The Grey

The purpose of this text is to educate you, the reader, about expectations held by law enforcement agencies, the public, and yourself prior to entering the law enforcement profession. It will provide insight into the governing guidelines as well as the internal/external pitfalls associated with law enforcement agencies. You will receive an assessment of what is required mentally, physically, and emotionally of you to be an effective police officer. This inventory is what is required to successfully navigate the expectations of yourself, the agency, and the public. All three will be different. Self-awareness of your abilities and limitations is necessary to understand your true potential in law enforcement. The sociopolitical implications of social media, technological advancements, and the speed of information-sharing contribute to the current atmosphere and perception of law enforcement. It is important for law enforcement and its members to adapt to the ever-changing social climate and respond in a commensurate manner by managing situations and being professional. Sharing personal views may be detrimental in a professional atmosphere. This culminates in defining The Grey and your place within it. Your sacrifices and contributions, your victories and losses, in the law enforcement community will define how the law is enforced for future generations. Law enforcement cannot survive in a vacuum. It needs to evolve to be effective and relevant within this new era of policing. You make the difference and decide what direction law enforcement will take going forward!