Dear Young Americans,

I would like to start by saying thank you to Police Officers for your service, I can't possibly comprehend what you go through on a daily basis, however I know you enjoy your jobs. Not because of the car, gun, or badge, you do it because you love helping people and you love giving back to the community. I know a couple officers and I know that they are good men and women and would willingly lay down their lives to protect and serve the people. Because of the way the world is officers have an immense target on their backs, in fact I couldn't even imagine waking up for work wondering if I was gonna make it home to see my family or if I would end up shot in cold blood during a routine traffic stop. Officers are faced with a double-edged sword.

You see, sometimes Officers are forced to defend themselves—sometimes by force. If they shoot the suspect the Officers' life is basically ruined, their names tarnished by the media, but if they don't shoot they end up dead. Police Officers are completely under-appreciated because of the lies spread by the media and the way our culture has started celebrating crime. I'll admit Police Officers can be pretty intimidating, but here's where we get confused because I think its easy to forget cops are people, too—under that vest is a living, breathing, human being.

I have never had a problem with the police, I've dealt with the police numerous times and not once has their been a problem besides the one ticket I've received. The ticket I did receive was for an expired tag (six months), this is a crime, I used my manners and was respectful to the Officer and never had a problem again. The problem becomes when you begin to act suspicious, when you make sudden movements where it looks like you're reaching for an object because numerous times officers have been shot during routine traffic stops. The Officer attempting to defend himself will get defensive because he assumes you're going for a weapon. However, carrying a gun is not a problem starter.

I have friends who have been pulled over and as soon as they get pulled over hands go on the wheel and the friend immediately tells the Officer he is carrying a firearm. The Officer calmly ask them for their permits and to slowly exit the vehicle keeping hands up until the officer can secure the firearm (simply for safety). Problems also arise when you lie to the police because that means you're getting more fines or charges added on to what you've already been charged with. If an Officer asks if you have weapons on you and you lie, that isn't gonna end too well for you when you're explaining that to a judge. Dealing with Police Officers is not hard and in fact is very natural for most people, treat them like you would any other person, show some compassion, understand that they have a stressful job and be kind. Officers are people too. Sometimes they have to do what some of us wouldn't, but at the end of the day they simply want to give back to the community and make it a better place.

So it's simple, be respectful to the officer, show some compassion, and treat them like human beings. Police Officers are amazing people and I challenge you to interact with Officers in your community get to know them and have a conversation with them! Once again, thank you to all Officers who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the name of justice and thank you to all Officers who have served or are serving!

God Bless,

Brian R. Chilcoat