One of the best descriptions
of the proper role of a law enforcement officer was that delivered
by Hamilton to the first group of officers of the Revenue Marine,
later the US Coast Guard. Said Hamilton:
"While I recommend in the
strongest terms to the respective officers, activity, vigilance
and firmness, I feel no less solicitude that their deportment
may be marked with prudence, moderation and good temper. . .
They will bear in mind that their countrymen are freemen, and
as such are impatient of everything that bears the least mark
of domineering spirit. They will, therefore refrain, with the
most guarded circumspection, from whatever has the semblance
of hautiness, rudeness or insult. If obstacles occur, they will
remember that they are under the particular protection of the
laws and they can meet with nothing disagreeable in the execution
of their duty which these will not severely reprehend. . . This
reflection, and regard to the good of the service, will prevent
at all times a spirit of irritation or resentment. They will
endeavor to overcome difficulties, if any are experienced, by
a cool and temperate perseverance in their duty -- by address
and moderation rather than by vehemence and violence."
This quotation was on
a page by itself at the very front of the Coast Guardsman's Manual
that I was given as officer candidate in 1961. In the next edition,
a few years later, it had disappeared - replaced by the Star
Spangled Banner.
1 comment:
Given how much an elitist and anti-democrat he was, it's amazing that such sentiments could come from him. He probably stole them from Paine.
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