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| Image: newyorker.com |
As a human, I grieve. As a law enforcement officer, I grieve. In our profession we are trained how to approach and control an individual for purpose of arrest. We are trained in communication, in physical tactics, in use of force in response to resistance or aggression. A fundamental principle of law enforcement use of force is that you use only that force necessary to control the individual, and you stop the use of force when no longer necessary. I am not qualified as a tactical specialist, and I work in corrections rather than on the street, but these principles are basic, and every officer is trained and is mandated to practice them from the first day of police work.
Beyond that, in the current milieu of law enforcement, we are trained in the ethical and cultural dimensions of authority in the community, of respect for each individual, and of the responsibility to intervene if another officer abuses the authority of their badge in our presence. In our agency we are trained in these principles year by year; such is mandated by our state training organization, and is welcomed and emphasized by our local agencies, the Clarke County Sheriff's Office and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, and others as well that are here unnamed.
Those officers who cannot deal with their fellow humans in respect and humanity in every encounter need to reconsider their professional calling. Abuse of authority harms the individual, harms the community, and makes much more difficult the ongoing practice of policing for the many ethical professionals in this public servant role. Law enforcement is a difficult and dangerous calling, and most large agencies are short on personnel. Within the profession we would plead with those responsible for funding that the investments be made to bring in more officers, as well as more training. But that is a discussion for another day.
To wear the badge in the 21st century is to walk in an awareness that our use of authority is contextualized by a history of racist practices by many in our profession and by contemporary events that have raised the sensitivity of everyone on both sides of every law enforcement encounter. This sensitivity conditions our approach. This history does not nullify the use of authority, but it should infuse every encounter with an extra measure of the respect, humility, communication, and self control. And those who violate their oath to uphold the law in an ethical manner must be held accountable.
As a caucasian in the profession of law enforcement and corrections, my heart goes out to the family and community of George Floyd, and I grieve. I have always attempted to use authority in a respectful way, eye to eye in every encounter, with love for my fellow humans. I am sure that I have at times fallen short. I reaffirm my commitment to the ethical practice of our profession and to help uphold professional accountability among the ranks of law enforcement.