It’s a tough time to be in law enforcement. Police officers rarely weigh in and tell you what they think. And if they do, it’s off the record. Below is a Detroit Police Officer’s thoughts in response to a recent article discussing a young Black male being fatally shot by police after he opened fire on an officer in close range and attempted to flee.
The body cam footage is graphic, and many are calling it a justified shooting.
Officer’s Profile… (Black male / 27 years old / 4 years experience / married with two kids / resides in the city of Detroit):
“Was it or was it not a good shooting as in justified? He tried to kill a cop and wasn’t even the focus of the investigation. You know it’s aggravating that my people call me names, spit at me, and don’t appreciate what we do. But on that same block a week earlier, 8 people shot, 3 of the 8 are dead, and no 1 batted an eye. We shoot someone who shot at us first and we are vilified. I leave my house every day knowing I may not come home at night for people who don’t care about me. My mayor runs the city like a business. I love him dearly but at the same time, I want to feel appreciated for what we do. Day in and day out, the Chief crucifies us. This is the first time he’s stood behind us out the gate. The people of this city don’t want rationality, they want blood and a war for no reason. We don’t want to harm anyone… we want to make money and enjoy our lives. We are threatened on a day to day basis by the community that doesn’t trust us for things officers did in other states. Like honestly man, I wouldn’t mind walking away from this and only protecting my family and letting the criminals have the city. No1 says thank you. No1 says anything other than spit on the work we do.”
Referenced article: Brother of Hakim Littleton speaks out, wants meeting with Detroit city officials
Similar Read: Professional Fear
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Saying there isn’t outrage over criminal crimes simply isn’t true.
Furthermore, they simply aren’t the same as systemic racism.
Lastly, officers seem to take personally the need to reform law enforcement. Why? Also, why don’t officers ever offer solutions to the problems they see?
I don’t know if I agree with the officer or not, but I’m sure his feelings are widespread throughout the department. For every other profession that directly impacts people and holds great responsibility, doctors, lawyers, etc., the bar is extremely high, academically and socially. I think you can become an officer in 6 months or less depending on where you apply, that’s unacceptable… and once you get a badge you’re granted unprecedented discretion. It makes literally no sense.