What is a common trait of the authoritarian officer?

The common trait of an authoritarian officer is that they take violations personally. This perspective stems from a mindset that views law enforcement not just as a job, but as a personal mission where they see themselves as the embodiment of order and authority. As a result, an authoritarian officer might react to perceived violations as challenges to their personal authority or competence, leading to a heightened emotional response. They often view the law as being absolute and may lack the adaptive approach that other officers might have when dealing with diverse situations.

This contrasts significantly with more flexible or community-oriented approaches where officers might prioritize public relations, constructive conflict resolution, or an open-minded interpretation of the law. Taking violations personally can lead to a rigid style of policing, where the officer's identity is intertwined with their role, rather than seeing their work as part of a broader community service or public safety mandate.