From "Officer" to "Ova-Seer"...

Bad Cop

One of the biggest hazards where I’m from is the bad cop. Not crooked cops but bad cops. Lemme just say that cops have the worst job in the country. It’s the only private sector gig I know where getting shot at is part of the deal. It’s an ugly job and thank God somebody’s doing it. Still, Bad Cops suck.

The Bad Cop has one major motto: “Better them than me.” Their agenda is self-preservation at all costs. They overreact to most everything and most everyone most every time. They’re so paranoid that every teenager of color becomes a suspect in their eyes. Every traffic violation is the result of an armed felon that’s on the run. Any group of minorities must be a gang. On the inside they’re just a bundle of nerves this close to unraveling.

The workplace has its Bad Cops, too. I’ve known so many that it’s better to just give a composite sketch:

For starters, the corporate Bad Cop is usually in the lower-end of middle management. Bad Cop works hard but is more concerned with the 401K than the promotion. Bad Cop’s fairly anonymous, a good worker who could be great if they weren’t so terrified of failing or taking chances. Bad Cop is always convinced their job is in jeopardy, no matter what.

So Bad Cop avoids risks. Always trusts formulas over instincts. Follows trends instead of setting them. Avoids confrontations with anyone who seems to have juice or be on the fast track. Bad Cop seldom, if ever, agrees with the higher-ups but always makes sure they know that he’s “onboard” and “in the loop.” When in doubt, Bad Cop passes the buck. Never makes any decision without CC’ing others. Bad Cop is never the first person to suggest anything but usually the third or fourth to agree with it. In short, Bad Cop plays not to lose. Bad Cop is the consummate moderate.

Most importantly, just like the bad cop on the street, this character manages to handcuff everyone under them. They pass on their bad habits to anyone they have influence over. They stifle growth, not out of jealousy or envy but out of fear and self-preservation. They’re content to fall in line, do what they’re told and keep cashing that check.

Note: Bad Cop is not a bridge. Unlike the bridge the bad cop knows exactly what they’re doing and why they’re doing it—and that’s what makes them bad. They’re deliberate. Bad cops won’t kill a company but if you get enough of them, they’ll stunt a company’s growth.

Yeah, “officer” from “overseer”…
You need a little clarity? Check the similarity.
—KRS-ONE