To many people, police officers are the people who give you a ticket, or ruin your fun at a party, but in reality, they are much more. Police officers take an oath to serve and protect the citizens of the city they live in. In the place where I live, there is little to no violence in which people believe the police should intervene and that is the case in many places. Many, but not all. Police in other parts of the country not only face increased danger each day, but also increased ridicule, compared to past years. Lately, many police officers in big cities have been accused of targeting certain races or using excessive force on those who have been arrested or are in police custody. But sadly, this is blame put on many for the faults of few. This ridicule of the police force is not only present in large cities where incidents like this tend to occur, but also in the small towns where there is very little violent criminal activity. However, it is very important to recognize that police do not face the same level of danger in small towns like mine, their duty is still to protect and serve all the same.
As a child, I never really saw good in what police officers did. They seemed more like bad guys who made my dad mad when they pulled up behind him or threats to the freedom of newly licensed drivers. Now I have come to realize police officers are some of the bravest people alive. They risk their lives every day, trying to keep us safe in and out of our homes. Especially lately, I think it is important to recognize and to appreciate all that police officers do, and the impact they have on our lives. Without the police, we would not be able to leave our homes at night without the fear that we are really on our own, or trust that whoever committed a crime would receive a fair punishment for it. Some of the best police stations in our country are looked down upon for the fact that they have the most arrests, or are accused of arresting the innocent. Although this may be true at times they are just doing their jobs. By keeping danger off our streets, we are able to go about life as we please.
And no, I have not had an experience where a police officer changed my life, or where I have experienced their bravery first hand, but I don’t think that is necessary to appreciate what they do. Whether or not I, you, or your loved ones have seen the brave side of a police officer, or if they have only seen the side which gives speeding tickets, police officers deserve our respect, and our recognition of what they do everyday. It is much more than many others are able to do. So, thank you police officers! Thank you to those who serve our community. So, everybody, next speeding ticket you receive, remember that the police are only trying to serve and protect. Just say thank you for all that they do!
