Police Cynicism: Police Survival Tool?
| Author | Joel Caplan |
| Published date | 01 September 2003 |
| Date | 01 September 2003 |
| DOI | http://doi.org/10.1350/pojo.76.4.304.25821 |
| Subject Matter | Article |
JOEL CAPLAN
Rutgers University, School of Criminal Justice
POLICE CYNICISM: POLICE
SURVIVAL TOOL?
This article broadly defines cynicism as a pessimistic and
suspicious outlook on the part of police officers towards their job,
the public and society as a whole. Cynicism is an evolving
characteristic of even the most idealistic police recruits. Since it
appears to be inevitable, should it be considered an unpleasant
epidemic and condemned, or should it be respected and embraced
as a necessary police survival skill? Through comprehensive
research and the author’s self-analysis of journal entries made
when he worked as a police officer, this article seeks to understand
why police become cynical. Then it looks at the effects of
cynicism on the police personality and police–community
relations. While cynicism has negative side-effects for police
personnel, its positive role in police work cannot be overlooked.
The public expects a proactive, crime-fighting police force. For
this reason, cynicism can be a valuable tool for the police.
Introduction
For twelve months I worked as a police officer in a municipal
police department. Prior to the police academy and throughout
my experience with the department I kept a journal of my ideas,
feelings, frustrations and important events which ultimately
chronicled my battle between cynicism and idealism. For the
purpose of this article, cynicism is broadly defined as a pessi-
mistic and suspicious outlook on the part of police officers
towards their job, the public and society as a whole. A cynic
expects nothing but the worst in human behaviour (Graves,
1996). It is the opposite of idealism.
Cynicism is a progressively evolving characteristic of even
the most idealistic police officers. Since it appears to be inevita-
ble, should it be considered an unpleasant epidemic and con-
demned or should it be respected and embraced as a necessary
police survival skill? To answer this question, we must first
understand why police become cynical and then look at cyni-
cism’s function in law enforcement.
Literature Review
Research shows that work itself must yield feelings of achieve-
ment, responsibility, personal growth and recognition to satisfy a
304 The Police Journal, Volume 76 (2003)
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