One of my most valuable experiences working as a volunteer at Rape Counseling Services in my city was the opportunity to act not only as a liason between victims and the police department as an advocate, but also to serve as a guide and teacher at the police academy. In order to ensure that the new cadets were equipped with more than just a check list of what to look for on a domestic violence call, or a child molest report, I spent several weekends calling on my inner thespian and played the abused wife, girlfriend, or child with as many variations and swift shifts in emotion as I could. The goal, of course, being to keep each officer on his or her toes, asking them to never take for granted that their brief visit with the victim has given them a complete understanding of the complex emotions involved, and yet teaching them to remain patient, empathetic, and supportive yet persistent. After the final exam (of which the simulation was a part), many of the cadets sought me out to thank me, and to tell me that they had not expected each scenario to frighten, shock and horrify them in the way that they did. I left feeling that I had done something to reconnect those who are supposed to protect us with the emotional reality of what they are protecting us from. I hope in time that each officer does not become desensitized, but I fear it. And so I propose mandatory simulation exams throughout their careers to prevent it. Only those who genuinely care will put forth the effort to intervene, to serve and protect.