Behind the Shield

by Arthur Niederhoffer

Niederhoffer points to a Denver police officer just out of the academy and learning the ways of the profession. First begins a free cup of coffee, followed by free cigarettes and thus begins the process of erosion. The rookie learns from the old-timer how to wait at the end of the bar for the bartender to approach with free cigarettes or perhaps even a bribe. The bar tender looks at the rookie with disgust and the rookie in turn feels disgusted. The bartender will lament that the only time you see a cop is if he’s looking for something.