Police cop too much unfair flak

THE narrative portraying US police officers as little more than unaccountable criminals with badges continues to be undermined by the facts, as demonstrated by several recent events. Police must make split-second, life-or-death decisions and live with the consequences. In most cases, they make the right decision. And in those instances where police do wrong, they are held accountable.

Those who suggest police work is easy and that the correct decision is always obvious should put themselves in that officer’s shoes. That law officers are willing to risk their own lives in such situations to protect the community is something for which most Oklahomans are grateful.

In Palm Springs, officers Lesley Zerebny and Jose “Gil” Vega were killed recently in an ambush while responding to a disturbance call. Zerebny had just returned from maternity leave. Vega was months from retirement.

Police not only make decisions in split seconds, but can face lethal threats just as quickly. This doesn’t mean no officer crosses the line. But when that happens, law enforcement officials are quick to investigate. Lieutenant Alex Edwards, a 10-year veteran of the Oklahoma City Police Department, was arrested last week on prostitution-related felony complaints. Edwards had been involved in community nonprofit work and had never been under investigation. That didn’t cause law enforcement officials to turn a blind eye.

That’s in keeping with prior incidents in Oklahoma City. Officer Daniel Holtzclaw was accused of raping multiple women while on duty. He was ultimately sentenced to 263 years in prison for rape, sexual battery and other charges.

Despite the overwrought assertions of some activists, working in law enforcement is not a licence to run wild. It remains a difficult, stressful job in which danger is ever present, subject to the highest level of scrutiny and with firm consequences for those who don’t toe the line.