With all of the recent incidents involving police officers, it's no wonder why our nation's police agencies have been under such intense pressures lately.
However, despite the inevitable corruption of some officers, crucifying them all and even murdering them is unfair and unjustifiable.
Police officers are not just men in fancy uniforms with guns. They go through intense training, often for months at a time, to learn how to properly protect and serve the citizens and standing of their jurisdiction. While some officers may use their positions as a vantage point to take part in unlawful activities, the majority of officers are outstanding model citizens who would give their lives for the safety and security of their homes.
My father has been a police officer since I can remember. He started when I was a child as a standard patrolman, and since then he has risen in the ranks. He is now a Deputy Chief of Police at the local police department. Due to his job, my family has spent years getting to know other officers employed by his agency, from narcotics agents to Internal Affairs officers, from radio technicians to SWAT team members. I can honestly say that they are all some of the most upright and righteous citizens I have ever met, and I know that I can expect nothing less from them when they serve their home in the line of duty.
Recently, Louisiana State Trooper Steven Vincent was murdered in the line of duty. His end-of-watch date was August 24, 2015. My father had the opportunity to know this man, and all I can say to honor his memory is that it truly is a sad day when we lose such an exceptional officer.
I know that corruption and deception is present in some officers around the nation. No doubt there are even local officers here in my hometown that are rife with indecency. The injustice of some, however, does not justify the murder of officers for doing their job.
In these last two weeks, officers have been shot and killed far too close to home to be ignored. Sheriff Darren Goforth was shot in Houston on August 28. Officer Henry Nelson was gunned and stabbed to death in Sunset, Louisiana on August 26. Another Chicago officer was killed four days ago. The death rates of officers in 2015 has continued to climb steadily over these last two or three weeks, and to what end?
The killing and harming of police officers is becoming almost a common event in our modern society. It is becoming an epidemic. A sickness. A curse.
I understand that not all officers are model citizens, but the few that abuse their position should not be a justification for the murder of innocent men and women who are only serving their community.
I urge you, reader, to consider this: Hammurabi's code. His famous law, "an eye for an eye," sounds like a reasonable idea in any society. But remember, friends, that, as Gandhi said, "an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind."
Our police officers are heroes. Maybe not all of them, but surely most of them. I find it sickening that the citizens of our country are so hateful of our police forces, and I find it even more troubling that people believe the best way to combat injustice is with more injustice.
I understand the value of American freedom and privacy and rights; what I do not understand is the murder of those who serve us. Fighting fire with fire sets the whole world aflame.
