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| By Chief Scott Silverii (retired) |
I was recently asked to speak at a book
reading for the local library to discuss my latest work on cop culture, “A
Darker Shade of Blue; From Public Servant to Professional Deviant.”
Unsure of what was expected, I looked
for key sections or excerpts that might appeal to the civilian public. One of
the selections discussed why cops fail to fit-in with the general civilian
population.
I described the enticement of a fringe
lifestyle, and the intoxicating draw of society’s margins. Their blank stares
quickened my heartbeat and signaled that this first attempt by our community
library to feature local authors was going south quickly.
Retooling the chronology of the presentation,
I did as any experienced public speaker and supervisor of public servants would
do. I lifted the microphone just under my mouth, lowered my voice and howled,
“I’m a Sheepdog!”
Since that too did not go well, I
launched into an explanation of the significance for a common cop term, “Don’t
be sheep.” I’d like to share the same with you, sans the howling.
The police tradition is steeped in
symbolism and imagery helping solidify officer ideology and public
comprehension. Cops use the term “Sheepdog” to describe their position and role
in society. It goes something like this;
Sheep
The majority of our population is good,
honest people who would never intentionally harm another without provocation.
They usually flock together and travel in groups to create unique cliques,
cultures and societies. Sheep are not genetically predisposed for violence, but
inherently desire social clustering.
Sheep desire belonging that involves
homogeneity, or a sense of similarity. People tend to draw to those they share
things in common. Band members are a unique clique in high school, distance
runners are a special culture of athletes, and the free society we enjoy in
America allows us to participate in activities such as music and athletics.
Humanity has survived thanks to the
innate desire of individuals for banding together. Clustering creates cultures
contributing to the proliferation of our species. Though early humans divided
as some preferred hunting, while others chose the path of gathering, it was the
bond of similarity allowing both cliques to succeed.
People are good, and enjoy the pleasant
company of respectfully interacting with others.
Wolves
The wolves in our society represent the
psychopathic victimizers, openly preying upon the peace-seeking sheep. They hunt,
stalk and attack because it is their delight and pre-disposition to deliver
chaos despite the effect on the larger community of sheep.
Operating in either small packs or as
singularly motivated individuals, the wolf has no concern for the well-being or
life’s enjoyment shared by others. They do not survive by co-existing within
the flock, nor do they respect the social mores, traditions, or values of the
flock.
They exist to unsettle, frighten,
injure, and kill the sheep. The sheep is defenseless against the direct
motivated attack of the wolf. Yet the sheep never lose their ability to combine
a collective presence for the overarching benefit of the whole. Even in times
of senseless violence.
Sheepdogs
The sheepdog is a social creature. They
are also naturally inclined towards violent attack if provoked. The sheepdog
loyally protects the herd, but does not live amongst them. There maintains a
separation between the herd and the dog. Sheep are easily disconcerted by the
sheepdog’s presence, yet they understand the dog’s presence will not cause
harm.
Remaining in the fringe, the sheepdog
is poised to respond to the threat or attack by the wolf. When the lone or pack
wolves arrive, the sheep cling to each other with an assurance the sheepdog
will arrive to save them.
Appearing from the gap, the sheepdog, a
usually docile character, becomes aggressive and committed to the safety of the
flock. The sheepdog will fight, injure, kill and even sacrifice its own life
for the safety of the flock. Even to save just one sheep.
Thwarting the violent assault from a
motivated offender, the sheepdog remains unwelcomed and removes itself from the
society of the herd. Though selflessly interjected into the fray of violence,
there is no expectation of reward, acceptance or inclusion.
Personal sacrifice, hunting the
hunters, and maintaining social harmony are the sheepdog’s satisfiers.
Exclusion, solitude and misunderstanding are the sheepdog’s sacrifices. The
fringe is where the sheepdog remains without even a howl; for that is their
duty.
If you hear, say or use the term,
“Don’t be sheep,” then you know it does not refer to wearing a wool sweater.
This means the warrior mindset requires an objective separation from the
collective harmony of society to see the coming threats. This means you must
always be prepared to fight the wolf no matter how, when or where it appears.
This means even after you’ve laid the wolf or yourself down in the line of
duty, the fringe is where you’ll return.
Had my presentation occurred prior to
the Boston Marathon bombing, I believe the audience would have remained
perplexed. That night, that event and that explanation prompted some to
applaud, while the others; you guessed it. Howled!!
Chief of Police Scott
Silverii, PhD (retired) is passionate about positive change. Over 22 years in
policing gives Scott the experience and vision to believe there is always a
better way of doing business.
His passion
flourished while growing up with a close-knit community in south Louisiana’s
heart of Cajun Country.
Scott’s life is
seasoned by the Mardi Gras, hurricanes, oil spills, humidity, and crawfish
boils. This gumbo of experience serves up a unique perspective in his writing.
But don’t let the
smile fool you. Chief Silverii spent 16 years working in policing’s special operations
groups (SOG) with years of undercover narcotics and SWAT missions. He has
bought dope, banged down doors and busted bad guys. He combines his experiences
with academic research designed to bring you the best and most compelling
details of what life is like on the other side of the “thin blue line.”
Share Chief Scott
Silverii’s vision at http://brightblueline.wordpress.com/
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