To Protect and Suffer

The horrific events that played out in Dallas are a reminder that hate, prejudice and intolerance are alive and well in this country. To think that a person would purposely plan an attack based on the race and occupation of a person is truly tragic. It is just as terrible to think that a police officer would target and kill a person solely because of the color of their skin. The events of the past week have a significant portion of our nation believing that this is the new norm and that acts prompted by racism are commonplace in our society. I disagree! I choose to believe that the majority of Americans are hard working, law abiding, God fearing people that love thy neighbor and want a safer and more peaceful nation.

I am stunned by the wave of anti-police discourse that those despicable acts have fueled. I have been in law enforcement for 25 years, and I know that in our profession the many will suffer for the sins of the few. Where does it stop? In many cities across the nation, angry citizens are protesting the perceived injustice against members of the Black community at the hands of the police. There has always been a mistrust of police in minority neighborhoods, and that slow-burning fire does not need much stroking to bring out a scorching flame of hatred.

The police-involved deaths in Louisiana and Minnesota are a tragedy, as is any time an encounter between law enforcement and a citizen ends in the loss of life. The marchers are mostly peaceful, with a small percentage of protestors preying on the crowd’s raw emotion to incite further hate. In those cases, the violent few have infringed on the right of the many to peacefully voice their disapproval of those police shootings and tarnish their ability to express their disenchantment over the mistreatment of minorities at the hands of police officers. I also know that the vast majority of Americans support their local cops, trust their ability to provide efficient public safety and just want safer communities. To that silent majority, I thank you for your recent show of support and for the many kind acts towards your local law enforcement displayed across the nation this week. From the kids that bring letters of support to the local station, to the many that stood in the blazing sun holding posters with words of encouragement. Please know that your support is needed and deeply appreciated.

I am a law enforcement professional, and 25 years ago I swore an oath to protect my fellow Americans regardless of race, sex, religion, or sexual orientation. I go out each and every single day to uphold that promise I made to do all in my power to make this a better world. I will acknowledge that not all who wear the badge have noble intentions, some do it for the money, some do it for the power, and we must do a better job ridding our ranks of those that seek to abuse the trust the public has given us. But the overwhelming majority put on the uniform to help others. That good hearted majority know how difficult it is to overcome the hatred brought by the actions of others. To pay for the sins of those unworthy few that wore the uniform before you. I offer anyone who thinks this is an easy job to walk a beat for one day in our shoes, and you will understand how hard it is to Serve and Protect when it feels the whole world is against you. Check out the video below to see some eye-opening stats on the reality of the use of force by police in America.

I have seen the compounding community anger over incidents of police use of deadly force and know there has to be a better way. A way to keep the lines of communication open. A way that will allow tolerance and understanding to trump hate and despair. A way to live peacefully knowing we depend on each other to make our country a better place for all. I believe with increased vigilance from within our ranks both on the police department and the community we can make our communities safer and rebuild the bridges that have been burnt by recent events. As you see a policing crisis, WeSee an opportunity to make us stronger.