We Are On Twitter!

As I have said many times, the philosophical cop blog exists to allow all of us to discuss and learn together.  That is why we enjoy so much back-and-forth debate and, yes, sometimes some conflict.

It only makes sense, then, that as social media becomes more and more accessible and popular, that our conversation move to that arena as well.  So……..

I signed up for a twitter account!  Follow the philosophical cop at “philosophcop” and you will get a more immediate, up to the minute look at my opinions  -  your opinions  -  and current law enforcement events.  I hope to see you on Twitter soon!

This Cop’s Observations

As much as I fancy myself a philosopher, I am frequently reminded that what really excites me is being a cop.

Since my own blog description predicts I will be talking about my “…decade of policing,” I have decided to post (almost) daily the observations that stick to the fly paper in my head. Many will be from last night’s shift; others might be from years ago. I hope you find they continue to change the way we each look at policing. That remains my global mission. Here goes.

My First Observation: Over 10 Years Ago…

One of the first things I ever remember considering “as a cop” was how kids looked at me. I love kids, so I always looked and cooed and smiled. Before I was a cop, and to this day if I am out of uniform, they would generally look back, cry, or do nothing at all.

When I try this in uniform, kids light up. They giggle, laugh, and point. How cool is that? For years I have been carrying little stickers and badges and toy police cars for the occasion. Nothing makes my day like, “MOMMY! The police man gave me a real badge. LOOK M-O-M-M-Y!”

Sadly, after about 17 years, the smiles turn into middle fingers, and the chants are somewhat less — umm — adorable. Sigh.

But hey, smile at that uniform, little ones…you might just be staring down the philosophical cop.