Newsmaker
Monday, August 4, 1997
Name: John Thompson
Age: 40
Education: Iolani, University of Hawaii, Chaminade University
Occupation: Police officer
Hobbies: Family, beach
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Honolulu Police Lt. John Thompson says he's one of the many police officers committed to upholding the law. A credit to the force
But he's got one up on his fellow officers. Thompson was one of the first 94 police officers in the country this year -- and the only one from Honolulu -- to receive recognition from the National Law Enforcement Credentialing Board.
"I always considered it to be a good and honorable thing to do," Thompson said about becoming a police officer.
Stationed at Kaneohe, Thompson said police have a significant impact in the community. He likes the idea of having uniform standards for all officers nationwide.
Thompson started the accrediting process in 1995 by corresponding with the credentialing board. He said he must have written 40 to 50 letters in the process. Then he was given a four-hour test. He passed and finally received his credentials.
"I think most officers would have got it," Thompson said. "It's just who got involved in the program."
Thompson said he would encourage other officers to go through the credentialing process, even though it's long and tedious. He said that being able to say an officer has national credentials helps the department by giving the community a little more confidence in officers.
Officers today, Thompson said, have more legal issues and dangerous weapons to deal with.
"You have to be an attorney with a badge," he said, which is why he said more officers should get the credentials supported by the U.S. Justice Deparment.
Being a police officer is a difficult job, Thompson said. "The real majority of police officers are doing a fine job. I know that sounds kind of corny, but it's really true."
"They can't get angry," Thompson said. "They have to keep their cool. When things get really bad, they can't call 911. They are 911. They have to stay and deal with it."
By Candace Meierdiercks, Star-Bulletin
