The Thin Blue Line flag has been getting a lot of attention and not all of it positive. The show I Detective, assembled a group of law enforcement professionals to discuss not only what the flag means to them, but the history behind it as well. The term 'thin blue line" has been used for quite some time; first coined in the United States around 1911 by the military. It was used to denote those times they were marching into battle. For law enforcement it has been around since about 1922 when the New York Police Commissioner mentioned the "thin blue line" at a public relations conference. Since then it has been used throughout time in a positive capacity for law enforcement.
The podcast, hosted by Christopher DePerno and John Savage, featured, Sheriff Dale Schmidt, Sheriff Todd Hood, Dr. Andrea Morey, and our own, Lt. Frank Borelli. The panel discussed personal meaning of the thin blue line as well as incidents they have encountered concerning the 'controversy' over it.
The Thin Blue Line flag has recently been noted as a symbol of racism. However, for the law enforcement professional, and their families, the flag is symbolic of an entire community which unites those in the police world together. It is a symbol that serves as a reminder to be strong no matter the circumstance, and that your brothers and sisters who are also in the field have your back just as you would have theirs. The thin blue line is a symbol of goodness and strength with a servitude of justice.
As mentioned, historically, the term 'thin blue line' has meant solidarity and a stance for all that is good and just. It has never promoted negativity, it has only been used to bring the police family together and to remind the public what law enforcement stands for, justice, truth, and integrity.
Hilary Rodela
Hilary Rodela is currently a Surveillance Officer, a former Private Investigator, a former Crime Scene Investigator, and Evidence Technician. She worked for the Ruidoso (NM) Police Department as well as the Lubbock (TX) Police Department. She has written for several public safety publications and has extensive law enforcement and forensic training and is pursuing forensic expertise in various disciplines. Hilary is a freelance public safety writer and curriculum developer for the National Investigative Training Academy.
