This post is not about black or white, religious preference, or political bias. It’s about Right and Wrong. When I woke this morning, I had to sit down to express what was on my heart, for my brothers and sister’ in uniform who are good, well-intended police officers. Who wake up every day to do the job they love and signed up for; to protect and serve the public; however because of this recent incident in Minneapolis, many will be wrongly painted with a broad brush, as racist and as brutal human beings.
The incident of George Floyd was unbearable to watch for two reasons. First, because it should never have unfolded the way that it did. It makes me sick to think that the officers who put on the same uniform as I once did every day, would literally stand by while a fellow officer does what Derek Chauvin did, and with what seemed to be total disregard for human life itself.
There were days that I would go to work, call it a bad day; or I woke up on the wrong side of the bed, or my marriage at the time was having challenges, we all have bad days, I get it; yet I can honestly say that never once did I go about my job or start my sift, deliberately wanting to hurt someone. Was I angry at a mom who had left her three little babies below the age of 3 alone, with no food, or hygiene in days? “You Betcha”. Was I angry and upset in responding to the loss of life because of an unnecessary act of domestic violence? Sure! I was, and yet I never abused the Color of Authority. I can honestly say without question, that in the years that I was devoted to this profession, and all the men and women that I worked with, day after day, never did either.
This officer’s life is forever ruined. The pension he may have had, gone! To go from a uniform of public safety to a uniform of incarceration; well deserved.
There is a lack of leadership from the Mayor down, lack of proper training, lack of follow-up on the mental state of officers every six months to see how officers are holding up. I wish I could go back in time if I could, (my husband and I, with his 44 years of Law Enforcement), both of us working gang details, undercover, homicides, etc., we would put together a private entity needed, to hold accountability for the good of the community. Law Enforcement needs that check and balance, and I don’t see that enough inside the departments around the country.
Police are hired by the community, and they should hold together the community values. Street cops, engaging with the people you serve, getting involved, and so much more. Maybe I am old fashion, as this should trump any bias or ideology, Democrat or Republican, Black or White, Conservative or Liberal, some form of unity. There has to be a rule of law. Society breaks down and Anarchy leads to the loss of life and the destruction of life and property. Our very liberty is at stake.
If you have other thoughts, agree or disagree, or have a need to just say something, I welcome all comments. I offer prayers for the family of all involved, those that lost businesses, and especially for the soul of George Floyd.
Lynn,
I bet you were a very dedicated compassionate officer, (is it disrespectful to say ‘cop’?) where did we even get that term? I think it is one of the most underrated and most stressful jobs in the world next to EMT work.
I too am saddened at what happened. Thank God it was recorded! Imagine him dying without any hard evidence? So, there is a silver lining there.
It’s done and changes will come. I’m certain. So, that’s another silver lining.
thank you this is a very heartfelt wonderful essay.
Thank you Laurie for taking the time to read and comment. I appreciate the feedback. As for the word “Cop” goes, it’s not disrespectful, this word originated back in the 1700s but in today’s time, it is an abbreviation for Constabulary of Police and co-insides with the word Copper given to early Law Enforcement who wore copper badges. It is funny you said this as I had to educate the Explorer’s I oversaw to educate them on the meaning behind the badge. Again, thanks
Amen!