Show police the respect they deserve
The recent dismissal of a police officer for using excessive force and lasing his cool has been prominent in the news. It was well documented on film but not much is mentioned about the obstinate and disruptive student's behavior. The police, like all professions attract some of the wrong people.
Let us remind ourselves of some true facts:
Crime is harder to control, with poverty, unemployment, gang pressures, etc. And budget restrictions on pay, pensions, limits ability to hire additional and needed new officers.
They deserve more respect: police like military vets do the same job: They protect the public.
With the negative and disrespectful attitudes in some areas it can be hard to find good candidates to join the police force.
When we feel that sinking feeling when a police car pulls up behind our vehicle it reminds us of proper traffic laws to follow. It may be uncomfortable but things will go a lot better if we show the respect deserved by someone doing an uncertain and at times dangerous job. The next time there is news of police brutality let the news disclose both sides of the story.
William McNutt
Des Plaines