A Law Enforcement Thanksgiving

400 Years Later; a LEO’s Thanksgiving Tradition

Let’s go back, shall we? …397 years ago, to Plymouth Colony, when America's first permanent Puritan settlement was established in December 1620. The Pilgrims left England to seek religious freedom, or simply to find a better life.  

Massasoit, chief of the Wampanoag tribe, signed a treaty with the Pilgrims in 1621, that was never broken. As a result, the two groups enjoyed a peaceful coexistence. The man to step forward in the Plymouth colony, as the leader, was William Bradford. He was the first elected governor in 1621, and served for 30 years. In May of 1621 the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as the first Thanksgiving celebration. Their meal included waterfowl, turkeys, venison, ham, lobster, clams, berries, fruit, pumpkin, and squash.

For more than two centuries, days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states. It wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November.

Now, how about a short legal, law enforcement and judicial review of Pilgrim History leading into the first law enforcement agency in USA history?

Let’s face it, the pilgrims and their founders had a lot on their minds; from church, government, taxes, land, native Americans, health, education, and the need for some enforceable laws for the land. By 1636 there was a realization that a code of laws and punishments needed to be established. These laws were published as the “1636 Book of Laws”, which were later called “The General Fundamentals of New Plimouth”. A local militia was established and they were authorized to enforce this criminal code. This essentially, was America’s first Police Department.

The laws that were formed were a hybrid mix of English common law combined with church doctrine. Some of the laws were regarding capital punishment, taxes, distribution of land, indentured servitude, and trial procedures. Crimes that were punishable by death included treason, murder, witchcraft, arson, sodomy, rape, bestiality, adultery, or smiting one’s parents. However, the laws of ye olde Plymouth town were mostly aimed against crimes of moral turpitude like public intoxication, gambling and fornication.

The settlement’s general court enacted the laws, passed judgment and carried out the punishment. More than just judge, jury and executioner, they were also the legislative body for the colony. Plymouth’s fledgling government was ardently devoted to law and order and to those who enforced it. Candidates for the general court of Plymouth ran on a “tough on crime” platform.

Some Sample Plymouth Colony Laws

·        Cursing God*** 3 hours in public stalks

·         Getting Drunk*** Fined, value to be determined by the magistrates

·         Traveling on Sunday***20 stilling fine

·         Stealing*** Repay double the value of what was stolen, or be publicly whipped

·         Wearing Visors or other “strange apparel***50 shilling fine

Whatever the crime, the punishment was swift and certain back then – and very, very, harsh.

2017

The Pilgrims were smart enough to value those who enforced their early code of laws and they were devout enough to give thanks for their many blessings.  My how times have changed after 4 centuries! Let’s take a closer look at the demonization law officers of 2017 face. 113 Law Enforcement Officers have died in the line of duty so far, this year, 39 by gunfire. Let’s be honest, police approval ratings may be slowly increasing… they are still very discouraging and disheartening.

Four centuries later, the criminals are better armed, are in greater force and are much more violent. But our heroes are still out protecting and serving us every day, and everywhere. Unfortunately, more and more frequently, that violence is aimed toward our keepers of the peace.

If This Is Your First Thanksgiving in The Department…

Rule #1: Thanksgiving is a VERY looooooong weekend.

Rule #2:  Rule#1 is an understatement.

The emotional toll of working Thanksgiving can be substantial for any officer and his/her family. Many officers feel like they are disappointing children, spouses, other family members, as well as themselves by working. There really is no way to make this one up, but you will feel obligated to try.  You may have to work on Christmas as well.  Family members try to understand, but you can see the sadness in their eyes; but they love you for what you do for others. You are a hero.

Additionally, because the holidays are a time for reflection, officers, like anyone else, are susceptible to feelings of melancholy, remorse or regret. They may grieve for the family of the officer that was killed in the line of duty.   This can become painful for the officer whose memories include someone he/she has injured/killed in the line of duty.  Even if an OIS was justified, on Thanksgiving (or Christmas) an officer may reflect on the individual’s family—how are they coping today?  For some officers a difficult call may cause him to remember other painful calls on a previous holiday, or a personally bad holiday, reliving the events and feelings. Talk it out….it’s human and normal.

The Upside of Working Thanksgiving

·         Anyone who has to access emergency services on Thanksgiving can because of you. 

·         Overtime

·         Station Potlucks

·         Boy and Girl Scouts bring awesome treats

·         You are with your other family.

·         It gives you a chance to make at least one stranger’s holiday a little better. 

Make Your Thanksgiving a Little Happier and More Insipiring

This Thanksgiving take time to evaluate your own life, what is most important to you?  Keep things in perspective and take some time to reflect on what you want and what you are thankful for.  Make time to write down 10 things you are thankful for, share it with a loved one, a partner or other officers. Later, if you start to feel a little down, review your list or someone else’s to rekindle some gratitude.   I’ll get you started…

I’m thankful for:

1.       My Grandson - Dougie

2.       An ability to make a difference

3.       Successful and happy children and partners

4.       Sushi

5.       Some outstanding friends

6.       Laughter

7.       Hikes in the mountains

8.       Being an American

9.       My hubby of 40 years (sometimes)

10.   Heroes

And Be Sure to Share Some Goodwill and Gratitude in the Community

Ten Easy Ways to Share Good Cheer to the Public this Thanksgiving

1.       Slip a $20 bill to a person who you know is having financial difficulty.

2.       Drop of food at the local food bank.

3.       Give toys to the children at the shelter or safe house.

4.       Pay the toll for the person behind you.

5.       Fill a parking meter.

6.       Bring some leftovers to the homeless guy or gal on your beat

7.       As you go about your day, pick up trash.

8.       Visit a nursing home on your beat with smiles and friendly conversation for patients.

9.       Thank a veteran for serving your country.

10.   Give a warning.

From all of us at Officer.com to all of you. May you have a safe, memorable, and happy holiday. We are all so very thankful for all you do.

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