As a criminal justice major, I have had the honor of being taught by attorneys, retired cops/detectives, and probation officers. Being taught by so many great people with a vast knowledge of the criminal justice system has opened my eyes to the reality behind the American criminal justice system. The reality is that the American justice system is not as simple as it is portrayed to be.

The justice system has been portrayed non-stop as having a sole purpose of being out to get people of color and minorities. I am definitely not defending the cases of discrimination or police brutality that have occurred. What I am saying, is that there is more to the justice system than the errors in judgment and unfortunate incidents that have occurred.

As a criminal justice major, I have learned that we put our lives and safety in the hands of other individuals who are not perfect and will sometimes make mistakes. I have learned that it is not always possible for the justice system to help and give justice to everyone. I have learned that there are great people who are protecting us and put themselves at risk on a daily basis. I have learned that our society seems to only see the bad in the justice system and omits all the good.

The reality is that the justice system has so many parts to it and Is run by people who are expected to do what they believe is the best for the majority of people. I admit it is sometimes difficult to put our lives and safety in the hands of people who we do not know. But it is also difficult for them to keep us safe because they are bound to follow laws and rules that can sometimes stop them from being their best.

We all have a skewed perception of the criminal justice system and as a criminal justice major I have been told the experiences of retired cops and lawyers. These stories and experiences have taught me how unappreciated all of those who work in the criminal justice system feel. Furthermore, all of the experiences and stories I have heard had prepared me for working in the criminal justice system.

All I can really say is that not everyone who works in the criminal justice system are racists and have an agenda. Those unfortunate incidents that have occurred should not define how we treat those that do their job. So thank you, to everyone who keeps us safe and does not expect anything in return for it.