yourself into the picture. Then, immediately start CPR on the
cat, and make sure your departmental patch is clearly visible to
the camera!
A similar technique will also work with the baby ducks stuck
in the storm drain. While the firefighters are rescuing the baby
ducks, you should personally bring the mother duck over so she
can reunite with her baby ducklings. Again, just make sure your
police departmental patch is clearly visible for the cameras. The
baby ducks will instinctively follow you and the mother duck,
which is what we want. Also, don’t be afraid to just push the fire-
fighters out of the way.
We need to let the public see us continually doing good things
over and over in person and on video! It works for the firefight-
ers. Heck, even letter carriers had a kick-ass public relations vid-
eo after 9/11. Yes, letter carriers. One of the best public relations
videos I have ever seen. That video should have been about
cops and firefighters, not the guy who delivers my mail. Howev-
er, the folks at the U.S. post office were smart enough to make a
great public relations video. Watch it on youtube (https://www.
youtube.com/watch?v=Qe_bIf0rbE4). We desperately need to
improve our public image. If we try, we absolutely, positively
can change the hearts and minds of the general public. It’s up to
you guys and ladies to help make that happen! d
Dr. Jeff Bernstein is a police psychologist. He worked for the Mi-
ami Beach Police Dept for 15 years as an officer, detective and
supervisor. He is a medal of valor recipient, a member of the FOP
and PBAs Retired Officer Council, and holds a doctorate in clini-
cal psychology. Additionally, he is a co-author of the best-selling
book, “Supervision of Police Personnel.” Dr. Bernstein serves as a
promotional exam resource expert for FOP lodges and PBA locals
throughout the country.
www.njcopsmagazine.com
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