Every law enforcement agency has some kind of mission statement that outlines the primary goal of the agency. Take a look at almost any police Web site and you'll find that mission statement right out front for all to see. It's usually a collection of words—maybe best described as platitudes—that talk of integrity and service, sometimes even sacrifice. What a mission statement boils down to is an optimistic framework for agency operations. They speak only to the higher ideals and principles that each agency hopes to attain.

Each law enforcement officer is well aware of the limitations of human beings. They see these limits daily in their dealings with the public. Fully appreciating those limits in people is what often separates a law enforcement officer from other professionals. Where an agent would be quick to spot a criminal offense on a city street, she might be oblivious to a similar infraction of the law that is happening right before her in her own squad room.

We tend to overlook things when it comes to the actions of our friends, and the world of law enforcement calls for a much higher level of comradeship than most jobs. That comradeship—that bond between officers—is a relationship where life and death often hang in the balance. Actions and reactions of brother and sister agents can mean the ultimate difference for personal survival. Therefore, if there is any working relationship where one party might willingly overlook the indiscretion of another coworker, it is likely that it would be within law enforcement. But contrary to what might be normal elsewhere, law enforcement is a profession where acting consistently within the law is absolute. Staying inbounds at all times and playing by all of the rules is the only way to ensure that officers don't suddenly become defendants.