Law Enforcement Practitioner Interview
Practitioner Interview: Officer Leon Epps
The role of police departments has profoundly changed since the 9/11 attack on
America. Departments across the nation not only have to continue “traditional” law enforcement, but are also faced with being the “first responders” to acts of terrorism and other catastrophic events. Nonetheless, the day-to-day activities of a police officer are still primarily within the context of the criminal justice system. An interview with an officer can provide a fascinating “behind the scenes” look at the legal process. Additionally, a frank interview allows us to gain insight into the complexity of their profession, their attitudes, and their values.
Introduction Police officers, squads, and departments are common subjects for dramatic fiction, television, and theatre. Although no one doubts the veracity of the high-speed chases and violent confrontations on Cops, the daily reality and routine are much different. Particularly interesting is the vital part played by police officers in the legal system, a role that is often ignored, unknown, or misunderstood by the general public. A wide-ranging interview with a police officer provides an opportunity to better understand their culture. This interview was conducted over two days on March 23-24, 2011 at approximately 7:00 p.m. at a Friday’s Restaurant in Laurel, Maryland. The interview had to be stretched out because I could only meet with him in the evening after work and the officer had to report to his evening part time job. Officer Leon Epps is a ten year veteran of the District of Columbia Police
Department. He was very gracious and cooperative in agreeing to meet with me, particularly since it was after his full tour of work duty. He is approximately six-feet tall, and is medium build. Quite to the contrary of his tall stature and build, he is soft-spoken, and never said anything without a bit of a pause before responding. He politely refused to be
The role of police departments has profoundly changed since the 9/11 attack on
America. Departments across the nation not only have to continue “traditional” law enforcement, but are also faced with being the “first responders” to acts of terrorism and other catastrophic events. Nonetheless, the day-to-day activities of a police officer are still primarily within the context of the criminal justice system. An interview with an officer can provide a fascinating “behind the scenes” look at the legal process. Additionally, a frank interview allows us to gain insight into the complexity of their profession, their attitudes, and their values.
Introduction Police officers, squads, and departments are common subjects for dramatic fiction, television, and theatre. Although no one doubts the veracity of the high-speed chases and violent confrontations on Cops, the daily reality and routine are much different. Particularly interesting is the vital part played by police officers in the legal system, a role that is often ignored, unknown, or misunderstood by the general public. A wide-ranging interview with a police officer provides an opportunity to better understand their culture. This interview was conducted over two days on March 23-24, 2011 at approximately 7:00 p.m. at a Friday’s Restaurant in Laurel, Maryland. The interview had to be stretched out because I could only meet with him in the evening after work and the officer had to report to his evening part time job. Officer Leon Epps is a ten year veteran of the District of Columbia Police
Department. He was very gracious and cooperative in agreeing to meet with me, particularly since it was after his full tour of work duty. He is approximately six-feet tall, and is medium build. Quite to the contrary of his tall stature and build, he is soft-spoken, and never said anything without a bit of a pause before responding. He politely refused to be
References: L. Epps, personal communication, March 23-24, 2011.