Challenging times for law enforcement officers

The killing of George Floyd on May 25 by a Minneapolis police officer has sparked protests across the country for the 13th straight day as of today (June 7, 2020). Early protests turned into riots and looting causing injuries and in some instances death though not in great numbers. The police officer directly involved in his killing, Derek Chauvin, was arrested and charged with second degree murder. Three other police officers who were in a back up role were also charged basically for not intervening and stopping their partner. All involved were fired.

The protests have extended beyond the United States and transformed into a fight against racism movement. I have friends who have joined in and posted their participation in peaceful protests on Facebook.

Protest in Hagerstown, MD, on June 7, 2020. Source: The Herald-Mail.

Facebook is currently a forum where people are very divided and emotions are seemingly high on both sides. That leaves me at times confused about my role as a police officer and an individual. My wife wishes I played a more active role in condemning bad police actions.

However, I'm refraining from being outspoken on social media because we were told during pre-FTO orientation to avoid making controversial statements on Facebook, especially during these times. We were given the same warning almost seven months ago, when we were hired, long before today's events (even though, I've by now seen many posts by fellow co-workers that are pro-police in nature with some close to controversial).

It's a free country and freedom of speech certainly apply to law enforcement officers when we're off duty. But there could be negative consequences if there was a complaint, as that has happened before.

The times are challenging to say the least. On my Facebook feed, I watch two sides fight. On one side is my family and my former co-workers from my previous job advocate for police accountability and racial justice. On the other side, I see posts from current co-workers that essentially support the "thin blue line."

I've wanted to be a police officer for over a decade. I never thought I'd become one in times like this. Thankfully, these protests have now become more peaceful, although more radical in nature. Many are now pushing for disbanding or cutting funding to police departments.

Hopefully, the country can heal and move forward. We still have the coronavirus to deal with.