What about the ‘blue’ point of view?

What about the ‘blue’ point of view?

A Times Staff Commentary Everyone complains about “speed traps” and police who shoot criminals. What about the flipside? How must it be to be a cop?

As we just read in the Evening Times for a Earle policeman to go to the West Memphis Police Academy they have to have lots of proper paperwork. The new recruits have to full time workers for the city. Many small cities or townships never can afford to have a full time officer. They have to have a physical and psychological test. They also need to be covered by workman’s compensation insurance. They then have to go to a 13 week basic training class within the last nine months of employment before they can go to the West Memphis 15 week program.

Besides all the training required, of all officers, the officer is then put out on the street. He or she has to deal with drunk people, speeders who always contend that they weren’t speeding and then taking their own life at risk everytime they approach a crime scene or domestic disputes. Then there are the times they have to draw their gun. Many times they are then accused of wrongly shooting a suspect. How must it feel to have to actually pull the trigger at someone? The police are always in the situation, ‘danged if you do and danged if you don’t.’ And what about all these current riots. Riots against Trump, riots against almost anything their little hearts desire and the police are always the ‘bad guys.’ Police aren’t paid enough for all this, yet they still want to be policemen. If you want to avoid a speed trap – don’t speed. If you don’t want to be shot by a policeman, don’t be out there in a circumstance that warrants that kind of action.

I say the police aren’t given the credit they deserve. Yes, there are some bad cops but if you weigh the percentages, there are more good cops than bad cops.

Stop breaking the law and there won’t be any more criminals shot or speed tickets issued.

Oh yes, and I’d be willing to bet you will call the police when your house gets vandalized or you get hit by a car or someone steals your purse.

By Joy Hall