Over the past few weeks, I have read numerous Facebook posts and newspaper articles, watched television reports and listened to radio hosts bash the law enforcement community over the Michael Brown shooting in Ferguson, MO and the subsequent “Peaceful Protest” that followed. I have worked with the law enforcement community for over 25 years and I am a strong believer that if you break the law, you should face the consequences of your actions. I’ve seen many posts from Facebook friends that criticize the police for the shooting and for how the police mistreat minorities, because of course the only people targeted by the police are minorities and the news media. I have read, watched and listened as people have criticized the police militarization, including our Commander-in-Chief and Attorney General who are now planning to “study” the issue. The fact is, if you don’t want to be treated like a criminal or a law breaker then stop committing crimes, victimizing others and breaking the law. The police have an incredibly difficult job to do, and they do it extremely well. Are there bad police officers? Sure, just like there are bad doctors, lawyers, salesmen, garbage collectors, news media and politicians. The vast majority of the law enforcement community are dedicated, committed public servants who sacrifice to keep the community safe. A police officer works in all sorts of weather, is away from their family and friends, miss holidays and special occasions and won’t complain, because that is what they have chosen to do. A police officer risks their lives every day and receives more criticism from “experts” in the public and media then the praise that they deserve but never ask for. I’ve seen criticism from some who have said, “Why did the police have to shoot him?” he was ill, or he was only a kid or he was a good person. The police respond to emergency calls very often without having the complete overall “picture” and 20/20 hindsight that comes from examining an incident after the fact. The police respond to a call and see someone with a weapon, either threatening themselves or others or attacking the police and they may only have seconds to try and understand, react and diffuse the situation. I’ve heard people comment about the “poor victims” family, well what about the police officers family? They have loved ones who depend and rely on them too, should the police officer pause and risk injury or death to themselves because someone decides they want to “act out” or break the law? HELL NO! Police make arrests because people fail to obey orders and break the law, the news media who were arrested in Ferguson have the right to cover the incident BUT that does not give them the right to disobey the police who are trying to contain the situation, interfere or try to become part of the story themselves. Should the police have militarized equipment? Yes they should, when you have hundreds of people marching in a “peaceful protest”, running through the streets, throwing bottles, objects and Molotov cocktails, looting and disobeying orders then the police need to be prepared, they need to be the biggest, most prepared force on the block, able to handle anything that comes there way. Do the police want to injure or kill citizens as part of their job, NO! But at the same time, they also do not want to become victims and be injured or killed while performing their duty. Race, religion, skin color or socioeconomic status is no excuse. You can proclaim your reasons for breaking the law are due to being poor or that no one helps or cares about you but those are merely excuses. Unacceptable and poor excuses at best. Respect for yourself, your family and your community including the law enforcement community needs to occur. The police serve and protect, they have respect and compassion for the community and are sworn to uphold the law. You may think the police are overreacting, are harsh, cruel and unfair and violate the rights of the citizens they serve but take the time to get to know your law enforcement that sacrifices and serves you and you will see them for what they are, true American Hero’s. I am extremely proud of my connection to law enforcement and I am honored to call these many officers my friends. We need to stop making excuses for bad behavior, stop blaming the good guys and work to get our nation back to being a strong, law abiding, respectful nation. I am sure there are some who will disagree with my post, but I’m asking you to respect my opinion just as I have read and respected yours.
Posted on: Fri, 29 Aug 2014 06:02:07 +0000
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