Maintaining Lightness as We Conclude the 2023 Holiday Season

Let’s maintain a lighthearted tone as we wrap up the 2023 holiday season. It's common for law enforcement anecdotes to dominate discussions among cops. In my book, "De-Policing America," I delve into the topic of police badges, triggering memories of a rookie experience.

During a coffee break with a seasoned officer, his badge made a sudden exit, landing loudly on the table. Surprised, we stared at the unexpected clatter. The veteran, unfazed, remarked, "That can't be a good sign."

Now, let's explore badges, often referred to as shields. Public safety badges, especially those in law enforcement, have always intrigued me. Circular, oval, or star-shaped, most police badges feature a shield design, while sheriffs often opt for a star, with exceptions and combinations.

For instance, Chicago, San Francisco, and Las Vegas police incorporate a star motif. According to Arizona's official historian, Marshall Trimble, the star symbolizes protection from evil. New Orleans takes a creative approach, using a star within a crescent moon. So, what's the story behind the police badge?

Unlike tools such as guns or batons, the badge is a symbol imbued with cultural power. It symbolizes authority, commanding respect (though perhaps not as much these days) and sometimes intimidation.

For officer safety, I always observed hands and eyes during interactions. Knowing where hands were and understanding their intent kept me safe. People, both good and bad, often fixated on my badge after my gun. Even after graduating from the academy, friends and family, especially my kids, were all about, "show me your badge."

Historically, Sir Robert Peel is credited with initiating the modern police force in London, leading to the creation of badges for the 160-officer police force in 1845. The term "cop" is believed to originate from officers' copper badges.

The concept of badges possibly stems from medieval knights' shields, law enforcers of their time. Modern badges mirror knights' shields, displaying colors, texts, and symbols representing jurisdiction.

In the era of de-policing, I express concern in my book that the badge's symbolic influence is waning, contributing to a lack of respect for law enforcement traditions.

Returning to a lighter note, I share an anecdote from my policing days. Approaching an apartment building during a suspicious person check, I surprised a young woman. Initially frightened, her fear dissipated upon seeing my badge, realizing I was a cop. This incident epitomizes the reassuring aspect of being perceived as one of the "good guys."

Happy New Year!