I was born ten days after my mother turned 20 years old and the man who was supposed to support us and help raise me walked out of our lives. That was possibly the best thing that has ever happened to us because we then met my current father. He's your typical dad; wanting what's best for his children, coaching us in sports, and pushing us to be the best athletes, students, and people we can be.
The first man I loved, the man who chose to raise me, the man who made me into who I am today is a police officer. When I was younger, I loved to tell people what he does. I used to feel proud and excited for him. Of course I'm still proud of the work he does but now, I'm fearful and worried for him. Being a police officer used to warrant respect from those you serve. It used to be being able to be freely approached and asked a question. It used to be children wanting to take pictures with you. It used to be people felt safe around you. Now, due to the actions of a few, everything has changed.
People now think all police officers are out to harm them. They think that all officers are looking to give them a hard time for no reason. Cops are no longer approachable for fear that a few individuals and the media have instilled within them. This is just the sad truth of the world we live in.
Now a lot of you reading this we probably disagree with me and that's okay. I'm not here to change your opinions because everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I'm just trying to give you some insight as to what it's like to be the daughter of a police officer.
It's watching him walk out the door and not knowing if he'll come back.
It's worrying all day for the safety of your father, his coworkers, and some of your friends on the force.
It's listening to people joke about killing all the, "Pigs", in the city.
It's hearing people say, "all cops are the same".
It's wanting so badly to defend those that you love but fearing that you or your family will be physically harmed in doing so.
It's understanding that there is no need for senseless murders, whether they are police officers or civilians.
It's having a different opinion than a lot of people and being told you're always wrong.
It's not wanting to watch the news to see more Police Officers murdered.
It's not wanting to watch the news to see more civilians killed when they could be detained and seeing the backlash from that.
It's not wanting to watch the news to see murderers killed and having people cry they were innocent, saying the cops were being cruel.
It's worrying about your friends pursuing becoming a police officer but being proud that they continue to do so in light of all that has happened.
It's becoming close to families of police officers, sheriffs, and state troopers and sharing their grief at the loss of another brother, sister, mother, father, daughter, or son.
Above all else, it's not taking your friends and family on the force for granted.
To you, he might be being cruel, he might be being strict, and he might just be some other "Pig". Even though you think all those things of him, I know he would protect you like his own, put your best interests and the best interests of the community first, work ungodly hours to keep you safe, and even give his life for you.
I am the proud daughter and friend of Police Officers both current and aspiring.
*This article isn't about race or being biased. Half of my family is African American. This is about what we go through on a daily basis. It's about how the people that have been killed or brutalized that could have easily been detained. It's about how some Officers ruin the reputation of the good ones. It's about how we all need to come together to make a change. Keep in mind, not all Police Officers are power hungry murderers, not all African Americans are robbers and gang bangers, not a Caucasians are racist, and not all Hispanic people are involved in the drug cartel. These stereotypes divide us and allow fear to drive our words and actions.*
"No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite."
-Nelson Mandela
