The Language of Authority: Exploring the Origins of "Law and Order"

The phrase "law and order" has a rich and complex history that spans centuries, reflecting the evolving concepts of governance, justice, and societal norms. Originally, the term emerged from ancient civilizations' efforts to establish order and maintain stability within their communities. In this essay, we will delve into the historical roots of the phrase "law and order," tracing its evolution through different periods and its significance in contemporary discourse.

The concept of "law and order" can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece, where rulers sought to establish codes of conduct and regulations to govern their subjects. In Mesopotamia, for example, the Code of Hammurabi, dating back to around 1754 BCE, is one of the earliest known legal codes that prescribed specific punishments for various offenses, aiming to maintain social order and justice.

Throughout history, various societies and cultures have developed their systems of laws and regulations to uphold order and enforce justice. In medieval Europe, feudal lords implemented their codes of conduct to maintain control over their domains, while monarchs enacted laws to govern their subjects and ensure obedience to their authority.

The phrase "law and order" gained prominence during the Enlightenment era, a period characterized by the emergence of modern political and legal philosophies. Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke and Montesquieu advocated for the rule of law and the separation of powers, emphasizing the importance of impartial justice and the protection of individual rights. The concept of "law and order" became closely associated with the principles of justice, accountability, and the rule of law.

During the 20th century, particularly in the United States, the phrase "law and order" took on new significance in the context of political and social discourse. It became a rallying cry for politicians and policymakers seeking to address rising crime rates and social unrest. In the 1960s and 1970s, amid civil rights movements and anti-war protests, politicians like Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan campaigned on platforms promising to restore "law and order" in response to perceived threats to societal stability.

However, the phrase "law and order" has also been subject to criticism and debate, with some arguing that it has been used to justify authoritarian policies and perpetuate systemic inequalities. Critics have pointed to instances where the enforcement of "law and order" has disproportionately targeted marginalized communities, leading to issues of racial profiling, police brutality, and mass incarceration.

In contemporary discourse, the phrase "law and order" continues to evoke divergent interpretations and perspectives. While some view it as a necessary framework for maintaining social cohesion and security, others see it as a pretext for authoritarianism and the erosion of civil liberties. As societies grapple with complex challenges such as crime, terrorism, and social unrest, the meaning and implications of "law and order" remain subjects of ongoing debate and scrutiny.

In conclusion, the history of the phrase "law and order" reflects the evolving dynamics of governance, justice, and societal norms throughout history. From ancient civilizations to modern democracies, the concept has been central to efforts to establish order, uphold justice, and maintain social stability. Yet, its application and interpretation have been shaped by diverse cultural, political, and ideological contexts, highlighting the complexities inherent in the pursuit of justice and security in society.

Beyond the Badge: Life After the Police Department

Back in the early 1990’s when I was a member of the now-defunct, New York City Housing Police Department, I sat with a group of NYPD officers in a routine Borough Based Training class. These are bi-annual meetings where officers are taught new laws and are brought up to date on departmental policy. In one particular session, a sergeant asked the cops in the room if they had any plans for employment after retiring.

Some of the officers stated that prior to joining the force they were carpenters, plumbers, electricians, or licensed in another skilled trade. However, they were in the minority. Most of the men and women in the room couldn’t see that far into the future to consider what life would be like without a gun on their hip and a shield pinned to their uniform. A general uneasiness filled the classroom. Some fidgeted with the papers on their desk and others sank back in their chairs.

The sergeant’s demeanor became serious. He placed his hands behind his back and pursed his lips. “The good news is that when you retire, there will be plenty of jobs waiting for all of you,” he said. “Employers love hiring ex-cops. But, the skills you bring to the table are hard to qualify in the civilian world. You can drive a truck, work as a guard, and become a bartender or a bus driver, but unless you have another skill like the electricians or carpenters in this room, you better get an education.” The sergeant nodded his head, satisfied that he got through to all of us and began talking about the subject matter at hand.

Police officers don’t want to talk about life after “the job.” Once a cop, always a cop, that’s what we’re told. Television shows, movies, and even books portray officers as die-hard civil servants who live police work as opposed to merely performing their duties. Being a cop denotes a certain attitude, an innate suspicion, a dispassionate appearance, and a jaded view of society as seen from its underside. Police are the community’s protectors, yet they’re the first in line to receive complaints for enforcing the very rules society puts in place. A thick skin is necessary to deal with seeing the human tragedy witnessed on a routine basis and for handling the trauma of losing fellow officers in the line of duty. Cops insulate themselves from others outside their vocation to guard against criticism and to commiserate with their colleagues.

When retirement finally comes, it takes a while to shed the habits of a law enforcement officer. The retiree has no authority. Even in the field of private security, the luster of fighting crime has dimmed. Others call you by your first name and the word “officer” no longer applies to you. Any employment you find does not have the same level of excitement and boredom becomes commonplace. A sense of dissatisfaction dulls the accomplishments at a civilian job, except where earning a paycheck is concerned. There are those who will congratulate you on your years of service, and others who will ask you for a good cop story from your experiences on patrol; but, as the years pass, your connection to police work and the honor of wearing the uniform fades. In spite of joining police fraternities and hanging around with your retired cop buddies, no one calls you in the middle of the night to investigate a suspicious noise.

Working as a bartender, a security guard, a truck driver, or any of the professions the sergeant mentioned in his cautionary monologue long ago in the classroom where I sat and listened with alarm, are fine jobs to have. Financially, a retiree should be able to raise a family with the wages earned while working such a job in conjunction with a police pension, but, looking back, I think the sergeant was projecting his own fears on room full of officers before him. Perhaps the message he wanted to get across is that there is no other job in the world like being a police officer.

Wearing a police shield, carrying a gun, donning the uniform, driving a sector car, and being a hero to those who call nine-one-one in an emergency are all positive, tangible aspects of a fine and noble profession. Losing the privilege of being called “officer,” and the respect one is extended while serving is difficult for most. Becoming a civilian after decades of wielding authority is an adjustment that takes a lot of getting used to. An education for another professional position where one is able to earn a lucrative salary or achieve success on a level an ordinary cop cannot aspire to without that education is a lofty goal; yet, after separating from the department, no matter what a retiree decides to do for a living, the title “retired police officer” is an honor well deserved.

About the Author:
Michael J. Kannengieser is a retired New York City police officer who lives on Long Island with his wife and two children. Michael worked as the Managing Editor for Fiction at The View from Here magazine, a U.K. based literary publication. Currently, he is employed at a performing arts college as an Instructional Technology Administrator. He has been published at The View from Here, and in Newsday, a Long Island newspaper. Michael speaks as a guest lecturer on campus.

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