May the Fourth…..in pop culture it’s called Star Wars day. Even the casual fan knows the main characters. Luke, Leia, Han, Chewbacca, C3PO, R2D2, and of course Obi-Wan Kenobi. The Jedi Knights. As Wikipedia puts it, they were “an order of warrior monks who serve as ‘the guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy’ and embrace the mystical Force.” Except for the whole monk part, who else does this sound like? I know many critics look down at the word warrior nowadays, but I maintain that is about a narrow definition of that word. It seems that most want to point only to the bad examples of warriors and can not seem to locate the good ones at all. What they refuse to look for is that most warrior systems developed sets of honor codes and codes of conduct.
French literature historian Leon Gautier summarized what he called the “ancient code of chivalry” based upon his reading of history. Among his “ten commandments” of chivalry are:
- Thou shalt respect all weaknesses, and shalt constitute thyself the defender of them
- Thou shalt love the country in which thou wast born
- Thou shalt never lie, and shalt remain faithful to thy pledged word
- Thou shalt be generous, and give largesse to everyone
- Thou shalt not recoil before thine enemy
- Thou shalt perform scrupulously thy feudal duties, if they be not contrary to the laws of God
The Japanese code of Bushido recognized that the violent world in which the warriors lived must be augmented with being educated and devoted. Wikipedia mentions one writer describing practitioners of Bushido as endorsing “reckless bravery, fierce family pride, and selfless, at times senseless devotion of master and man.” Among the virtues of Bushido are benevolence, respect, honor, self-control, and wisdom. The concept of Bushido was one of many influences George Lucas drew from in creating his mythical Jedi.
The Jedi had structure. There were the Initiates, those learning the basics. Then came Padawans or Apprentices. Once that was completed they were official Jedi Knights. But there was one still higher level; the Jedi Master. This was Obi-Wan Kenobi. When first introduced, he appeared to be a strange old man wearing a hooded robe. We knew he was much more, though. Luke Skywalker was taken under his wing because the “Force” was strong within him. Thus, the adventure began. Throughout that movie one saw Obi-Wan mentoring young Luke by teaching, preaching, and setting the example. He could also see things others could not. An expert fighter, Obi-Wan could have very easily killed the Storm Troopers when stopped in the scene before meeting Han Solo. Instead, he used his mind control to talk their way past.
Obi-Wan was not afraid of the fight either as seen by him seeking out Darth Vader. This fight revealed Obi-Wan was also Vader’s teacher and this student had went over to the “dark side” of the Force. In the prequel movies we see many examples of Obi-Wan as the warrior mentor to a young Anakin Skywalker. In the Episode II: Attack of the Clones movie we see a teen Anakin portrayed as arrogant and straining at Obi-Wan’s leash. This sounds a lot like young officers going through Field Training. It sounds a lot like a younger version of me when I began my career. Police departments across the country have adopted some version of field training. A sort of mentoring by a senior and experienced officers that occurs after the police academy. It is a structured process where the rookie officer is taught to use the knowledge gained in the academy and apply it for real on patrol. In most cases, the process begins by simply observing the training officer who in the next phase steps back allowing the rookie to take the lead. It is a transition process where the rookie gradually does more and more thus gaining confidence in their abilities. Many such programs are 16 weeks in length which is often as long or nearly as long as most police academies are.
I have met many police officers from all over the country. Much like military veterans speak of their Drill Instructor, I have often heard officers speak of their training officer in reverential tones. Almost “god-like” describes the awe many have had towards this person. The amount of knowledge gained from years of service is hard to comprehend for a rookie. But so was Luke Skywalker’s light saber training while having his eyes covered. He was successful at that under the watchful yet patient eye of Obi-Wan. Helping transform the rookie or Padawans in to Jedi Knighthood that is a full police officer is a sacred duty but is only successful when there is desire to be taught. Let’s not forget Obi-Wan’s failing student: Darth Vader. Every training officer has had failures. Officers who either washed out or those who were marginal enough to pass but did not exactly set the world on fire with their abilities. The goal for every training officer is turn out a Luke Skywalker and NOT a Darth Vader.
So for you FTOs out there. Become someone’s Obi-Wan. Know your stuff and learn how to teach it to others. You have knowledge of the “Force” that is police work. We know it is part psychologist, part sociologist, part warrior, part peacemaker, part guardian, part priest, and so many more things. The trick is getting all this knowledge into the heads of these new officers. This may not be quick or easy. Every generation is different and a little lack of understanding comes with them. The good training officer can’t stop trying to find ways to communicate with and inspire these young Jedis.
As for you rookies...the Padawans. You don’t know everything. The first thing you need to learn is how to talk to people. Watch your FTO and the other good experienced officers deal with people. Watch how they quickly diffuse anger and how they calm even the most volatile situations. Watch how they turn a driver stopped for a traffic infraction from hostility to thanking them after getting a ticket. Is that Jedi mind tricks? Sometimes it may seem like it. But trust me, that type of talking to people is key if you want to be a good police officer. This same skill will also make you a good interviewer, interrogator, and investigator.
Along with the soft skills, you must learn the hard skills. You’ll learn how to reflexively look down every alley you drive by. You’ll learn to check out the parking lots beside the highway even while going 50 mph. You’ll learn traffic stops, safe approaches to domestic disturbances, building searches, and much much more. Every day is a training day, so keep your head in the game. Be Luke Skywalker. Be that enthusiastic learner that thirsts for knowledge. Don’t forget that your learning can not stop with field training. Make every day you pin on the badge a learning day. You must do your own reading and research outside of what formal in-service you may receive from your agency. This keeps you current with trends and will keep you from being surprised on the job. This will keep you from the Dark Side!
Both the Obi-Wans and Padawans will have to work together. You only have to look as far as the national headlines to realize this career of ours is not getting any easier. As I wind down my career, I wonder what the future holds. Looking back at the changes, I am not particularly optimistic for these young officers coming on the job now. Regardless, their journey has to start with being trained correctly on the first day and every day. It takes some good trainers to do this. Like Leia said, “Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi, you’re my only hope!”
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