Law Enforcement

I was walking into work in the middle of the night at 6:30 A.M. A woman who arrived at the same time was walking with me and started complaining about the stupid cop who pulled her over this morning and about how he must not have had anything to do. There were other comments about donuts, free coffee, etc. What was this woman doing? Well, she was pulled over for going 79 mph... the speed limit? 55 mph. 24 mph OVER the posted speed limit... right, this cop had nothing else to do but pull you over for no good reason. Idiot. Clearly, this woman and I do not know each other very well or she would have never sought sympathy from me. It was tough, but I refrained from telling her what a moron she is for complaining and blaming someone else for something SHE could have easily prevented (and the part about how the cop was "hiding" so it wasn't fair? Too F-ing bad). Really, how ignorant. (Also, while we're on the subject... police don't make the laws, they just enforce them).

I have incredible respect for the men and women in the law enforcement profession. They see people at their worst every day and most of the time they become jaded and cynical because of it. It's a thankless job, but they choose to fight the good fight because someone has to do it. Unlike many of the kids I see today, my siblings and I were taught to respect police officers and address them as Officer so and so, or Sir or Ma'am.

As a matter of fact, I went through the police academy and almost became a police officer. I still wonder sometimes if it's something I would like to pursue again. You see, being around it my entire life, I have always been interested in the criminal justice system. I know many police officers, but closest to me are my dad and oldest brother. Am I biased? Possibly a little bit. But I think the majority of police officers are good people. I am not naive enough to believe that there aren't some bad apples, but I don't think there are nearly as many as some people would like to believe. Since the bad apple concept applies to ALL professions, I can't seem to understand why it's police officers who are constantly bashed.

If you are still interested in reading, take a look at this... which I wrote for my high school English class.

Over the years, as I have watched my dad and brother pin on their badges while getting ready for their shifts, I have often wondered: If the badge could talk, what would it say? If the badge could see, what has it seen? As I stared at the badge, the visions showed me reflections of a society that has become apathetic to crime, a judicial system that is too lenient, and criminals who have become fearless in the face of any authority.

Reflected in the badge are vivid pictures of what police officers see every day, and what we, as a society, pretend does not exist. Pictures of rape, child abuse, and spousal abuse are vividly reflected. There is the constant reflected video of gang slayings, shootings, innocent victims killed, and the still shots of drug deals, stabbings, and murder, to name a few. Along with these are the close up images of drunk driving, prostitution, burglaries, and suicide. If the badge could talk, it would have some powerful stories to tell, and questions to ask society. What happened to America; where did all this crime come from? Why did that father beat his child to death? Why did that drunk driver get behind the wheel and kill innocent victims, then survive?

These reflections can often be seen by a police officer in one eight hour shift. Can you imagine how many adrenaline rushes occur in that short time frame; how on every call, they do not know what to expect? Is there someone with a gun? Is my life in danger? When will my backup arrive? The old saying, “it’s an ugly job, but someone has to do it,” could not be more true than in the law enforcement profession.

So, when I welcome my dad home, his shoulders drooping as if he has the weight of the world on them, I realize, he does. As I watch him take off the tools of his trade – his gun, his badge, his bulletproof vest – I am very sad for what he has seen while on duty. Yet, I am extremely proud of the job he has chosen. My oldest brother and I have chosen to follow in his footsteps. This is a tribute for us all.

Families of police officers have heavy loads to carry. We are supposed to be the pillars of society; we are supposed to set examples. We are expected to act normal in our abnormal worlds and never have negative attitudes. After all, our loved ones are just “pigs” who ride around in their squad cars eating donuts and drinking “free” coffee all day and night. Well America, look again. Next time you see a squad car go by with lights and sirens going and wonder what kind of call they are going on – a shooting, a burglary, an accident with injuries – ask yourself, would you like to exchange places with them?

We families spend holidays without our loved ones; we miss their presence on special occasions, because they have to work. Because someone we love dearly has chosen to become a police officer, our lives are not normal. And for that, I am thankful. As the daughter and sister of police officers, my life has not been “normal,” but it has been filled with love, support, pride, and incredible respect for the law enforcement profession. Only the people who have lived this type of lifestyle can truly understand law enforcement officers and what their job means to them. It is the love and support of family and friends that keeps a police officer going. I would not want my dad or my brother in any other profession, and I could not be more proud and aware of the job police officers do.



P.S. I really think police officers should be allowed to write tickets for being stupid when the people they are dealing with act in this fashion.