Assignment task: "If expectations are unrealistic, so is the role concept, and it will become further distorted if the unrealistic expectations are repeatedly unmet."
Next, I would like you to list the top three expectations you have for police in your community. There are lots of things to consider, some of which the textbook alluded to. Remember, many of your roles may contradict each other. For example, how can the police be helpful and kind when dealing with the public and yet forceful and firm when dealing with criminals; further, how will they always know the difference? Moreover, consider the current situation in Boston; residents are begging the police to send more officers to their neighborhoods due to the violence currently going on, but actively resting the police and rioting because police are enforcing minor drug law; where is the middle ground of role expectation?
Questions to address:
Q1. Are your expectations realistic?
Q2. Do any of the expectations send conflicting messages or present officers with an unrealistic goal?
Q3. Do you think officers feel the stress of being pulled in different directions, and do the varying roles we ask officers to fulfill lead to societal frustration when these roles can't possibly be met because they were unrealistic to begin with?
Q4. Do you have any ideas for how we can better define the roles and expectations of police officers?