During any law enforcement application process or academy, the perspective officer is screened for and taught the attributes and values of an efficient and productive member of the department. Some of the characteristics that are emphasized in the ethos of an officer are physical fitness, critical thinking skills, ethics, weapon efficiency, appearance, effective communication and judgement, high moral character and knowledge of the law.
Though the department’s efficiency, brand and effectiveness depend on these very traits, there are other, more important characteristics that are often overlooked. Empathy for others, compassion and respect, active listening, patience, tolerance, and a sense of humor.
The definition of empathy is the ability to understand and have awareness of another person’s feelings, to observe the incident through their perspective. It is the ability to imagine yourself in their position and see it through their eyes and respond with care and compassion, to feel what they feel. Simply put, an empathetic person is perceived as warm and caring, whereas an individual who doesn’t show empathy can often be viewed as cold, distant, rude and self-absorbed.
Empathy is crucial in law enforcement as it fosters trust and understanding between officers and members of the communities they serve. When officers recognize and appreciate the diverse backgrounds and experiences of people, they can respond and react more effectively to individuals in crisis, de-escalate tense situations, and build stronger relationships with the public. Empathetic policing not only improves community safety but also promotes a culture of respect and kindness within the department, leading to better results for both officers and citizens alike.
Some quick and easy ways to increase one’s empathy:
- Become an active listener.
- Ask questions sensitively and with the intent to understand how the other person is feeling.
- Work and socialize with others who have educational, cultural, sexual and biological differences. Seek out experiences and interactions with people from diverse backgrounds, cultures and life experiences.
- Increase and cultivate your own sense of curiosity to create a greater understanding of people. For example, read fiction and watch films and videos that explore complex characters and situations involving people from different backgrounds.
- Volunteering or helping others and engaging in community service can provide a unique, firsthand experience of different life situations.
By consistently applying these strategies, we can develop a greater capacity for empathy in our personal and professional relationships. Empathy is essential for nurturing a compassionate and functioning relationship, benefiting both officers and the community in which they serve.