Each day, law enforcement officers everywhere carry out acts of courage, compassion, and resilience—often without fanfare, sometimes without notice. The media may not always capture the depth of what we do, and communities may not always see the full picture of our work. But as leaders, we must ensure that our officers know their contributions are valued, their sacrifices are honored, and their well-being remains a priority.
This month, as we mark National Police Week in the United States, we pause to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. We honor their memory not just with solemn ceremonies, but by uplifting their families, supporting their colleagues, and renewing our commitment to care for each other.
One chief recently reflected on a common sentiment in our profession: We often view our actions as simply “doing our jobs” and hesitate to seek recognition. However, when we step back and truly compare what we do to the world around us, it becomes clear that our service—our moments of bravery, selflessness, and dedication—is indeed extraordinary and worthy of celebration.
Unfortunately, media coverage of policing often leans toward negative attention, especially in the wake of high-profile incidents involving police. Studies have shown that the public perception of police is significantly shaped by media narratives, which tend to highlight negative aspects such as police brutality and racial disparities.1 For instance, a report from the Manhattan Institute found that media attention on police violence has led to distorted public perceptions, making the phenomenon appear more pervasive than it is.2
Leadership in law enforcement is about showing our teams that their work matters every day, not just in moments of crisis.
On the other hand, positive media attention for policing is less frequent, despite the fact that many interactions between officers and the public are overwhelmingly positive. According to a survey, 77 percent of U.S. respondents reported that their most recent interaction with police was positive, with 85 percent saying they were treated fairly and 84 percent saying they were treated with respect.3 Despite this, the overall sentiment in media coverage tends to focus more on negative incidents, which can overshadow the positive experiences many people have with law enforcement.
Recognizing successes, both big and small, is not about boasting. It is about reinforcing the values that define us, instilling pride in our profession, and ensuring that our officers feel supported.
It is about safeguarding not just their physical safety, but their mental health and overall well-being. Leadership in law enforcement is about showing our teams that their work matters every day, not just in moments of crisis.
We will continue to build strategies to share the good news. While this shift in public perception will not happen overnight, our efforts must be ongoing. It is critical that we consistently tell our story—the acts of heroism, the dedication to service, and the unwavering commitment to our communities. It is important that we celebrate our officers by nominating them for awards, like the IACP’s Leadership Awards, Trooper of the Year, Police Officer of the Year, Indian Country Officer of the Year, and the 40 Under 40 awards.
As we move forward, let us commit to telling our story consistently and often. Let us highlight the compassion behind the badge, the difficult decisions made in a split second, and the unwavering dedication of those who serve. In doing so, we honor not only our fallen heroes but every officer who continues to stand watch over our communities.
It is time we celebrate successes, care for our own, and ensure that the world understands the depth of our service. We owe that to our officers, to our profession, and to those who have given everything in the line of duty.
Notes:
1American Cornerstone Institute, “The Media’s Role in Public Perceptions of Police Violence,” August 14, 2023; Zach Goldberg, Perceptions Are Not Reality: What Americans Get Wrong About Police Violence (Manhattan Institute, 2023).
2Goldberg, Perceptions Are Not Reality.
3Crime in America, “77% Says Their Interaction with Police Was a Positive Experience,” February 12, 2024.
Please cite as:
Ken A. Walker, “Honoring Service, Celebrating Success,” President’s Message, Police Chief 92, no. 5 (May 2025): 6–7.
