Don’t accept violence toward police or excessive force

We have reached a crossroad in the City of Trenton. On Wednesday, gunmen allegedly fired a weapon at a Hamilton Township police officer working in tandem with the New Jersey State Police Crime Suppression Unit Task Force.

While bullets missed him and rivals, this attack represents a disturbing trend occurring in our nation.

The aforementioned officer allegedly interrupted a shooting near West State St. and Parkside Ave. Police said Dion Battle, Shaquon Hearns and Yahonatan Salter fired at the officer after he tracked them to the Oakland Park Apartments on Coolidge Ave, in an unmarked vehicle. Neither the police officer or vehicle were struck by bullets.

Police have come under assault lately and while some law enforcement detractors may have reason and cause for distrust, anger, even the luxury of loathing, we must never endorse murder or violence toward police, even when the scales of justice fail to tip in our favor, even when some police officers use excessive force — just not acceptable in an alleged civilized society.

While most members of society desire accountability and transparency from law enforcement officers who take an oath to protect and serve; plus, demand a removal of those who violate protocol and procedures while dealing with the public, we must never accept behaviors that jeopardize the lives of police officers. Any reciprocation of violence toward police sounds counterproductive toward desires for peace.

Of course, people who deliver violence in our communities, those who murder and disrupt, must be dealt with in the same manner as those who fire bullets or deliver harm to law enforcement officers. This recent incident allowed police to showcase a helicopter, Mercer County armored vehicle, big guns, interagency initiatives and other law enforcement apparatus.

When police roll out such incentives seemingly enhanced because someone shot at their brethren, this behavior seems heaped by beliefs that their lives register as more important than civilians. If police were truly invested in our lives then similar upset would occur when gun toters take the lives of our community members, even when the deceased may be gang affiliated.

Perceptions that police boot up as overseers misses the mark that they have a role of peacekeeper and public servants. Their roles become more significant and profound when they engage us, walk our streets, get to know our faces, our concerns and understand that most urban dwellers want the same tranquility most police officers and their families enjoy in suburban enclaves.

Personal disappointment exists that city leaders and community activists do not step up to the plate or podium and denounce violence toward police officers. Conversely, it’s rare for police to offer similar criticisms about other police.

Anticipation exists here for a message that despite our differences with law enforcement, we stand ready and support interactions that will cultivate improved relationships. And just like marriages, community-police relationships require interaction and understanding.

And while National Night Out receives major media attention for minimal engagement, building strong relations requires consistent interaction, cooperative efforts and building trust.

Bryan Caver, a former McCorristin High and Seton Hall University basketball star, works with his Pastor David A. Cox of Safe Haven Church in Trenton, and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office to help bridge the gap between youth and law enforcement.

“We’re trying to change the culture and to build healthy relationships between community and law enforcement.,” Caver, who operates a Hoop Skillz Elite effort that combines basketball and positive messages, said.

And the construction or improvement of culture must never, ever accept violence from police or toward police. Period.