The Law: Polite Police

In Great Britain, heavy emphasis is placed on a constable's courtesy toward the public, but police politeness has never been universal practice in the U.S. Last week Chicago Police Superintendent James Conlisk seemed to be in a "think British" mood.

The weekly training bulletin, distributed to every member of the force, was almost entirely devoted to "Etiquette in Police Work." Officers were told to drop such forms of address as "bud," "chum," "fellow" and "lady" in favor of "sir," "madame" and "miss." Other command tips: "Remember that your thoughts and emotions are revealed by facial expression, tone of voice or a gesture. No matter how cynical a police officer becomes, he should not let feelings affect his behavior in public. Never raise your voice. A big mouth does not indicate a big brain." When responding to a complaint, the policeman should enter the person's home as if he were a "guest and not an unwelcome intruder. Remove your hat and wipe your feet before entering. Do not smoke or lounge around as if you were in your own home." The final admonition may be the most difficult to remember: "There is no law against [a citizen's] making a police officer angry."