While on Linkedin earlier today I came across a post from Mark C. Healey who is the Editor and Chief at The Wave. I was curious to see what he had to say especially with the quote he used which was “as long as our elected representatives continue to demonize law enforcement – with their policies if not always their words – this war against cops will continue to fester.”
That statement I take issue with because it is not based on reality. Our elective representatives are not demonizing police, they are doing it to themselves. Recently in Mississippi six police officers were arrested for the torture of two black men. In which those involved covered up what they did, came up with an elaborate lie, and were covering for themselves. Thankfully they got caught and are now going to prison for their actions.
When it comes to police and their spouses, there is a much higher rate of domestic violence. Being a police officer is stressful, no one is doubting that. Yet does it not make sense to give them more resources to relieve said stress?
Beyond the issue of domestic violence there was a story out of Louisiana where an officer was supposed to take a teenager to get a rape kit. So, did he? No. What did he actually do then? He molested her.
I would like to think that a higher percentage of police are good. Yet the problem is that they will do everything in their power to protect bad ones.
If this supposed “demonization of law enforcement” as Healey puts it, is to change then reform is a must. Which means getting rid of the high school or equivalent, instead must have a four-year degree and a background in psychology and sociology.
Then maybe perceptions regarding law enforcement will change.