Police officers under fire once again

The recent conviction of Brooklyn Center police officer Kim Potter once again shows the danger all police officers are facing in today’s society while they are protecting the public and attempting to do their jobs to the best of their ability.

As a retired police officer with over 33 years experience, I was amazed that the jury convicted her after reviewing all the circumstances involved in the shooting. No one should have been killed in this situation; however, there is no doubt that she intended to use her taser instead of duty weapon, and the remorse she showed after the shooting and in court shows she had no intention of killing Daunte Wright.

People are human and often make mistakes, and should not be crucified for their mistakes for many years to come, and I feel Daunte Wright also made a mistake by resisting and attempting to get back into the vehicle when he had a warrant for his arrest, and should have gone peacefully, thus preventing this tragedy from occurring.

Law enforcement agencies all across the nation are losing officers in alarming numbers, and having difficulty hiring new officers, mainly due to exactly what occurred in this tragic event. The problem with taking funding from police budgets across America is certainly leading to the increase in killings and all crimes where gangs are terrorizing people everywhere, including vandalism to property and thefts.

I will be sending a copy of this letter in support of Kim Potter to Judge Regina Chu who will be sentencing her in February, at Hennepin County Courthouse, 300 South 6th St, Minneapolis, MN, 55487, and I would hope that those who feel the same would send in their own letter of support. Just maybe the judge will show some compassion for an officer who dedicated her life to protecting and serving.

Bill Conlan West Haven

The writer is a retired West Haven deputy police chief.