OPINION:
Recently police officers and other first responders around the nation were hailed as heroes for their selfless performance and sacrifice amidst the COVID-19 crisis. Fast forward to the horrific death of George Floyd and the resultant impact of four Minneapolis cops being charged in that case. Suddenly cops throughout the nation were disparaged, criticized and verbally and physically attacked. Riots and looting ensued. Protests nationwide evolved, focusing on a demand for major reform in law enforcement including, in some jurisdictions, a ludicrous call for dismantling police departments entirely. Police officers were quickly diminished in stature from heroes to villains.
The majority of law-enforcement officers throughout the nation are dedicated, educated and skilled professionals who put their lives on the line daily and do their jobs well. The good-cop majority is as appalled as anyone else by the unwarranted and disturbing nature of George Floyd’s death, as well as some other notable cases, and they condemn them as any humane, sensible person would. Tragically, though, all cops have now become not only villains but victims of a tremendous backlash as part of which they have been grouped into a category labeled racist and incompetent.
In every profession there are some bad apples including law enforcement. No good cop wants a bad cop, who will tarnish their badge, reputation or livelihood, on the force. As in all professions, there must be accountability that starts with keen and stringent screening of candidates for hire, appropriate and ongoing training, and the ability of departmental leadership to swiftly weed out any existent bad apples.
Police officers are essential for the maintenance of societal order and crime prevention. Community engagement is critical. Dismantling police departments is a knee-jerk reaction and denigrating all officers is not a fair or effective solution for vital public safety.
KAREN L. BUNE
Adjunct professor, Marymount University
Arlington, Va.
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