Police officers are often criticized for the demeanor and disposition. Most of them are described as strict, arrogant, and angry. Some say that if they would only be friendlier and more amiable to the community the public may give more trust and confidence on them.

However, the public do not realize that these attitudes and disposition help save their lives. Being strict, arrogant and angry help protect the life of police officers against the dangers of police work which they are exposed to as part of their daily job.

According to studies on the dangers of their job, there is a striking similarity among many police officers who have been slain on the job. According to these studies, most of the officers slain were described as being "well-liked by the community; conservative in the use of force; hardworking; public relations and service-oriented; easygoing and willing to bend the rules regarding arrests, vehicle stops, handling of prisoners and waiting for backup."

This means that appearing to be strict and stern while on the job serve the purpose of protecting the police officers against the possible threats against his life. If police officers will display these attitudes and demeanor the public are more likely to fear and respect their authority. Who wants to mess with a police officer who has a serious look on his face? On the other hand, who will respect a police officer who treats everybody like his friend?

The idea that it is better to be feared than to be loved came from Niccolo Machiavelli, a brilliant political philosopher. He taught that it is human nature to promote their selfish desires. He believed that it is man's nature to take advantage of any lapse in authority. A leader who is loved will only get the loyalty of his people so long as the leader does things that promote the good of people. This love automatically disappears when he does things that are against the good of the people even if it promotes the good of the majority. However, a leader that is feared will be obeyed simply because his followers fear what he is capable of doing should anybody violate his laws.

When they frown on the job it is because their line of work requires them to be so. Police officers with an attitude are only protecting themselves against individuals who seek to take advantage of any lapse in authority.

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