Dear Police Officers,
I don't know why I didn't write this sooner. In light of recent events, especially after Dallas, this needs to be said. My voice is no more important than the millions of others in this country who have their own input, but I believe it is my duty as an American to speak to those who serve in a position as important as yours.
I’m sorry.
I’m sorry that this senseless slaughter of innocent officers occurred. I’m sorry that it takes something as horrific as this event to even cause a majority of people to appreciate what officers do daily. I’m sorry that you are constantly under the microscope in this society, where seemingly the loudest voices are just waiting to pounce on any potential mistake you make. I’m sorry that people are extremely quick to judge before all facts of a case are revealed.
I’m sorry that the actions of a few (very few) bad cops causes all of you to be viewed as untrustworthy killers who only have vendettas. I’m sorry that your job comes with the fact that any work day can be your last day on Earth, potentially being killed in a routine traffic stop, while accompanying peaceful protesters or while responding to any other myriad of calls that can easily turn deadly for you. I’m sorry there aren’t nearly enough people speaking out against violence against officers. I’m sorry that you don’t get nearly enough thanks for all that you do.
Thank you that despite all of these horrible aspects of the job, you are still willing to do it. Because of you, streets are safer, despite what other people may think. Good, upstanding officers -- the majority of officers -- make this country habitable. If people actually realized what the world would look like if officers didn't exist to enforce the law, they would be terrified. A society without the police is not a society at all; it is chaos. Thank you that you are not all bad cops. There are only a few, truly evil people in law enforcement, and they should be dealt with like any other criminal. But these select people are very few indeed.
Officers, I support you. None of you are perfect, but, as a whole, you would not have chosen to become police officers if you wanted to do evil. You all attempt to provide safety for the public, serving us in whatever capacity your profession calls for. Your job is a job I would never be able to do.
I may be just one person writing this, but there are many others who feel the same way I do. You are not alone.
Sincerely,
A Grateful Citizen
