Trying times

It’s been a really tough month for police officers and their families. I’d like all of our readers to know that we stand with you, and mourn with you. My heart goes out to the families and coworkers of those targeted and killed in Dallas and Baton Rouge. I support you all as you continue to put on the uniform each morning, afternoon and evening in light of these recent—deliberate—murders of U.S. police officers. Perhaps when you dress you feel as though you walk around with a target on your back. On top of everything, you now have to keep one eye open for this newly ignited segment of the population: individuals who are stirred up and brimming with misguided hatred. Individuals who do not value life.
Just days before Officer Montrell Jackson (Baton Rouge) and his fellow officers were assassinated, Jackson posted this to his Facebook account:

“I’m tired physically and emotionally. Disappointed in some family, friends and officers for some reckless comments…In uniform I get nasty hateful looks and out of uniform some consider me a threat…These are trying times. Please don’t let hate infect your heart.…I’m working in these streets so any protesters, officers, friends, family or whoever, if you see me and need a hug or want to say a prayer. I got you.”

Just as media and social media helped to nurture surprising levels of violence in recent days, officers have also taken to Facebook and Twitter to voice their own sentiments, criticisms and encouragement. It may seem small, but I think it is an important step to healing. Create a dialogue. Sheriff to sheriff, lieutenant to officer, officer to citizen, and so on. No matter what medium you choose, it’s important to avoid keeping fears or disappointments to ourselves as chances are we are not alone. Sometimes it’s prudent to measure our words, yes. But real change happens when we engage, honestly and with intent to move forward. My hope is, at the very least, these recent tragedies stand to bring people together with much more immediacy than before. That civilians and law enforcement alike step forward to build bridges.
Maybe your badge has never felt heavier. Seek out support to lighten the load. Start a dialogue and you might come away changing someone’s outlook, or even your own.