POLICE OFTEN MAKE POSITIVE DIFFERENCE

Watching the news has become a frightening experience. Just when we seem to be managing COVID19 and the fear of contracting the deadly virus, attention has turned to the systemic racism in our midst with the catalyst being the tragic death of George Floyd leading to riots and looting all across the world.

All police are being portrayed as evil villains. They are being tarred with the same brush as being quick to shoot and targeting visible minorities.

There are bad apples in every profession. They are bad teachers, lawyers, doctors, tradespeople, etc. The list can go on and on.

As a former teacher, I can remember cringing when a teacher was in the news for sexual abuse. It didn’t mean that we were all sexual perverts.

Let us not forget that the vast majority of the people in all these professions are good people who care for others and they try to do the best job they humanly can.

Over the years, I have had dealings with police officers (including RCMP) who have gone beyond the call of duty to make a difference in the lives of others.

I have witnessed police officers who volunteer every year to support Safe Grad events so that parents can go to sleep knowing that their children will arrive home safely in the morning. All across Canada, police officers volunteer at Police Boys and Girls Clubs to teach children valuable life lessons. Many of these youngsters need a positive role model in their lives.

Compassion is shown when police arrive at a scene involving a death that has occured at home. Walking into a house when the residents are experiencing the worse day of their lives can’t be easy but they do it on a fairly regular basis. They offer support and comfort when it is most needed.

During my life, I have seen police officers stay in touch with families after the occurrence of a violent event. Their actions were greatly appreciated.

Fortunately, I have seen these public servants at their best. Not that I am always happy when I see lights flashing in my rear-view mirror when my foot is a bit heavy on the gas pedal. But they are just doing their job.

The media is reporting that some people are trying to get rid of Chase, of Paw Patrol fame, because he is always being portrayed as being good and looking to solve problems in his cartoon community. Anyone with a preschool child is well aware of Chase, Rubble and the rest of the Paw Patrol gang. Just what’s wrong with Chase being a good cop-puppy?

Do children have to have a negative view of public servants who don a police uniform?

Yes, systemic racism does exist in every police organization including the RCMP but it does not exist in every police officer.

Weed out the bad apples and get rid of them. Show respect to the good ones.

Yvonne Kennedy Homeville