experience: "In 1993, I witnessed a veteran officer exercise excessive force in an arrest situation that resulted in the suspect being injured.
I did not say anything about what I had witnessed. For 3 days, I did not sleep, and I was sick to my stomach. On the fourth day, I confronted this officer with my situation. He smiled at me, and took me to the office of the Deputy Chief of Police. This officer advised the Deputy Chief that he had stomped a handcuffed prisoner for calling him a racial epitaph.
He stated that I had witnessed this incident and that I was deeply troubled with the incident. The Deputy Chief of Police handled the situation properly; however, I did not. I should have reported my observations immediately. I knew what was the right thing to do was; however, I succumbed to the subculture of my profession. The stress I endured was immeasurable. I later discussed this situation with the veteran officer. He told me I should have reported him if I felt it was the right thing to do. He stated if this situation occurred again today, he would react in the same fashion." Some of the adverse affects of such stress include the following:
1. Persistent irritability
2. Relationship breakdown
3. Alcoholism
4. Tarnishing of reputation
5. Loss of colleague respect
6. Loss of job
7. High blood pressure
8. High cholesterol
9. Depression / anxiety
Read Timothy 4 verse 8 and explain how this is relevant to strong, effective leadership in the criminal justice system.