I was just honored to deliver an invocation at the Los Angeles Police Academy. As I shook the hand of the graduates, I could feel their earnestness and eagerness to begin their careers protecting and serving the community and being worthy of the pride and confidence of their families, instructors and classmates.

I don’t think many citizens realize how complicated, demanding and dangerous policing is in today’s world.

TV and movie stereotypes depict it as full of high-speed chases, shootouts, fistfights and roughing up bad guys. We see "one-man-army" avengers who take on incredible odds and "rules-are-made-to-be broken, make-my-day" rebels who flaunt laws and disobey orders.

In fact, professional policing values intelligence over impulse. It requires a high degree of problem-solving and communication skills (often in two languages), self-discipline and unwavering respect for the law.

There’s simply no room for irresponsible, insubordinate or emotionally self-indulgent individuals. Most movie cop heroes would be fired or imprisoned in real life.

The job has changed so much that professional policing associations have changed their designation from "law-enforcement officers" to "peace officers" to better reflect the array of tasks the modern officer performs.

Law enforcement -- chasing criminals, interrogating suspects, making searches and arrests and testifying in court -- represents only a fraction of what peace officers do. Most of their time is spent helping people in other ways, including resolving disputes, dispensing advice, taking reports, regulating crowds and traffic and aiding persons in danger or distress.

Yet despite this commitment to service, these fresh-faced newbies will have to endure physical dangers, verbal abuse and continual criticism. It’s a very tough job, and they deserve our appreciation and support.

This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.