Security Pros Have Feelings Too

Protect and Serve is how I’ve always seen law enforcement. That’s what attracted me to the security field and still fuels my passion as a security business owner.

But at the end of the day, security and law enforcement professionals are people, too. They have favorite places to eat, dirty clothes to wash, and loved ones they want to spend time with. Security and law enforcement professionals often take a second and third look at their family members before heading out the door. Their day could include arresting someone, testifying against someone in court, or maybe not coming home at all as they work to keep someone else’s loved ones safe.

On CBS News “60 Minutes” April 24th, FBI Director Christopher Wray said there was a 59% increase in law enforcement officer deaths in the line of duty in 2021, and most of them were targeted just because they wore a badge.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m clear about the fact that there are police officers and security guards out there who should not be in that line of work. They abuse their positions, or make horrible mistakes. When they mess up, especially when they commit a crime, they should be punished to the fullest extent possible. If the law doesn’t handle it, we need to address the law. Meanwhile, policies and procedures must make sure that those who violate the public’s trust get moved into another career. At least.

But every day, people across the country who need help dial 911. Like a superhero, law enforcement officers respond. When I was a small child, that’s what the police looked like to me. They would come to our home repeatedly due to domestic violence. Our front door was always wide open, no matter the weather, and my mom was always emotional and sad. These moments became normal in our household. Almost routine, unless my father was away for work.

I grew to learn that private security professionals can be superheroes, too. In many cases, they can handle a challenging situation before police can get to the scene.

It takes a special person to become a security or law enforcement professional. They should all be thanked for serving and protecting. Who knows? Your thanks could be just the thing that officer needs to remain one of the superheroes, or become one.

Speak to your neighborhood law enforcement or security officer when you can. Don’t wait until the start of National Police Week on May 15th. Tell that officer to keep up the good work. Remember, that officer is human, just like you.

Above image: Shutterstock/Nic Neufeld

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My book Rent-A-Cop Reboot includes many of my experiences as a security professional. Check it out for an inside look at the security field. And don’t miss our videos on the Leumas Publishing YouTube Channel.