Every person has a different ways to deal with a case, as for a police officer, there's a great deal of responsibility with dealing with citizens. Few days a week, if not, daily, a cop deals with an angry resident over 'not following the rules' situation. With this, it is essential for a cop to take action professionally and deal with people calmly.
React and Respond
It's important to think about the choice first before it escalates into something else unpleasant, before doing that, do not let yourself get sucked into the other citizen's agenda. In attempting to react to someone's complaints or emotion, maintain the initiative and always lead to the problem-solving mode, instead of on focusing on the problem itself. In addition, beware of emotionally driven kind of responses.
As we have always learned, be calm. Being calm helps a lot more than you think. Responding calmly is by means of getting guided more by logic, instead of by emotion. Responding calmly usually creates useful dialogue alternatively, reacting with emotion (yelling) usually makes for screaming matches. However, trying to stop your emotions is actually counterproductive. The trick is not to try and stop your emotions, but know how to control and what you do with them.
Other Suggestions
Other stubborn citizens attack cops personally at times. Unfortunately, it's been proven that letting emotions control you will never end well for the officer. So, here what you'll need to do:
- First, understand the situation. Always comprehend that every situation is different and it doesn't need an action right away.
- Learn from your past experiences and try not to repeat yourself in the future.
- Improve your decision-making skills, and practice it.
- Do not blame others, and start defining the problem so it can be solved.
- Always use your logic, instead of emotions. Focus on what needs to be done.
- Understand that others would always use words against you and is looking for an emotional response from you.
- Do not let the perspective "me vs. them." Always find a way to let them see you as a person, and that you understand the situation and their emotions.
It's your choice on whether to respond or to react. But to keep you out of chaos or the news, it is best to respond logically, instead of emotionally. It can be difficult, however solving a problem mutually and knowing you were able to control your emotions is greatly rewarding.
