[sh_tinh_hair]

In the 70s when police officers carried a baton and a revolver you'd encounter a lot more talk, diplomacy and second chances. In the age of terrorism and tazers that has become rarer in my experience.

Police officers need to have an 'edge' that is missing in normal people. Normalizing their experience with people and re-humanizing them isn't the best idea for their career and longevity in this day and age. Let them burn out in peace or find a way to cope with their distance from people (usually alcohol, seen that a lot).

[Broken_Hippo]

I think this hits one something as well. I moved to Norway a few years back - and while the police have access to guns, they don't generally carry them. The public doesn't seem to want it for the most part.

The effect is the one you noticed in the 70s. From a normal citizen's perspective, the fear factor isn't there. You are generally OK so long as you cooporate, even if you tell the police to fuck off while still doing what they say. Some of this is culture: For instance, someone with a bow and quiver on their back walking through the summer palace that is here in town doesn't get harassed. There are fewer guns on the people.

I'm not sure about your outlook, however. I think they need the humanity to be able to treat people well. After all, normal people are the very people that become cops: That "edge" is a learned thing - just like it is in the military. Minimally, I'd go with a few years of training being mandatory before stepping out and becoming a rookie. Things like conflict resolution, dealing with the mentally ill, and interpersonal relations.

Edit: Oh, and stress. I'd include classes on dealing with stress in the training.

[sh_tinh_hair]

Your suggestions are ideal in terms of training and compatibility with society. I just don't think that they are practical (in the US) right now.

The dysfunctional approach between police and citizens seems to be more manageable and cheaper and makes candidates more numerous. My cynicism is showing though.

[slededit]

That was dependent on who you were and the location. A long haired hippy was not getting many second chances in the south. Watch the movie Easy Rider as an example.

[sh_tinh_hair]

I don't need to watch a propaganda film to remember how it was. I was there. How old are you?