Yes, EEE, the indifference to the plight of a fellow human's suffering, and I'd add any conscious creature, really says a lot about one's character and values.

Peer pressure is often associated with children and adolescents. What's it like within a police department, EEE? It's such a macho profession. Am I wrong in assuming that overt displays of sensitivity (other than to the flag, our veterans, and big-ass pickup trucks) are verboten and deemed unmanly? And what's with the wrap around sunglasses on cloudy days? Sometimes, it seems like "to protect and serve" has been replaced by "to intimidate". Don't get me wrong, I have total respect for officers like you! They are indispensable to a functioning and civil society.   I am in awe of those who do the job as it should be done. They should be extremely well compensated and held in high esteem! But damn, it doesn't appear that it's just a few "bad apples". 

Let me provide one peer pressure related anecdote from our local department. This young guy joined up a few years ago. He had a small, Japanese sports car. Once it was seen in the lot, he was razzed by the veteran cops and yes, soon enough, he traded it in for a big ass pickup. Am I wrong in thinking that such dickish behavior and attitudes are common in the average police department?

Peter T.