The life of a police officer is often dramatized and glamorized on TV shows like 9-1-1, leaving many with an inaccurate picture of what the job truly entails. Michel Kershner, a 30-year veteran of the police force, sets the record straight as he pulls back the curtain and reveals the realities of a law enforcement career. Not to mention, his deep appreciation for a certain iconic police vehicle.
From Admiration to Cultural Shock
Michel’s initial interest in becoming a police officer stemmed from admiring his uncle’s state trooper uniform. As a child, he was taken aback by the respect it commanded. Then, after serving in the Marine Corps as an adult, his expectations of police work were met with a harsh reality check. He went on to join the police force and encountered what he called, “an absolute culture shock.”
“As an average citizen, you walk around blind to really what's going on in society. When you walk into law enforcement, you go behind the curtains and you see the worst of the worst, sometimes the best of the best.”
“You can't honestly and truly prepare for it. It is a show every day. You just got to hang on for the ride.” - Michel Kershner
One major disconnect between the duties Michel performs and the police work portrayed on television is how investigations are condensed into neatly packaged episodes. Cases get solved in a matter of hours, or sooner. According to him, reality is a much more arduous process.
“I mean, it's great that they show some of the resources we have and some of the investigative tools we use that excite people or intrigue them. When it comes down to it, though, it is really a grinding is what it is. True law enforcement is boots on the ground, walking the streets, interacting, talking to people when you're conducting an investigation.”
“You really can't see the gruesome, the ugly parts.” - Michel Kershner
A Calling, Not Just a Job
With such enormous responsibilities and emotionally-charged scenarios, Michel believes that law enforcement is a calling that requires a genuine desire to serve others. Not just simply punching a clock. He stresses that another aspect television fails to capture are the difficulties officers face when making initial contact with victims or witnesses.
That’s especially true in heart-wrenching situations like notifying the parents of a homicide victim. Police are often met with hostility and blame, and forced to earn trust in order to conduct a thorough investigation.
“I mean, they want resolution. They want answers. They want the results. They want a conclusion and justice immediately. And understandably so. It doesn't work that way, as I indicated earlier. But when you approach them, you know, sometimes you're the victim of their outlet. They instantly want to go after you. You're responsible for it all.”
"Don't come into it with this gung-ho attitude that you have all the answers... Every incident has its own unique characteristics and those need to be respected.”
“What you learn in the academy, throw it away when you hit the streets. Open your ears, open your eyes, shut your mouth and learn." - Michel Kershner
Michel Kershner
Crown Victoria vs Dodge Charger
Of course, any great police discussion would be incomplete without noting the automotive icons that have lined the streets for decades. In particular, Michel was effusive in his praise for the Ford Crown Victoria, referring to it as an indestructible "tank." The stalwart model allowed him to survive multiple high-speed pursuits and head-on collisions over his lengthy career.
2014 Dodge Charger (BEFORE)
While acknowledging the technological improvements ushered in by modern cruisers like the Dodge Charger, his fondness for the Crown Vic's durability is unshakable. In fact, Kershner's first major purchase on the Municibid platform was a 2003 Crown Victoria that he gleefully drove for over 15 years. Even better, only basic maintenance was ever required. His more recent acquisition has been a 2014 Charger (complete with some police accessories).
2014 Dodge Charger (AFTER)
The Crown Victoria's Indestructibility
Driving is a big part of being a police officer, something Michel knows first-hand. Not only has he been locked into high-speed pursuits, but he has also crashed his cruiser before. Twice. Once was intentional.
“I actually, during a pursuit, suffice to say, took it directly, head on impact into a wall and actually still was able to drive off. I mean, it damaged it pretty well. It ended up having to be reconstructed, but yeah, [the Crown Vic’s] a tank.”
“I wrecked that car twice. I actually was in another pursuit, and I was going about 40 miles an hour backwards, and I intentionally smashed into the other car to pin the driver in the car because they were shooting out of it at myself and my partner who was in my vehicle.” - Michel Kershner
A Passion for Serving
Despite the challenges and pressures of the job, Michel finds enjoyment in the strong "blue family" bond that allows officers to mentor the newest recruits, passing along lessons learned. In fact, he takes pride in his tight-knit community of professionals across the nation, demonstrated by his impressive collection of uniform patches from all 50 states.
He desires to see law enforcement continuously elevate its standards and solidify public trust. That means civilians showing their support and compassion for officers, who are human like they are, and for officers to respect the dignity of those they encounter. All in all, Michel’s philosophy serves as a blueprint for forging stronger police-community relations built on mutual empathy and understanding.
“My motto is always treat every person you approach the way you would expect to be treated.” - Michel Kershner
