Sergeant J. Brady pictured here has been with the Calgary Police Service for 24 years.
Being a police officer is more than a job; it’s a commitment to serve and protect the community. Every day, officers face unique challenges, making the profession both rewarding and demanding.
Background of police work
Sergeant J. Brady discusses police work and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. They play a crucial role in maintaining order and fostering trust within their communities. Often being the first responders in emergencies, saving lives, and ensuring public safety comes a sense of purpose that comes with upholding the law. Brady discusses his inspiration on becoming a police officer here in Calgary and how it wasn’t a thought when he was younger. Born in Edmonton, Sergeant J. Brady’s first interaction with police officers was with non non-profit organization, Uncles & Aunts At Large Edmonton Area Society. Later he would graduate from NAT being a Lab Tech for 8 years. He was motivated more by his friends who after high school became police officers and later made the move to become a cop.
Managing stress
Building a solid support is equally important. Trusted colleagues, friends and family can provide a safe space to share feelings. Peer support programs and mentorship within police departments often give officers an outlet to discuss their experiences with others who understand their challenges. Brady highlights that his family and friends manage his stress well when it comes to the job.
Tasks of policing
Police work is multifaceted and goes beyond enforcing laws. It involves the following:
- Problem solving
- De-escalating conflicts
- Building relationships with the community
- Know the law
- Cultural competence
Brady states that it’s nuance and you get what you put into it. He currently manages a team that is motivated and driven to go help people and keep communities safe. He’s works with other community partners that are helping people in Calgary who are unhoused, feeling unsafe on the transit, and that are out on the street homeless.
Reflection
This reflection impacted me on how important police officers are in our city. I love learning and exploring new things and getting to sit down with a sergeant police officer this year was not on my bingo card. I think it is important to have these conversations with our community leaders to ensure a safe space, better understanding, and clarity on any past assumptions about the police force. The impact I had on my community partner is the future of having workshops discussing the gap between the police and troubled youth. This opens a range of topics, especially trust in the eyes of younger people to know that not all cops are bad and that they have someone to speak to. What I’ve learned/gained from this project is perspective and understanding. In this world today, there is a lot of war and arguments over the smallest things and I took the initiative as a black person to speak to a police officer for my project. I know most black people do not like cops but I feel like their voices too need to be heard and what the pros and cons are everyday for them. There is good and bad in everything at the end of the day and I hope anyone is inspired and left with insight from the Calgary Police Service.
For more information visit: https://www.calgary.ca/cps.html
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