Police Superstitions
By
Randy Emon

Having been in law enforcement for over 40 years, I’ve discovered that there is an unwritten code among law enforcement officers regarding superstitions—of which some are ardent adherents to such behavior while others are non-believers.  Even though some law enforcement officer detractors think superstitious behavior is nonsense, almost every officer, deputy or trooper has witnessed first-hand the results of superstitious behavior.

Although I fall in the category of being more or less a non-believer, I have, on many occasions, witnessed the results when someone says, “It sure is quiet tonight.”  And what happens?  The bottom falls out.

Check out some of the following rituals/routines some law enforcement officers have said they will perform:

Never say "It's quiet". Never say the S or B word: "It's slow" or "I'm bored". Never make definite plans for immediately after your shift—as you won’t make it. Carry/Wear a lucky coin/medal/object. Make a specific gesture or say a certain phrase before hitting the street. A hot/dangerous call will come if you need to use the bathroom, if you are hungry, if your patrol car is low on gas, or if you forgot some crucial piece of equipment. Don’t look at your watch 15 minutes before the end of your shift.

As you just read this list, have you ever said or thought that if you failed to say something or perform a certain routine, then something bad was going to happen? Then you could very likely be superstitious. Ya see superstition can be defined as an irrational belief that an object, action, or circumstance not logically related to a course of events influences its outcome.¹

Whatever beliefs one might have about superstitious behavior, the Apostle Paul had this to say on the subject. He said, “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons” [which includes any superstitions].  For which Paul emphatically said, “...Have nothing to do with [those] godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.”²

Yes, even Christians can get caught up in superstitious behavior/beliefs, too.

Have you found yourself in bondage to a daily superstitious activity?  Would like to be free?  Did you know the Jesus Christ gave us a simple remedy to counter that behavior?  He said, “...do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’...But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."³

So, where (or in what) will you ultimately find peace?   The Bible says it is ONLY in Christ we can experience the “...peace of God that passes all understanding;”⁴ For it was King David who said, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;  My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”⁵

Are you in bondage to a superstitious protective practice? Do you want to be freed? Remember, “...if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”⁶ 

1. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/superstition
2.Timothy 4:1-7
3. Matthew 6:31-34(NKJV)
4. Philippians 4:7 (NKJV)
5. Psalms
6. John 8:36(NIV) 18:2(NKJV)