Does the general public take young Police Officers less serious than older Police Officers?

Answer 1

I believe they take Police Officers as Police Officers. I think they may actually take young officers more serious because rookie cops go through a phase called "John Wayne" syndrome, where that want to save the world and take done all the bad guys at once. I believe older Officers are taken less serious because they have the experience and tend to relax overtime, almost not caring if the car in front of him turned on red, as a young cop would pull the car over twice.

Answer 2

The age of the officer is not as important as the manner in which they present themselves to the general public. If the officer presents themselves with confidence, courtesy and professionalism, the public will not only accept them, but respect them. Police work is as much a business as any other, and the key to gaining public trust and maintaining it is to sell whatever action is being taken. By and large, if an officer takes the time to explain what they are doing (when it is safe to do so) they will achieve the end result with less friction and even if the people they are dealing with are not happy with the enforcement action, at least they will understand, and they will more readily accept it.

Younger members of the community often feel more comfortable speaking to younger officers because they feel closer in age. On the other hand, the reverse may be true. Generally speaking however, the officer who is courteous, confident, and sells their contact, will have little if any problem being taken seriously by any member of the public. The public expects the officers they come into contact with to be highly trained, mature, and able to make life altering decisions in a fair, professional manner. If the officer of ANY age comes across as a hothead, discourteous, untrained or incompetent, the public will hold them accountable in return by showing a lack of respect and they could (really should) generate a complaint to the officers agency. Complaints will occur over the course of a career. You can't please every one and by the very nature of what police do, there will be confrontations and people will at times be unhappy with the decisions the officers make. Be professional, courteous, treat all with dignity and respect, and no one will take the young officer less seriously.

Answer 3

They shouldn't. Yes the older police officers have the experience and maturity that come with time on the job but the young police officers, just coming out of the academy, are some of the most highly trained and intelligent police officers around. These officers are taught only the most cutting edge tactics and laws and any older officer around should pick the brain of the new officers to find out the new things they are teaching in the academy.
Also, a new officer has been told that he is a bad, BAD man and he is looking to prove it. Better be careful trying to pick a fight with him.

Answer 4

Without doubt, yes, but it is not an age thing. As you get older in the police, you get more experience in dealing with people. You are more sure of procedures and how far you can go. Young officers are often frightened of what is going to happen or what might happen so they are tense and nervous. Older officers can read a situation much better and quite often a very volatile situation can be defused by the older officer by use of a few choice words. A young officer, without the experience, would not dare say such things..............

Answer 5

General public take young officers more serious cause most of them are looking for a reputation are rude and swole headed where as an older officer has seen it done it and has the shirt usually not rude but frank, unless they are burned out and don't care anymore.

Answer 6

Because often your age alone indicates that you probably don't have the answers. I'm in law enforcement and deal with both young and older officers. The fastest way to get cooperation is be RESPECTFUL. No matter what you REALLY think. Give respect and you'll get respect...and good luck.

Answer 7

I do not think It is a age thing I believe it is a attitude thing not all young officers have that but there is a lot that have a real attitude

Answer 8

Personally, I'm more afraid of the newbies than the veterans. Newbies are all a s s h o l e s. They're all looking to make a name for themselves. BUT..it is funny watching some of those guys acting tough while wearing daddy's uniform.

Answer 9

I take all cops seriously, I have the utmost respect for them. I love them!

Answer 10

It seems like they do and it might be an age/respect for age thing.