Letter to the Editor: Supporting our LEOs

A thanks to Newton News for the special section honoring our law enforcement during Police Week. We as a community should be proud and respectful of those who risk their lives every day to protect and serve our city and county. It seems that too often our judgements and opinions of the police are clouded by the very few negative incidents involving law enforcement, and we take for granted all the great things they do that they don’t get near enough credit for.

My default position is to side with the police whenever there are accusations of misconduct, unless and until I see convincing evidence that the accusations are fair and accurate. I know that there are some around here who are quick to condemn and express anger at those whose jobs they really have no idea about. There are also folks who claim to support the police, but not if they are being pulled over for speeding or erratic driving, or if they are receiving a ticket for shooting off fireworks outside of the allowed times. Those folks think it’s some sort of game to “outwit the cops” and to get away with doing something they know they shouldn’t be doing. And of course, when they get caught they aren’t upset with their own bad behavior, they take it out on the police officer. Some even become local celebrities and have t-shirts printed up to mock the police.

In my opinion, if the sight of a police officer causes you to feel stress, or anger, that’s a reflection on you and your life choices. When I see a uniformed officer, I feel safe.

How about we all make an effort to interact with those in uniform in a positive way, instead of thinking of them as the “enemy.” They are charged with keeping us safe from those who think they are above the laws.

Talk to and get to know a police officer. You’ll find out they really are pretty good people.

John Moore

Newton