How Often Are Law Enforcement Officers Gratefully Acknowledged for Serving Local Communities?

More often than one would think, letters and praises are written to commanding officers and individual officers expressing their admiration for the diligent work and upstanding ethics displayed.

However, the levels of gratitude vary significantly among different communities and even different officers.Unfortunately, such gratitude is far from sufficient given the risks we take and the hardships we endure. We often serve not only perfect strangers but an increasingly hostile public that harbors intense hatred for us.

There have been only a few instances that stand out in my career, retired in 1990. One incident remains particularly vivid: we were searching for a lost child and eventually found him unharmed after hours in the woods. Upon returning him to his parents, the child jumped into his mother's arms, and as she hugged him, she mouthed 'Thank you.' That simple expression was worth the countless years of receiving little to no recognition or appreciation.

Warnings to the Public?

During the 1960s, the concept of "free speech" often covered incidents of public violence, leading to disagreements over police pay. Jurisdictions had to raise salaries, a clear sign that law enforcement was not being valued adequately. Attempts by the LAPD and Oakland PD to recruit me highlighted the view that these were not desirable places to work due to the apparent lack of respect and ethics.

Policing Today: Ethical Challenges

Today, ethical dilemmas persist. Democrats and attorneys are quick to claim that police officers are amassing wealth at public expense, but it would be unfair to hold all law enforcement personnel to such standards. Many join the profession with the understanding that accolades and recognition are not the primary motivations. Rather, they often serve out of a sense of duty and public service.

Gratitude Amidst Adversity

Not only are instances of appreciation rare, but law enforcement officers often face public criticism and hostility, especially in times of crisis. For instance, during a serious car accident, victims are preoccupied and overwhelmed, making it difficult to appreciate the help they receive. One memorable case involved a mother whose son had drunk a six-pack of beer and consumed methamphetamine, leading to a tragic incident that left the child hanging from the rafters. My colleague and others performed CPR and medical assistance, only for the child to be pronounced deceased later.

The mother wrote a letter complaining about the officers' actions, despite them following their training diligently. Such emotive feedback can be painful to hear, even if the outcome was not in our hands. However, in another instance, a police officer took the initiative to retrieve a Christmas tree from a vehicle, which then harked to the home of a family involved in a recent accident. A year later, a grateful letter was received, reminding us of the kind act. Though we did not expect thanks, such expressions are indeed comforting.

In conclusion, while a deep sense of responsibility to the community compels law enforcement officers, the recognition they receive is far from commensurate with the services they provide. It is essential to acknowledge and express gratitude for their hard work and commitment.