ArticlesandApathyGJune05

ARTICLES AND APATHY
SPD THE GUARDIAN,

   This article deviates somewhat from my normal theme of advocating for the patrol officer. I thought I'd make
an observation and then comment on a recurring issue. The observation is the quality of articles in recent
Guardians.
   It wasn't all that long ago when my good friend, and editor of this publication, Ron Smith, would send out
urgent requests for articles, from those of us with a proclivity for shooting off our mouths, to make sure the
upcoming issue of the Guardian wasn't simply a directory of local businesses.
   I've enjoyed reading recent articles written by concerned officers directed at various problems and
deficiencies, and which offer sometimes substantive, sometimes unique, and sometimes humorous suggested
solutions.
   These articles are not only thoughtful, they are entertaining. Writers such as, Bruce Wind, Rich O'Neill, and
Steve Martin, to mention just three have crafted articles that contain concrete information, compelling facts, and
vivid personal experience.   I look forward to reading more from them in the future.
   While I'm on the subject, it would be nice to see some responses in these pages, from those in positions of
Lieutenant and above, to the many charges and challenges made by the above-mentioned officers. Whether in
agreement, opposition, or simply to offer much desired explanations, it would be interesting to read what those
who fill these oft-criticized positions think about the issues of the day.
   Regarding my own, sometimes barbed, articles I'm often asked if I've been confronted by anyone in authority
regarding my lengthy missives. Happily I can say that from my perspective the First Amendment is functioning
well in the SPD. Although my colleagues remain convinced that any career advancement I might attempt, (yeah
right) has been placed in permanent jeopardy.
   I refuse to believe that any mature professional in this department would allow personal disagreements,
differing points of view, or past grudges to influence their decisions regarding an individual's advancement.
   The recurring issue is the perceived apathy of the Guild membership. As with other articles I've written, I
base them on my own experiences and on the comments from and conversations with, my fellow officers. This
method seems to be a somewhat accurate reflection of how many officers feel about certain issues.
   First, non-attendance at guild meetings is not necessarily a reflection of a lack of concern for important
issues. Many officers fail to attend meetings for all of the reasons that we already know such as family
commitments and off-duty work. We can add to that a general malaise, a feeling of impotence to change
anything.
   The short-staff crisis could be another factor in a lack of attendance. Working 3 or 4, or even 1 or 2 officers
per squad for days, weeks, and months on end, leaves officers wanting to get as far away from police work as
possible after their shift. (Last month my squad could boast only two officers for six shifts in a row.)
Over the years, I've heard many Guild board members chastise those whom they represent for not attending
Guild meetings. Funny I don't hear those admonishments when they're addressing roll calls in search of a board
position. Nope, at that time they just purport their interest in representing us on the Guild Board.
   If I give my vote to a candidate it is with the expectation that I'm having good money taken out of my check
for that board member to represent me, not make excuses that he or she will be ineffective unless I show up at a
meeting once a month.
   So, let's keep writing these articles that make people think. Let's keep showing the administration that the
officers of the SPD are a thoughtful, intelligent, and creative lot.

STEVE POMPER

AUTHOR

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