Cops and Community

I start this post by saying one thing. I'm troubled. I am troubled by the lines that are being drawn by citizens and also by the police. The polarizing state of unrest and distrust has the makings of being incredibly problematic.

The power dynamic here seems to be the police, whom have resources and means to uphold the law as written by local and state governments. The citizens, whom have each other and the constitution that protects the rights of every single American. However between those two groups one of these powers seems more tangible and readily available.

I like anyone else are appalled by videos that surface questioning the practices of law enforcement. Often violent the question we have to ask ourselves first is: Why did this happen? Once we see the evidence, once the accurate information is released, and the police officer is found to be justified in his actions we have to respect that decision. Sometimes it's not that easy I know, justice systems are another topic for another day. When he is found unjustified, his actions are his alone and do not represent the police force as a whole.

Condemning them as a whole does not make communication between law enforcement and citizens easier.

They have a job to do and we can help with it when we are having an open dialogue with police.

The police however must respect the citizens and their rights. They do not get to dismiss a citizen's rights simply because the citizen you have come into contact with doesn't respect them or has personally made you angry. Most local law enforcement is paid by taxpayers. We entrusted you to protect us, and uphold the laws made by our elected representatives. Show us as citizens that respect.

When it comes to violent stand-offs and altercations that can result badly it is up to them to decipher whether or not what is the proper course of action.

The particular example of that use of power in this story is not one of them because the narrative is basically unacceptable:

What the hell happened to Cops and Community?

Officer Nick Schultz of Merrillville Indiana was shot in the line of duty. According to reports by The Chicago Tribune he even gave his organs to six other people to save lives after being taken off life support. 

He was the first Merrillville officer to be killed in the line of duty. The services honored him and his life accomplishments remembered.

With memories of the funeral services fresh still in many minds a man named Kevin Kirby posted a controversial post about the police officers. He was arrested hours later after the post for having several arrest warrants, it hasn't been reported yet as to what those warrants were reportedly for, and also as a person of interest.
This particular image has been making the rounds on Facebook.

 

The post by the man Kevin Kirby is heinous and insensitive. Everyone agrees, as do I that he should never even thought to type such an offensive post.  With several outstanding warrants, photos, and a post like these:

 It shows there's plausible reason to arrest him. This arrest is fine with me, but the narrative is what is most concerning. I am sure as more information is released we will see what is next for this man Kevin Kirby..

Surfing the internet searching for more on this unfolding story I came across a Facebook user whom made a manifesto that I believe is troubling while posting a picture of this man's arrest:

Why is that meme post getting so much traction? Why would someone state something so threatening? Why images under that narrative and rhetoric were used when he clearly had actual warrants out for his arrest? It leads to a question of making an example of a citizen not by just the law enforcement that apprehended him but also by some law enforcement reaction and response to the narrative.

We can't have rhetoric that says:

"Let this message be clear. We will not tolerate social media cop bashing and threats. Just ask Kevin Kirby." 

The threats this post claims pales in comparison to threats of what is seemingly an officer considering the tone of the post. Citizen's have power, but the police have an entire arsenal on their side that any regular citizen does not have. Threats I get, I hear that loud an clear. Not one citizen should be threatening anyone especially not the police. We have agreed we need local law enforcement for order. Your message is heard as one to an entire society who wants to hold it's public servants accountable when necessary.This post however isn't a message to criminals. It's to people they serve and protect. It's to the people recording interactions as a way to protect themselves to have a visual account from their perspective of law enforcement contact.

It is a message to all of us. Put the cameras down or be arrested. No more recording us.

We need police officers though to protect us from dangerous people. We as citizens need cameras because for some individuals power that is bestowed upon them is abused and corrupted. My family has many that served in the armed forces and police. What they taught me was to know my rights, and to go to the good guys when your in trouble.Communities need police officers to look after them not fear based messages like this. Disassociating yourself from the community makes it that more dangerous to do your job. 

We have to start seeing ourselves in each other. The Ferguson riots are an example of the mistrust and disconnect between community and law enforcement. You're the good guys. I still believe that.

What the hell happen to Cops and Community? They stopped living in the same neighborhood.