Police . . . It takes work to make it work

Frame of Reference - Profiles in Leadership

So, there's an obvious problem when the people that lay their lives on the line to protect us, (and that we depend upon for that security) have image, procedural, and behavioral issues that we see exploited in the media and demonstrated on the streets regularly. We don't see, nor are we regularly reminded of all the work that most officers do to try and keep their community's and themselves safe. But man do we ever hear about the times when they fail. More importantly, we DON'T hear about all the times when Police make a bad call in a situation that antagonizes people. Especially those that are already "behind the 8 ball" due to their economic condition, situational circumstances, or the color of their skin. The fact is that there are systemic problems that need to be discussed that range from spending the time and money (pony up taxpayers) necessary to prepare and maintain our policemen and women, as well as the laws that often have more to do with oppression than they do with justice. (Probably made some enemies with that comment).
The reality is that being a police officer is a tough job, and it's one with horrible consequences when we get it wrong. So, let's get it right by figuring out the best tools for helping officers to keep themselves and us safe, while helping them to understand what happens when they allow their insecurities and biases (we ALL have those) to take over. Far too many people of color pay a huge price when that happens, and black people, have to stomach a LOT of anger and humiliation to avoid confrontations that can quickly result in incarceration, beatings or worse. That's not an indictment of Police, that's a condition that is perpetrated by ignorance.

Thanks for listening. Please check out our website at www.forsauk.com to hear great conversations on topics that need to be talked about. In these times of intense polarization we all need to find time to expand our Frame of Reference.