Every day law enforcement officers, willingly, put their lives on the line to protect and serve. The dangers they face in the line of duty come in many forms, but in the aftermath of recent events, a new threat emerges. The actions of officers all over the country have been placed under societies bitter, bloodthirsty microscope; further encouraging the growth of a culture with no respect for cops and misguided hate in their hearts. Are the hazards associated with a career in law enforcement so few that we, as a society, should create a new source of fear? Police officers are highly trained to handle dangerous situations, and it is instinct and that training that they must rely on, as split second decisions can be the difference between life and death. Fearing the possibility of legal consequences could lead to doubt, which could lead to hesitation, which could lead to injury, death, or the escape of a criminal. I am in no way suggesting that the police should be free to enforce the law by any means they deem fit. Quite obviously rules are necessary, and who should embrace that more than the police? I trust in law enforcement agencies to uphold the law, but I also expect them to be held accountable for their actions. I know there are instances where officers have crossed the line, and in those cases, an appropriate form of punishment is necessary. I just worry that this witch hunt could lead to unnecessary loss of life or the unemployment of good officers. We must trust the oath taken by the men and women that have devoted their lives to protect others. Law enforcement agencies have measures in place to monitor, regulate, and alter (when necessary) the manner in which officers enforce the law. It is not societies responsibility to determine such matters. Even though things are milder here than they are in places like New York and Missouri, I cant help but wonder how the moral of many police officers has been affected. With such widespread anti-cop sentiment the fact that these men and women continue to risk their lives for communities that openly express hate for them is beyond admirable. As the son of a man who has worn a badge for most of his life I could be accused of being biased, and that may be true, but I try to keep an objective eye. As objective as a son can be, that is. I will forever, respect and admire my father, Officer Kenneth Taylor, for his unyielding commitment to justice, his compassion for others, and his dedication to the defense of his beliefs and what is right. He is a good cop, a good man, and a good father. The embodiment of all if the things the badge on his chest stands for. Unfortunately, ugly things happen in the line of duty, some of them avoidable, but does that justify demonizing the uniform? Ignorant generalizations and blind hate disrespects good cops like my father and the thousands like him. I realize the video is satirical but that does not lessen the importance of its message. Officers deserve the freedom to do their jobs without the constant fear of negative consequences. Not only that, they deserve the respect of the people they protect and serve.
Posted on: Sun, 18 Jan 2015 23:03:38 +0000