Undergraduate / Police officers; College App - Issue of importance [3]

I've previously written a paper for school and was wondering if it fit for the essay topic I've chosen. Feel free to leave improvements and any necessary changes. Thank you!

Here's the topic:
Choose an issue of importance to you-the issue could be personal, school related, local, political, or international in scope-and write an assay in which you explain the significance of that issue to yourself, your family, your community, or your generation.

People are taught to view public servants as local heroes, but not everyone seems to believe towns are protected by the best possible. Public servants protect local citizens from harm's way while still maintaining the heroic view. Police officers risk their lives to defend the public's honor and security. A law enforcement officer's job never ends, "officers are never 'off duty'. They are dedicated servants who are sworn to protect public safety at any time and place that peace is threatened..." explains US Senator of California, Barbara Boxer. Police officers are modern day heroes by representing and honoring the law enforcement codes and ethics, committing selfless acts and by dealing with the effects of personal stressors that come with the job of being a leader.

Choosing the path of law enforcement, representing and honoring the ethics and oath are expected of an officer. As an officer one must never betray their badge, integrity, character or the public's trust. An officer must act with the up most respect when applying the power given. Not only does an officer represent themselves and the precinct with the uniform, but also the fellow citizens of the community. The badge is seen as a symbol of the public's faith and trust in the local law enforcement, and is to be treated as such. Officers are expected to enforce the law appropriately when it comes to a crime, never to cause unnecessary violence. Local residents view law enforcement as responsible, making the necessary moves when prompted. Officials must act courageously and believe in doing the right thing. Law enforcement officers agree to serve mankind, to safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation, and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the constitutional rights of all men to liberty, equality, and justice. Without men and women agreeing or wanting to protect individuals, order and law would not exist in today's society. The ethics and oaths provide guidelines and provisions that need to be followed. They help maintain order within society's law enforcement departments. Honoring the ethics and oath provides validity and security to the trusting of law enforcement.

Committing selfless and noble acts contributes to the view society has developed about police officers as heroic figures. It is seen as a good deed to the community when a cop acts responsibly without cause. On September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks occurred when the Twin Towers were struck by an airplane in New York City. Fifteen Philadelphia police officers rushed to the NYPD's side. The NYPD need as much help as possible, fellow officers made a big decision to take part. With a horrific and unimaginable event occurring, police officers and firefighters from all around risked what was necessary to save others. Other acts that display courage by officers occur every day. Police officers protect individuals from harm's way while potentially subjecting their lives to injury. A Texas police officer rushed to a woman's side to stop an oncoming car from nearly hitting her. One would view him as a hero for approximately sacrificing his life for a stranger. Officer Standerfer, the Texas police officer, claims saving the woman was just the right thing to do, he agreed to... "serve and protect people" when he became a officer. It takes a strong individual to risk their life day after day. The men and women who commit to the law enforcement lifestyle represent the real meaning of hero.

With the power and responsibility law enforcement officers have, stress begins to effect daily routines. An experiment found that suicidal thoughts have increased in law enforcement officers. Research also found that police officers have a higher rate of divorce and alcoholism. Researchers use suicide, divorce and alcoholism rates as three key indexes of stress in a group of people. Not only do every day stressors such as marriage, family, financial issues play a role in an officer's life, but also the responsibility that comes with the uniform. A home life has to be maintained while the status as police officer does, too. The stress of work has to be kept at work and not brought back to home. Police officers worry about being out in the line of duty, which includes death and or death of the partner on the job. There are many factors that weigh on the conscience of an officer when balancing work and home. Women officers who work day shifts were found more likely to be related to depression and suicidal thoughts than men. While men who work the afternoon or night shifts were found to correlate to PTSD and depression. The long hours and lack of positive social interaction effect officers negatively. When saving someone's life an officer acts humble to be given the chance to help. The stress is hidden well amongst police officers. Officers try to focus on the situation at hand, rather than their own, which makes them more deserving of the hero title.

While many believe law enforcement officers are seen as heroes, others fear for corruption and power abuse. A corrupt act amongst officers is considered a crime. People become less trustworthy when federal officers abuse the power given. Police officers are supposed to be viewed as professionals, unlike the criminals that are put behind bars. Corruption tarnishes the image of the 'good guy' citizens look up to. When a corrupt act occurs, it potentially protects other illegal activity to continue happening. Citizens are not benefited by crime proceeding to be on the streets. Police officers are expected to achieve higher standards than the average person. An incident occurred thirty years ago when federal officers were indicted for allegedly killing African-American men in retaliation for the shooting of a police officer. An act like this, characterizes police officers in a bad light. The officers involved in the shooting were sent to death row for calling in a potential murder on a citizen. People become fearful of their public defense system. The abuse of the uniform and badge is unnecessary. Officers are trying to restore the public's faith back into authority. Citizens have to trust in the law enforcement departments that corruption and power abuse will no longer be a major problem.

Police officers maintain outstanding citizenship while being leaders for others. Officers are expected to help when needed. They risk their lives on a daily basis not only because it is their job, but because they believe it is morally right to do so. Without these men and women helping to protect individuals, society would suffer. Citizens need a heroic figure to look up to. Law enforcement officers possess all of the qualities necessary. Societies need public figures to represent ideals that are viewed as a morally responsible. Citizens rely on the protection and security federal officers are meant to provide. When an officer displays characteristics that are not expected of the job role, citizens become thankful for the help. Police officers satisfy the public's need for a heroic figure and also the strength and protection that cannot be provided by them for their town.