What We Should Never Sacrifice

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by Craig Lepkowski, IPMBA President

In the previous issue, I described the public safety profession as one in which we are called upon to sacrifice much to protect and serve the citizens we serve. Among the sacrifices we make are: a normal schedule, sleep, family time, consistent and healthy diets, the “luxury” of being lazy and out of shape, safety, the ability to hunker down, the liberty of taking sides, and our First Amendment rights. In this column, I will discuss what public safety personnel should never sacrifice.

Physical Fitness

This is repeated throughout our careers, yet so many of us fail to fight to maintain good health. We get lazy; we stop habitually working out and eating well. We owe it to ourselves, our families, and the public to maintain a high level of fitness so we do not get hurt on the job, and so we can enjoy our post-retirement years. Good fitness is especially important for those in specialized, high-stress, and physical units like SWAT and bicycle patrol.

Morality, Integrity, and Ethics

We are the guardians of society and, as such, are rightly held to a higher standard. We must set the example for the type of behavior we expect from law-abiding citizens. Our actions are scrutinized, and our word, our integrity, and our truthfulness are often the final determination of an investigation’s outcome. Ethics govern our behavior, and our actions must be beyond reproach.

Civility, Compassion, and Respect

The golden rule has passed the test of time and is as relevant today as it has ever been – treat others how you would like to be treated. Tension between people can often be reduced with civility, compassion, and respect. While people will always have differences of opinion and/or opposing views, treating one other with compassion, using respectful language, and engaging in civil discourse are still viable ways to prevent violent responses. Everyone simply wants to be treated humanely and with respect.

Technical Skills

Effective skills are honed with practice and on-going skill development. Finding what works and what does not is a continual battle built on experience and attending training sessions. New developments are necessary as new techniques and technological advances affect and enhance physical abilities.

Knowledge and Continued Learning

Laws change, medical procedures advance, and technology progresses. It is incumbent on those of us in public service to keep up-to-date. We cannot simply sit back and let the future of our profession pass us by; we must stay current, and, whenever possible, anticipate future developments. Without continuous learning, we hinder our ability to foresee upcoming changes in public demand for and perception of our services.

Devotion and Collaboration

Public service is a calling, an innate desire to help others. It is imperative to continue to keep alive the devotion, the burning desire to help others and protect the rights of all. We must collaborate not only among ourselves in law enforcement, emergency medical services, and security, but also with the people, organizations, associations, and groups we serve. While it is easy to lose focus and become jaded over the years, a lazy, uncaring, or indifferent public safety employee can cause harm of immeasurable proportions.

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Public safety personnel are problem solvers, called upon when members of the public cannot devise a solution. We must never sacrifice our ability to think critically and solve problems ranging from the most mundane to the complex, while at the same time remaining professional and compassionate. It is incumbent upon us to continually learn, develop our skills, and assist those in need of answers, options, advice, and assistance. Our extensive experience enables us to find solutions for those who are overwhelmed and unable to objectively manage the situation at hand.

Communications Skills

The abovementioned skills, knowledge, and abilities will not serve anyone well if we cannot effectively communicate with others. We must clearly, concisely, and compassionately explain options, direct callers to resources, and field follow-up questions and concerns. Physical demeanor and professional communication methods are extremely important, especially as Crisis Intervention Training takes hold and public safety collaborates with other professions to more effectively respond to the ever-growing mental health crisis.

Courage

We need the courage to do right. We need the courage to face the problems of society and the ever-increasing analysis of public safety – especially law enforcement. We must be courageous in our daily work and be vigilant against those who stain our profession with their words or actions. We all need the courage to look at ourselves and see where we can improve: physical fitness, positive healthy habits, moral and ethical behavior, technical skills, knowledge, critical thinking, and communication. Our profession deals with an unpleasant side of society. We need the courage to admit when we need help, to reach out those who require our support, and to utilize mental health assistance when necessary.

What do you stand for? What will you courageously never sacrifice?

-- Craig