Keeping kids safe - from the police

By any standards, 14 teenagers shot by Chicago police officers in a three-month period (between June 11 and Aug. 24) is an alarming and disgraceful way to serve and protect citizens.

The logic behind the orders "when all else fails shoot-to-kill" gives the perception to the public-at-large. and especially our youth, that Chicago police officers cannot be trusted and should be feared.

As our kids prepare to return to school with books in hand, it is our unfortunate duty as loving parents to warn them about confrontations with the police and how the color of the law may be life threatening.

The rules of engagement are simple - don't. Don't do anything or say anything that may cause the police to think that you may be a threat to them, and hopefully they won't be a threat to you.

Every year, the Chicago Police Department cost the city millions of dollars from official misconduct and excessive force lawsuits that have resulted in the deaths of innocent people (in the majority of black and Latino neighborhoods).

It is unclear why our children are on the front line of an apparent culture of aggression by the police, but parents need to consider the facts.

Last year this time, about 350 people, mostly children and teenagers, marched from Cabrini-Green to City Hall to protest the police shooting of 14-year-old Ellis Woodland, who was shot to death by Chicago police officers.

It's a harsh reality. Something needs to be done.

Parents need to let the police know that you're fed up with the way they handle situations involving our youth, and don't let the beginning of this school year end with the death of another child.

William J. Booker

Chicago