Life is interesting with its light and darkness. Now, the nights are cool, the days bright and sunny. Sunflowers and rabbit brush announced autumn, the time when wildflowers run riot with color and the forest is invaded with piñon pickers and wood gatherers. Fiestas bring music, those who love us and those who kind of like us enough to give us a smile and a hug. But even in these beautiful days, our dark companion of problems, worries and memories of past pain remains. We are a family. And I'd like to know the group that helps us face what we fear but keeps to themselves. So, a trip to pay attention to them and learn.
The police did not always exist. There certainly were ancient armies, as well as individuals who were able and willing to deal with physical threats in small communities. It was in 1829 London, that Sir Robert Peel brought district watch groups together under the government’s central headquarters with uniforms, badges, training and certain principles to prevent crime and disorder, dependent on public approval, respect and cooperation. The offering of individual sacrifice in protecting and preserving life was to be impartial and serve all members of the public. There was also some concern that a government force of strong men could dominate instead of protect.
When I look at our own local police, I see a fellow human being, always in dark clothing weighed down with a camera, phone, and weapons. His voice is without emotion except for occasional harshness. He is usually silent in public gatherings. His car is black and white even though the situations he confronts are grey. When he’s driving quickly, I see the flashing lights and hear the sirens screaming for prayers to help what and who he will encounter. Some officers seem to rotate from city to town to county. Maybe it’s because of better compensation or the leadership style of their boss who may focus only on public opinion or only on department morale, or because of a personal mistake in one of the departments or starting their career without finishing the academy and then moving on. Chief Monte, who has more than 30 years of experience, said that the number of positions, applications and retention have decreased. I wonder if it’s due to the number of rules and regulations or our own decreased respect and sense of responsibility for helping maintain law and order. Perhaps more community involvement through Crime Stoppers or neighborhood watch groups’ meetings or just some acts of kindness can make our mutual relationships more comfortable.
The history of police in the United States has 3 periods. The era from 1800-1900 was political with control by local politicians and involved health and social welfare, law enforcement, and foot patrols. The 1900-1970 era saw reform that distanced politics and with the help of August Vollmer focused on civil service exams and technology [cars, 2-way radios, fingerprinting, crime labs, special units for vice, drugs, juveniles, tactical, etc.] to form a more professional but impersonal force that had to deal with the social unrest of the protests and race riots of the 50’s-70's. The era since the 70's has focused on community problem solving with police collaboration to work together in understanding citizen concerns and reaching solutions for crime control and prevention.
Today's lesson: “The warrior is one who sacrifices himself for the good of others.”
“To be a warrior is an endless struggle that will go on to the very last moment of our lives.”