Controversies surrounding police actions — such as the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner during altercations with law enforcement — can have drastic effects on the morale of officers across the nation, officials said.
St. Louis Police Chief Sam Dotson dubbed it “the Ferguson effect.”
“I think morale’s been on a roller coaster,” he said.
Regardless of whether officers’ actions are justified or found to be excessive, police realize that their actions could set off mass protests, Chief Dotson said.
“There’s been a little trepidation on the part of officers,” he said. “No police officer wants to be the next Darren Wilson that starts the next round of social unrest.”
Jose Estrada, a spokesman for the Chicago Police Department, said it can be disheartening when officers are “demonized” before all the facts of a case are known.
“At points, it seems like people are quick to judge the actions of police officers without ever walking a mile in our shoes,” he said. “We’re very cognizant of the responsibilities we carry as part of our duties.”
Officer morale can take a big hit if police feel they don’t have the support of local leadership, said Jim Pasco, executive director of the Fraternal Order of Police, the nation’s largest trade group for law enforcement.
“If you take Ferguson, for example, it would appear that the city did not move to protect the officers involved in the unfortunate events,” Mr. Pasco said. “Obviously, that’s going to adversely affect the rank and file’s feelings for the department.”
More criticism from politicians or the media can further lower morale, he said.
“Most people join police forces with the view of making a difference in their community or being seen as role models or leaders in their community,” Mr. Pasco said. “These elected officials and chiefs ought to spend less time hand-wringing and more time handshaking with their police officers.”
Lt. John Stanford of the Philadelphia Police Department said police must focus on both service and their own personal safety.
“Community relations have always been a priority of our department as well as keeping our officers safe,” he said. “You have to keep that balance.”
Lt. Stanford said police should constantly be looking for ways to improve their relationship with their community.
“In any type of public service field, you can always do something better,” he said. “Any department is not perfect, and you’re only fooling yourself if you don’t look at ways to get better.”
• Phillip Swarts can be reached at pswarts@washingtontimes.com.
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