Them vs us. It seems that is the direction law enforcement/civilians relations are going today.
Several things seem to highlight the increasing distrust many 'civilians' have of police. We all know about the 'mistakes', that lead to death or injury of innocent civilians, and while these acts are a part of the problem, they are not the problem. I think it is deeper than that, so I'll start in another direction.
First 'civilians' are made different from 'police' just because of these two names. Police create us vs them in this manner.
Next, Police, when off duty, driving POVs or city/state cars, cannot seem to drive in a reasonable manner.
Next, police officers, talking about being members of the largest street gang in America. Comment like " you may own ***** but I own the streets.
Again, LEOs bragging about new equipment bought from proceeds of seizures.
I am sure other members will add to this list.
I know that we civilians/citizens must do and say many things that ruffle the feathers of law enforcement officers. I'll let LEOs list what they see as problems with the rest of us.
I know, as a citizen, I do not wish a war with the police, and I cannot believe the police really want a war with the citizens of the United States. The gap between these two groups is growing at a rapid pace. Two questions:
What can the citizens do to stop this from becoming a war?
What can law enforcement do to keep this from becoming a war?
GLV
Several things seem to highlight the increasing distrust many 'civilians' have of police. We all know about the 'mistakes', that lead to death or injury of innocent civilians, and while these acts are a part of the problem, they are not the problem. I think it is deeper than that, so I'll start in another direction.
First 'civilians' are made different from 'police' just because of these two names. Police create us vs them in this manner.
Next, Police, when off duty, driving POVs or city/state cars, cannot seem to drive in a reasonable manner.
Next, police officers, talking about being members of the largest street gang in America. Comment like " you may own ***** but I own the streets.
Again, LEOs bragging about new equipment bought from proceeds of seizures.
I am sure other members will add to this list.
I know that we civilians/citizens must do and say many things that ruffle the feathers of law enforcement officers. I'll let LEOs list what they see as problems with the rest of us.
I know, as a citizen, I do not wish a war with the police, and I cannot believe the police really want a war with the citizens of the United States. The gap between these two groups is growing at a rapid pace. Two questions:
What can the citizens do to stop this from becoming a war?
What can law enforcement do to keep this from becoming a war?
GLV