THE 250LB MAN IN AN ALLEY - POLICE STORYTELLING

Argues that storytelling in police organizations functions on two well -known levels: the educational and therapeutic; and also on a hidden l evel, the social. On this level, storytelling serves to ratify some me mbers and ostracize others. it also works to preserve the model of pol icing as force-based rather than communication-based. Focuses on one f olkloric story common to police organizations as an example of how sto rytelling can act as a powerful brake on acceptance of all members and on efforts to change an organization.