A proper treatise on any profession must include some kind of notation on the personal benefits that a person can derive from being part of the profession. Being an integral part of something greater than yourself, rising to meet new challenges on a daily basis that average people would not even attempt, much less accomplish, and serving a cause, all advance the level of self-esteem that each law enforcement official enjoys. And, maintaining a high level of esteem is central to the idea of spending a lifetime enforcing the law. There are only three sources for acquiring self-esteem:

• Yourself

• Those with whom you serve

• The public

Each of these sources has its own unique characteristics and limitations.

Self-esteem that is generated from within is often confused with ego, but it is a necessary part of the makeup of every person. What each person sees in the mirror each day, how he copes with his toughest judge—himself—and how he rationalizes his actions day after day can be helpful.

Just the act of analyzing yourself each day and weighing the pros against the cons is a good beginning. When law enforcement agents question their own motives and actions regularly, when they use the answers they find to postulate new goals and to identify behavior that they will not repeat in the future, their esteem will escalate. Reaching deep inside and being completely honest with yourself is the only way for you to find out who you truly are. Holding yourself up to the light and comparing yourself to your counterparts in the field helps you establish in your own mind how you are doing.

Supporting law enforcement through taxation is often as vocal as people get when it comes to praising law enforcement or approving of the efforts of law enforcement officers. So, on those rare occasions when public praise does come, law enforcement officers seldom do more than say thank you and melt back into the job afterward. Agents are often quick to remove themselves from the limelight and get back to business.

Probably the best way to build self-esteem in the job is through the pride that comes with being part of a unit. Whether the unit is an entire department or a small squad that is a mere subdivision of a subdivision, unit pride is infectious. Knowing that a unit is outstanding at what it does, understanding that the squad counts on each of the members to contribute to the overall mission, and being mindful that as a group you can accomplish more than you can as individuals, are among the most uplifting of feelings. This kind of unit pride exists in military units, elite fighting elements that count on the collective spirit of its members to carry them to victory. Each member of the team serves the common cause and delivers their very best to mission.

Regardless of whether the unit has an articulated motto or slogan, whether they have a shoulder patch that identifies their department or unit members, whether they are represented by a coat of arms or clad in a suit coat, each agency has a common spirit that binds its members. This group pride is something common and exclusive to all law enforcement members. There is often talk of a brotherhood among law enforcement personnel. This sense of camaraderie and mutual support comes from the realization that they must face challenges and assume responsibilities that other people prefer not to face. Their acceptance of the duties of the job enrolls them as members in a unique unit in the field of law enforcement.