The emphasis on police power and authority further isolates police from others in society, as does the paramilitary model used in policing. The spirit of the police subculture is expressed in its ethos. Ethos are ideas valued most by police. Three of the most important ethos emphasized by the police subculture are the ethos of bravery, the ethos of autonomy, and the ethos of secrecy. Certain cultural themes are emphasized in policing.
Cultural themes are specific indicators of a common belief structure in the police occupation.
An important cultural theme in policing is the idea that police are socially isolated from others in society. A second theme emphasizes the need for police solidarity and loyalty. Postulates are statements of belief that reflect a group's basic orientations. Postulates are used to guide and direct the actions of subcultural members. Three general categories of postulates function as guideposts for members of the police subculture.