Expert: Dick Rogers - 7/12/2007

Question
I would like to be a police officer, but I also hold political views that are moderately libertarian.  Basicaly, I believe that the gov't only has the right to outlaw things that harm others (for example, I don't approve of prostitution or drug use, but I don't have the right to force people at gunpoint to stop it, since they're not hurting anyone else.)  Obviously I will have to decide for myself whether my desire to protect people from violence, theft, etc., is worth enforcing laws that I don't agree with, but what I want to know is,  would a PD hire me, knowing I didn't agree with some of the laws I was enforcing?  Or should I consider something with more free choice, like bail enforcement?  Thank you for your time, and I hope my question hasn't offended you.

Answer
Sarah, on the contrary, your question does not offend me, it gives me hope that some new blood...new thinking is slowly entering law enforcement ranks.  As to your question. I like to think change comes about through little victories.  When I was working patrol during the sixties and seventies, I started to see the hypocrisy of having my martini on weekends and busting someone with pot.  It's not quite that easy a comparison but I could see that some of what law enforcement was involved in was contrary to my thinking.  Did I stand rigid in the face of my department...no.  I tried to fuse my thinking into my daily contacts with people...some of whom were not busted simply because they were violating some antiquated law.  As to whether a P.D. or Sheriff's Dept. would hire you is up in the air...it would probably depend on just how you explained your view of the world.  I would be subtle in your responses but I would keep your views in focus. They are not looking for automatons, simple people who use common sense and do their job in a professional, legal way.  Incidentally, you might be surprised a how many cops on the street today share your views.  Good Luck!