Career
Choice
For
Christmas 1998 my niece, Melanie, presented me with an intriguing gift, a was a
framed sheet of paper containing a child’s drawing of a police officer and
writing on the back, which appeared to have come from a child who wanted to be a
police officer when he grew up. The writing on the back was, “ I, Randy J.
Beers, promise to be a very good policeman. Born July 11th 1956 and
now 5 years of age”. Melanie told me that she had found it while looking
through old mementos of my mothers. I hadn’t remember having done this at age
five and I was pleased to receive the gift.
I am now 45 years old and have been a Little Rock, Arkansas police
officer for over 21 years. Though there have been many changes in police work
over the years I still love my job. That’s not to say that there have not been
times when I’ve become discouraged.
Looking back on having this gift, I pause and look back over the years.
When I was a child in the early 60’s police officers were respected. They were
someone you went to when you were lost or in need of help. When we played Cops
and Robbers, most wanted to be the cop not the robber. As I grew older attitudes
toward police officers changed and in then late 60’s and early 70’s I
witnessed an erosion of that respect. Police officers weren’t officers anymore
but “PIGS”.
As a teen I fell into the category of one who looked upon the police as
necessary evils. I went through high school and into my 20’s with this
attitude and eventually found myself wanting. Some of my acquaintances were
involved in illegal activities and I was becoming increasingly uncomfortable
with the direction my life appeared to he taking.
Salvation
came in the form of a family friend, Jack Nicholson, who at the time was a
Jacksonville police officer. His
influence swayed me into considering a career in law enforcement.
I have never regretted becoming a police officer and owe much thanks to
my family and friends who supported amd encouraged my decision to be one.
Although respect for police officers continued to erode over the years, recent
events concerning the terrorist bombing of the World Trade Center has brought
out the hidden feelings of many and great respect and support of police and
firemen has occurred. While not affected directly by the tragedy, I appreciate
having strangers come up to me wanting to shack my hand and say how they support
those of my profession.
Perhaps back when I was five years old there was a reason I wanted to a
police officer but I had forgotten it. Thanks Jack for your guidance and
encouragement and for helping me remember it.
