Expert: Loren Stevens - 6/17/2009

Question
What is the meaning and origin if the term “Salty Cop”.

Answer
Hello Dan,
The "meaning" of 'salty cop', can include a wide range of characteristics. Generally, this is viewed as a cop that tends to be a bit casual with some of the rules and regulations, a cop who is experienced, and not a rookie, a cop who has reached a point in his or her career, where they ASSUME they know about all there is to know about being a cop. This profile tends to evolve by an abundance of repetition, and familiarity.
This would also include a certain attitude, where these cops desire to be recognized as one who has 'been there' (alot).
Now then, on the origin of this term, most probably came from the military, and specifically the Navy.
Sailors who had been to sea either alot, or often, were said to be salty, from being on deck of the ship, and getting the salty ocean spray on them.
Again, the term suggests an abundance of experience, or, an attitude to where a person wants to be viewed by others, as very experienced.
Hope this makes sense.
Having been a Marine, that is my recollection of salty.....
Good Luck, and regards,
loren

You are welcome Dan.
I wouldn't worry too much on how your son is being perceived. REAL cops who have earned a margin of salt, tend to re-calibrate young officers who demonstrate an attitude of arrogance, without portfolio.
There are internal signals, that are difficult to ignore.
The goal, is to be viewed as confident and capabile. Often times, young officers struggle with how to do that, and come across as over bearing or arrogant.
It's my experience, that round one of a cop experiencing a modicum of SALT, comes around 4-6 years. In that time frame, they have seen plenty, and some things several times.
BUT alas, they are far from seeing it all. About that time, something rounds the corner to bite them on the ass. Then, they try to come to terms with "CYA". But, they tend to miss the first two legs of that stool.....Can-You-Articulate (skilled report writing) and Call-Your-Attorney. In this case, it would be a Dep. DA, or AG.
We all experienced some of these developmental speed-bumps.
It's all part of the process.
He'll want to be perceived as PROFESSIONAL, rather than SALTY, even when he reaches a point where he has earned a measure of salt.
My counsel for you, to convey to him, is to study and know all you can, about the 4th Amendment. That, is the biggie in police work.
And, be able to recite front and back: Garner v. TN
Good Luck, and don't worry.
loren