Presented on Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at 03:00P

Within law enforcement, few things are more venerated than the concept of the Warrior. Officers are trained to cultivate a “warrior mindset,” the virtues of which are extolled in books, articles, interviews, and seminars. However, the best approach to ensure the safety of both police and the public with whom they work may start with teaching officers to view themselves as guardians instead of warriors.

The definition of a “warrior” is a “soldier or fighter,” which implies violence. On the other hand, the definition of “guardian” is a “defender, protector, or keeper” – one who advocates for another. This approach – ultimately, a change in mindset – can help build trust between officers and civilians and prevent unnecessary use of force.