LISTEN UP: I WOULD RATHER GIVE A SHOUT-OUT TO THE 'BLUE' THAN EXPERIENCE A SHOOT-OUT ON THE STREETS

BILLY ROY WAYNE

It would be totally na'ive to think that all police officers are "good cops." lt would be totally foolish to think that most officers are "bad cops ."

We find good and bad in every walk of life. Police officers are no exceptions. The recent wave of incidents involving local and national police officials have been well documented.

I cannot equate my experiences with "the law" with the experiences of others. I have, for the most part, had positive dealings with police officials.

There are those who by their mere experiences will differ with me. And, quite justifiably, they would be correct in doing so.

I personally feel that the police and teaching professions are two of the most underpaid, underappreciated and "undermined" careers which exist. These two groups of professionals are often expected to go over and beyond their specified duties.

I understand the pressures and barriers which I experienced as a professional educator. I cannot say that I understand the pressures and barriers of being a policeman, but I can equate one aspect of these two professions.

At one time in the early stages of my teaching career, instructors were told to "break up" any fights or disturbances which occurred near our classroom or duty stations.

We were told not to handle female students too "overly physical." With hair pulling and nail scratching , we had to risk injuring ourselves without hurting them. I had to learn what that meant because my undergraduate studies didn't include such training.

Police officials must walk the delicate balance of prohibiting disturbances without being overly physical. They must be protective for citizens, although they might be protested in doing so.

And yet, make no mistake about it, there are some who have been "overly physical." So, what's my point? Given all the flaws and fallacies which may exist within the ranks of our law officials, I would issue this caution .

If our local and national cities are experiencing the criminal activities we now face with undermanned police personnel, it will be extremely hazardous to lose what we have.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE August 21 ISSUE OF FOCUS SB - THE INQUISITOR.