The current climate of disrespect shown our law officers is not sustainable. From my book, Use of Force in Modern Policing:
The Dilemma of Public Verbal Assaults on Officers – An Overview
The first amendment to the constitution, with few exceptions, permits virtually unrestrained verbalization of thoughts, feelings, emotions, political opinions and viewpoints on the part of citizens. I wish to make it clear that I have no quarrel with that protection, or indeed, any of the protections afforded citizens of our nation by that document. My desire is simply to address a situation which is making policing in our nation increasingly difficult, as well as to extend such protections to our law enforcement officers.
I believe it fair to state that over the past decade or so there has been a general loss of respect for law enforcement in our nation. Fingers have been pointed to assorted “villains” some would like to hold responsible for this state of affairs, but I do not wish to engage in what would likely be a pointless debate. The reason I mention how the public at large views law officers has more to do with the nature of the interactions which frequently now take place between these parties. It is very difficult to conduct normal business in service to the public with someone who is acting out, spouting obscenities or is casting aspersions on an officer’s race or ethnicity and, at the same time that person, or persons nearby, are memorializing the interaction with video camera or cell phone recording. This is the issue I would like to address.
For an officer working in the field, in order to gain compliance with the law (they are police officers, after all is said and done) the most logical progression for an officer/citizen interaction to take would, in general:
Ø First have the officer show professional respect to the person they are interacting with, then,
Ø Diplomacy is tried,
Ø After which the officer shifts to convincing the other party of the lawful authority the officer has over them.
Ø Should the first three elements fail to bring about compliance, then force may be used.