The problem with putting people on pedestals is that eventually they fall off.
It is a very common and dangerous practice to pedestalize people based on their occupational choices. We can think of nowhere that pedestalizing does more harm than in the law enforcement and fire services. Presuming that somehow these sworn employees are more honorable, more honest, than those in other occupations can result in not only disappointment but also in willful ignorance or blatant denial of misconduct. In the end, the misconduct retards rather than enhances the agencies’ competence. Here are some examples:
80 From N.Y. Police and Fire Forces Are Charged in Social Security Fraud
L.A. County Sheriff Baca plans to retire, sources say
Investigation revisits Secret Service prostitution scandal
The Burglary – The Discovery of J. Edgar Hoover’s Secret FBI
The Feds Let ‘Whitey’ Get Away with Murder
As long as the public is willing to continue to put people on pedestals based on their occupational choices, there will be those employees who abuse their lofty and nearly always very well-paying positions, rationalize their misconduct, and continue to disappoint the deniers.
Baca held a press conference today and announced he would retire at the end of the month.
Comment by Susie Snedaker — January 7, 2014 @ 8:07 pm
Susie,
Yes, I saw that as well. I’d say that like far too many public officials, Leroy Baca fell victim to the “I’m indispensable” virus. He seemed to acknowledge that in his announcement when he said, “I don’t see myself as part of the future. I see myself as part of the past.”
We see that virus manifested locally in our own area.
However, it would be very educational and enlightening if every adult resident of Los Angeles County could spend a few hours visiting on each floor of Men’s Central Jail in downtown Los Angeles. Every visitor would leave with a better understanding of the psychological warfare to which the deputies are exposed throughout their shift by the prisoners.
Comment by Bill — January 8, 2014 @ 7:17 am