Thank you for sharing that. What an insightful piece!
Do you believe public and LE expectations will ever be aligned again? There doesn't seem to be a lot of clarity or direction right now, and it feels like we're all wandering aimlessly in the dark.
Another excellent point you brought up is that police culture has turned more inward as a defense mechanism. This lines up with what officers have have told me about feeling that they're emotionally checked out and are just going through the motions.
This can't be good for their emotional health, and I don't think it's a stretch to ask if this has contributed to the rise in officer suicides?
Strong police leadership is needed now more than ever.
You are exactly correct, and connecting, shaky leader, ship, poor expectations, and a culture that rewards apathy, with a lack of organizational identity and mental health concerns. Further, until entitlement is shaken from the tree of weak leader, ship, or cultures, expectation for how they want to be, police will not be in line with those of us doing the job. Nevertheless, that doesn’t give anyone license to give up the fight because I am a firm believer that one person can make a difference one relationship at a time! 
Great article! Your point about people who advocate for defunding and making the police villains causing a reduction in QUALITY applicants hits it on it's head! Give it five years (or less) and there will be worse issues. Stay safe!
I also fear that things will get worse before they improve. God help us all.
The frustrating part is that few seem to be making the connection between the demoralization of all cops and recruitment / retention issues. I see people talking about "putting money into recruitment & training" without understanding WHY so many have left the profession.
Love that you covered this topic. Very interesting + important. Also, those of us who are “pro police” may not want to face the answers to these questions.
Thank you for this! I had just written a similar piece and your analysis and affirmation of the truth is refreshing!!
https://www.lawofficer.com/crisis-management/
Keep up the good work!
Thank you for sharing that. What an insightful piece!
Do you believe public and LE expectations will ever be aligned again? There doesn't seem to be a lot of clarity or direction right now, and it feels like we're all wandering aimlessly in the dark.
Another excellent point you brought up is that police culture has turned more inward as a defense mechanism. This lines up with what officers have have told me about feeling that they're emotionally checked out and are just going through the motions.
This can't be good for their emotional health, and I don't think it's a stretch to ask if this has contributed to the rise in officer suicides?
Strong police leadership is needed now more than ever.
You are exactly correct, and connecting, shaky leader, ship, poor expectations, and a culture that rewards apathy, with a lack of organizational identity and mental health concerns. Further, until entitlement is shaken from the tree of weak leader, ship, or cultures, expectation for how they want to be, police will not be in line with those of us doing the job. Nevertheless, that doesn’t give anyone license to give up the fight because I am a firm believer that one person can make a difference one relationship at a time! 
Great article! Your point about people who advocate for defunding and making the police villains causing a reduction in QUALITY applicants hits it on it's head! Give it five years (or less) and there will be worse issues. Stay safe!
Thank you, Dale!
I also fear that things will get worse before they improve. God help us all.
The frustrating part is that few seem to be making the connection between the demoralization of all cops and recruitment / retention issues. I see people talking about "putting money into recruitment & training" without understanding WHY so many have left the profession.
What a mess.
Love that you covered this topic. Very interesting + important. Also, those of us who are “pro police” may not want to face the answers to these questions.
Scary (and surreal) times, isn't it?