January 9 is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. In today’s supercharged environment, it’s more important than ever that we all thank officers for what they do to protect us and make our communities better.
If you are stumped for ways to show your appreciation, here are 10 ideas to thank law enforcement officers:
Put up a positive post on social media supporting peace officers
Encourage your children and neighbors to write letters of support of law enforcement for local newspapers and take thank you cards to a substation or headquarters
If you see police officers tell them thank you for what they do
Pay for their cup of coffee or lunch if you see them at a coffee shop or café
Make a donation to an organization that assists injured officers or supports families of fallen officers
Take advantage of volunteer opportunities to help your local police or sheriff’s department
Fill a need your local law enforcement office might need: office supplies, outside clean up or beautification, etc.
Make and distribute appreciation gift baggies for officers that include items such as lip balm, energy bar and drink, hand sanitizer, tissues, etc.
Find more information about National Law Enforcement Appreciation day and ways you can let officers know that you care at https://www.nationalcops.org/lead.html.
Are you thinking about joining law enforcement? Are you thinking about getting a tattoo? You need to consider the implications of a tattoo if you are contemplating a career in law enforcement.
While some departments are getting more lenient about exposed tattoos, others are sticking to original policies against them, citing the rationalization that they can change the public’s perception of local law enforcement.
According to policechiefmagazine.com, only 8% of the public said they would accept visible tattoos with male officers and 5% with female officers. Also, 80% say that the public view of the police is shaped by their appearance.
Depending on your department, policies may vary. Be sure to ask before starting the hiring process. Even current officers should consider some of these tips before heading to the parlor:
– Check with your department to see what your options are.
– If they are allowed, ask if they can show outside the uniform.
– Ask if you will have to wear long-sleeves if tattoos cannot be visible.
If tattoos are acceptable:
– Consider the appropriate placement of the tattoo that abides by policy.
– Think about the subject matter of the tattoo to avoid termination.
With more people getting tattoos – 45 million Americans have at least one tattoo – its possible more police departments will adapt and accept the trend. Until then, whether or not to get inked is up to you.
Hear what other peace officers are saying about California Casualty…
Are you thinking about joining law enforcement? Are you thinking about getting a tattoo? You need to consider the implications of a tattoo if you are contemplating a career in law enforcement.
While some departments are getting more lenient about exposed tattoos, others are sticking to original policies against them, citing the rationalization that they can change the public’s perception of local law enforcement.
According to policechiefmagazine.com, only 8% of the public said they would accept visible tattoos with male officers and 5% with female officers. Also, 80% say that the public view of the police is shaped by their appearance.
Depending on your department, policies may vary. Be sure to ask before starting the hiring process. Even current officers should consider some of these tips before heading to the parlor:
-Check with your department to see what your options are.
– If they are allowed, ask if they can show outside the uniform.
– Ask if you will have to wear long-sleeves if tattoos cannot be visible.
If tattoos are acceptable:
-Consider the appropriate placement of the tattoo that abides by policy.
-Think about the subject matter of the tattoo to avoid termination.
With more people getting tattoos – 45 million Americans have at least one tattoo – its possible more police departments will adapt and accept the trend. Until then, whether or not to get inked is up to you.
As a member of law enforcement, you face complicated situations every day. You’re trained to be aware of your environment and surroundings. But, have you ever thought about ways to enhance your attention to detail? What about studying art? What connection does art have with law enforcement?” Let me explain.
Our brains naturally respond when we look at a painting. We feel refreshed, changed, and mentally more awake. A study in the journal Brain and Cognition found that pictures trigger a response in brain regions associated with visual understanding and object recognition. It also connected with activity linked to emotions, inner thoughts, and learning.
Here are three secrets on how art will improve your job performance:
Restore your focus. Art can enhance your concentration in the same way that the outdoors can.
Opens up you up for learning. Not only will you feel ready to learn, but art opens you up to experience and creative achievement.
Relieve Mental Fatigue. Viewing the art allows your mind to focus on the details, awakening your brain.
Maria Popova, the founder of Brain Pickings, describes this as “the power to transcend our self-interest and relate to the world and each other with more integrity, curiosity, and wholeheartedness.”
This can be achieved without even visiting a museum. Consider books, online websites, etc. But do consider expanding your horizons for new ideas for self-improvement.
As a part of law enforcement, you face difficult situations daily. Stress is everywhere and everyone struggles with it. How it can manifest can depend on the individual’s stress management techniques and lifestyle. Research shows that police officers who don’t manage stress properly are prone to burnout, poor judgment, substance abuse, and suicide. With all of this, it isn’t often that you find an officer that isn’t stressed out.
Here are some of the sources of stress officers encounter:
Exposure to Distress: the distress of public that you become involved with will at some point affect you. This can take a toll on stress and mental health.
Danger: Many officers experience physical danger daily, especially departments in areas with high crime rates. The possibility of being injured can become heavy mentally.
Responsibility: The responsibility of protecting lives is a great deal of stress in itself.
The Pace: Officers must always be ready for all situations at a moment’s notice. Switching from office work to crime work doesn’t allow for much rest causing your mind to rush back and forth.
With all the different stressors, we have tips to help manage your stress.
Breathe: Practicing deep breaths can create a sense of calm.
Breakfast: Eating oatmeal is said to help reduce stress. Start your day on the right foot with a beneficial breakfast.
Exercise: It releases endorphins that eliminate tense muscles and stress.
Sleep: Schedules can be hectic, but make sure to get enough hours of sleep. Feeling well rested the next day will help with alertness while on duty.
Have a strong network of family and friends: Close relationships will help provide a strong support system and help with your stressors.
If you feel like the stress of the job is becoming more overwhelming, recognize that there are outlets for help. Reach out to your support system, friends and/or family. Having a life outside of the job will also help with physical and mental health. There are other options for outlets. Seek peer counseling or employee assistance programs, which are in place to assist officers in times of high stress.
As my family drives to friends or relatives homes for the holidays, we invariably pass a police officer busy working to keep the community safe. It’s easy to forget that crime doesn’t take a holiday, and for many law enforcement officers Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Years are a regular work day. While most of us will be enjoying presents, meals and special time with our families, officers will be patrolling the streets responding to emergencies and keeping drunk drivers off the roads.
Some of them find ways to make the holidays better for others by sponsoring toy and gift drives for children, giving “tickets” for safe driving redeemable for movies and other treats (police officers in one Michigan town stopped drivers and learned what gift they really wanted while other officers drove to stores and actually bought the presents and surprised them), and others have performed heartwarming acts like buying hot meals or clothing for homeless people in the cold or providing holiday gifts for families who couldn’t afford them.
So this holiday season, let’s not forget the men and women who swear an oath to protect and serve us, even on holidays. Here are some simple ways we can let them know we appreciate all they do:
Bring some baked goods to a police station
Deliver some thank you cards
Pay for their coffee or meal
Write a letter to your local newspaper thanking them for their dedication to the community
Make a donation to an organization that assists injured officers or a police memorial fund
Volunteer with your local law enforcement community outreach programs
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters and nurses. Get a quote at 1.800.800.9410 or www.calcas.com.
