For a law enforcement officer, the ability to write a proper summons is as important as being able to thwart a bank robbery in progress. Doing what is often perceived as the boring parts of the job, and doing them well, is just as important as being able to handle the exciting and glamorous aspects of police work, and attention to detail is important at all levels of law enforcement. From issuing a parking ticket to recording the minute details in a felony investigation, the details are important. The parking ticket may seem like small potatoes to the officer, but to the person receiving the ticket it's a big deal, and because it's a big deal to them, they will scrutinize every detail on that ticket, searching for any mistake by the issuing officer. It's a natural reaction to try to lay the blame on somebody else by finding a flaw in the process. That is why writing that simple summons is vital to the reputation of the officer and the agency.

There's an old saying that you can help a hundred old ladies cross the street, but if you kick one dog that's what you'll be remembered for. When it comes to public sentiment, no truer parable could be offered. All of the good that is done by law enforcement on a daily basis can be erased from the hearts and minds of citizens by a single stupid or thoughtless action of an officer or agent. It is a hard truth, but people judge others all of the time, and they judge most harshly when they are witness to behavior firsthand. Each time a law enforcement officer breaks procedure or the law in dealing with people, they make it that much more difficult for the next officer who might have to deal with that same citizen. Impressions, whether good or bad, are formed instantly, and this is reason enough for following the rules of engagement each and every time. From drafting a parking ticket to placing a murder suspect in custody, playing by all of the rules is the only way to ensure that there won't be negative fallout as a result.