Letter: Lack of respect for police is appalling
The general lack of respect for the police in today’s society is appalling. Given the long hours and nights of sleep sacrificed for our own safety, I think that it is unfair for so many people to unceasingly insult police officers.
Yes, a few officers have been known from time to time to screw up, but every person in existence has. None of these mistakes go viral with hateful hashtags and disrespectful messages on social media.
When you’re a police officer, you stand out from the rest, you work a dangerous job, long hours, and miss crucial family time just to keep the ungrateful people of your city safe. That’s honorable.
Growing up, when I told my fellow classmates I aspired to be a police officer, they were in awe, saying “what a cool job.” Now, as a high school student, anyone who hears the word “police” begins to rant about how unfair and racist and corrupt they are.
Nobody takes the time to look at police officers as individuals, rather than a whole. When one person makes a mistake, they don’t even own up to it, and they go on with their lives. Today, police officers don’t get to.
Henry Kleppin, West Richland
This story was originally published November 21, 2015 at 5:21 PM with the headline "Letter: Lack of respect for police is appalling."