The Reality

Short of abolishing the police, after May 25th, 2020 police reform seemed imminent.

Four years later, there is no statistical change in the number of police killings in the United States. Most are by gunfire, but a number of them are by choke hold, the controversial “police tactic” that killed George Floyd.

Rather than quote readily available statistics, you should do your own research.
Google “police killings” and “choke holds” and get ready to be shocked.

None of this is meant to impugn police officers in general. Remember, when viewing statistics related to police shootings, most of the shootings were justified. For example, if you point a weapon at a police officer, expect to be shot. This truism has led to a phenomenon known as “suicide by cop” or “law-enforcement assisted suicide.” This even applies to pointing a toy, or replica weapon at a cop. Expect to be shot.

The truth is, the vast majority of women and men wearing law enforcement uniforms are people of great honor and integrity. We should thank them everyday for the lives they allow the rest of us to enjoy. If any cop feels it’s “a thankless job” that’s on us – the public. I assure you, the citizens of your community thank you, even if they don’t express it everyday.

When it comes to police reform, we have to listen to the women and men in the trenches and find balanced, sensible compromises that address the concerns of all citizens. Legislatures must be ready to respond with adequate, responsible funding. The work has barely begun.