The negative press amongst police in the media lately is no secret to anyone. Ever since the 2014 shooting death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, the spotlight has been heavy and relentless on police in America. People have questioned authority, prejudices, and job competence. Questions have turned into protests, which have turned into riots, resulting in extremely unfortunate deaths in some cases.
Just like every other citizen of the United States, I have my opinion.
The actions of one person does not account for those of an entire group.
Just this past week, a heartbreaking act of terror occurred in San Bernardino, California. In the midst of the chaotic event, a video was taken from inside the attacked building showing a police officer doing his job. After clearing the area, the officer carefully directs the petrified victims to safety. It is what this officer said during the hectic moment that caught the attention of viewers everywhere.
“I’ll take a bullet before you do, that’s for damn sure.”
The first time I watched that video, it took my breath away. I watched the news reports while grinning from ear to ear. It thrilled me to see a positive representation of a police officer on television. But mostly I was surprised. Why is it a surprise to see the good deed of a police officer broadcasted on the news? Maybe because I haven't seen a positive portrayal of a police officer in what seems to be like forever these days. Maybe because, sadly, I no longer expect the public to stand behind the cops.
As the daughter of a retired NYPD detective, I’ve grown up around an endless amount of cop stories. I’ve heard stories of police officers' dauntless bravery and great acts of valor all my life. I’ve listened to stories of cops running into unbelievably dangerous situations without batting an eye or thinking anything about it. They live in situations that any other human being couldn’t run far enough away from. Why do they do this? Because it is their job.
Every single day, police officers risk their own lives and run into gunfire to protect other people. They pull people over on the roads for speeding to protect other people. They stop suspicious activity to protect other people. It's the name of the job. To serve and to protect. 99% of police officers are loving patriots who live their lives to protect you.
The negative perspective of police officers strewn all over the media influences people in two different directions, one clearly more than the other. I have seen countless people turn their backs on men and women that are trying to do their job, a job that has helped countless people in the past and will continue to save lives in the future. These are not the people to turn your backs on.
Sometimes bad people do bad things. Sometimes there is that one person who strays away from the rest and ruins things for everyone. Sometimes there is more than one person. It can happen anywhere, at any time, in any profession. According to the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, there are more than 900,000 law enforcement officers in the United States. Majority of those men and women are extraordinary at their job. Good cops do good things every single day. Unfortunately, it is a rarity when their actions make the news, unlike the actions of the few that give the profession a bad name. This is because it would be impossible to broadcast every good deed done by a cop. That's how many good things there are.
Beginning a revolution against the police is exactly something we cannot do. You can’t fight against the people that are trying to help you. This does nothing but cost more people their lives. Police cannot become hesitant to do their jobs in fear that they will become a target of national media. In the single moment an officer hesitates, they or another civilian can be harmed. A moment of doubt could cost someone their life. In the world we live in today, now is not the time for police officers to second guess their job. We need our police.
When I was a little kid, I would sit on the stairs in my house at night and wait for my dad, the amazing cop, to come home from work. When he did, I would ask him, “How many bad guys did you catch today?” I admired my dad and the work he did. I knew that every day he walked out our front door, he was doing something extraordinary. Putting your life on the line for other people is the most unbelievable job. I find it to be one of the most noble jobs that exists. Despite all the negative perspectives of police officers preached over the past year, I have always believed in blue and believed in what they stand for. My only wish is that others would do the same.
Please don't let the actions of the few bad people on the force taint the image of the many, incredibly good police officers who risk their lives for the public every day they go to work.
