Throughout the existence of law enforcement, there have been controversy and skepticism surrounding police officers. What makes a good cop? What makes a bad cop? How is it justified to take another’s life while protecting all lives? How much power should they actually be allowed? Law enforcement receives a lot of negative attention from bystanders, media, and society as a whole, and they do not receive enough credit for their valorous actions.
It is ironic that everyone has an opinion on police officers because I confidently suspect that most, if not all, of the people exclaiming their hatred of law enforcement would not put on the uniform themselves. These brave men and women take an oath to protect their town, city, state, and country, and they honor that oath with all they have. This service should not go unthanked, nor should it be disregarded.
Yes, people make mistakes. But just like in every profession, one bad apple should not spoil the barrel. So why does our country hold such hatred in their hearts for police officers? Cops are human beings. They have feelings, flaws, and families. They put their lives on the line every day they step out to work the beat, and for what? To have a country that doesn’t support their efforts? It’s truly a shame.
The recent shooting in San Bernardino, California on Dec. 2 sheds some light on the heroes cops truly are. In times of tragedy, like this terrible attack, police officers respond and do all they can to not only keep the survivors safe and protected, but to comfort them in times when comfort seems inconceivable. A video from this attack was filmed by an employee of the Inland Regional Center, the location of the shooting. In this video, we can hear the police officer who is leading all the individuals in the building out consoling them. He reassures the fear-struck crowd not to worry, “I’ll take a bullet before you do.” This officer was trained well, providing as much relief to these devastated people as he could.
We live in a frightening world. Threats of terrorism are sadly commonplace in today’s world, and we look to our brave and courageous law enforcement for protection each and every day moving forward. These men and women should not feel hate and disgust from the same people they are protecting; the remarkable thing is, they will still protect the people who do not support them. Police officers, as a whole, are taught to keep all citizens safe. Not just white citizens, not just minorities, not just men, and not just women. They defend all individuals, and each day they suit up in their uniforms, they do not know what is in store for the next 12 hours, nor do they know whether or not they will make it home to see their families again. Police officers risk their lives to keep us safe, and it’s about time we as a society come to respect that sacrifice.
I am just one person. I stand no taller than five-feet four-inches, but with all my being, I support you, police officers. I thank you for your sacrifice, I honor your courage, and I pray for your safety as you protect mine.
