The right way, the wrong way, the RCMP way - Step Three
The Twelve Steps - Step Three
Original Wording ( A.A.): Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of our Higher Power as we understood this Higher Power.
Corporate Wording: We have made a decision to lay down our idol of 'the force', humbly acknowledge our corporate and individual fallibilities, and submit to the spiritual truth that there is a Power that is higher than any decisions and policies that may be formulated to worship and protect the image of our former idol.
Commentary:
As a young police officer I was always curious as to why we would do things a certain way when they seemed to defy common sense. The off the cuff comment of more seasoned officers was the tongue in cheek mantra " there's the right way, the wrong way, and the RCMP way."
Later in my service I would read public documents addressing the issue of municipalities and provinces speculating on the merits of forming their own police force. The words on the documents went on to define the purpose of the RCMP as " desiring to remain as the police force of choice." Several of my co-workers and I would once again ask the question "why, what if a more localized policing service is more effective for the public good? What are we hanging on to?"
The RCMP's greatest strength from an international perspective is its reputation and image. The red serge is an icon of law and order and goodness. This reputation, which is highly regarded, is in many ways well earned. Lamentably this iconic status is also the RCMP's greatest weakness as decisions, policies, and purpose succumb, at times, to the protection of this image at all costs.
It is sad to say that in so many instances decisions, public statements and policies become motivated by politics and protection of image instead of speaking truth and doing what is right. 'Maintiens Le Droit' (Maintain the Right ) is always under the threat of being replaced by 'Maintiens Le Image.'
Corporately this causes for a culture of cynicism from those who don't buy in to the mindset, and, perhaps, complacency, and apathy for those who do. Frustrations mount, souls are sold out, and morale is in crisis.
The virtues presented in Step Two are representative of the virtues demanded by the Higher Power spoken of. The pursuit of these virtues must replace the idol of image for the force to heal and recover. As in the case of individuals, 'corporate pride' must be broken to allow room for goodness, truth and nobility to flourish.
Original Wording ( A.A.): Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of our Higher Power as we understood this Higher Power.
Corporate Wording: We have made a decision to lay down our idol of 'the force', humbly acknowledge our corporate and individual fallibilities, and submit to the spiritual truth that there is a Power that is higher than any decisions and policies that may be formulated to worship and protect the image of our former idol.
Commentary:
As a young police officer I was always curious as to why we would do things a certain way when they seemed to defy common sense. The off the cuff comment of more seasoned officers was the tongue in cheek mantra " there's the right way, the wrong way, and the RCMP way."
Later in my service I would read public documents addressing the issue of municipalities and provinces speculating on the merits of forming their own police force. The words on the documents went on to define the purpose of the RCMP as " desiring to remain as the police force of choice." Several of my co-workers and I would once again ask the question "why, what if a more localized policing service is more effective for the public good? What are we hanging on to?"
The RCMP's greatest strength from an international perspective is its reputation and image. The red serge is an icon of law and order and goodness. This reputation, which is highly regarded, is in many ways well earned. Lamentably this iconic status is also the RCMP's greatest weakness as decisions, policies, and purpose succumb, at times, to the protection of this image at all costs.
It is sad to say that in so many instances decisions, public statements and policies become motivated by politics and protection of image instead of speaking truth and doing what is right. 'Maintiens Le Droit' (Maintain the Right ) is always under the threat of being replaced by 'Maintiens Le Image.'
Corporately this causes for a culture of cynicism from those who don't buy in to the mindset, and, perhaps, complacency, and apathy for those who do. Frustrations mount, souls are sold out, and morale is in crisis.
The virtues presented in Step Two are representative of the virtues demanded by the Higher Power spoken of. The pursuit of these virtues must replace the idol of image for the force to heal and recover. As in the case of individuals, 'corporate pride' must be broken to allow room for goodness, truth and nobility to flourish.
posted by Bob S at 12:10 p.m.
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