Our opinions are formed by the experiences we have and by what see see in the media. Lately, the media is focused on police brutality. Those officers have disgraced their badges and given the entire law enforcement community a bad reputation. But those officers are not the norm.
Growing up, I never feared police officers, most likely because that special man I call "Dad" is one. I was embarrassed of being a cop's daughter. My friends always assumed he was super strict and didn't allow me to do anything, which wasn't the case. My dad allowed me to make my own mistakes so that I could learn from them and grow as a person. He taught me right from wrong and what to do in certain situations if I ever felt unsafe.
I think we sometimes forget that "cops" are people, too. They are fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, wives, and husbands who chose to take an oath to protect and serve their communities regardless of the risk to their own lives. These officers work 12 hour shifts. They go to their son's baseball games and their daughter's volleyball games. They watch T.V., stretched out on the couch while inhaling chips and salsa. These same officers also live with the possibility of knowing they may not come home from their job.
Police officers are trained to stop threats and to save as many lives as possible even if that means sometimes using physical force. If a man is attempting to rape a young woman and a police officer intervenes but the man decides to hold a knife to the woman's throat, the officer has every right to save her. To enforce the law and make arrests, that is the job of a police officer. And that is what the majority of them do. Police officers are not meant to cause fear in those who are not committing crimes, but to provide protection and safety from threats.
I believe that communities can work with law enforcement to build better relationships and increase understanding. I believe that the majority of men and women in law enforcement uphold the law and do the best to their abilities every single day while wearing the uniform. Stereotypes are dangerous and increase ignorance. Not all Muslims are terrorists, not all African-Americans are criminals, not all Americans are obese, and not all police officers are racists.
It sucks getting pulled over for speeding, but what if a child ran out in front of you and you were going too fast to stop? A speeding ticket costs less than taking a life. Don't be angry with police officers when you are the one who broke the law. The same goes for driving under the influence. Yes, a DWI is a horrible charge to have on anyone's record, but the possibility of not only losing your life but costing another their own is easier to have on your conscience.
I hope the next time you encounter a police officer, you do so with an open mind and with the respect they deserve. I am the daughter of a police officer and even now amidst all of the controversy, I am proud of that fact.
