Brent Jette Abbotsford (Letters to the Editor, Vancouver Sun) – I am a retired member of the RCMP who has two sons and a daughter-in-law working as police officers in the Lower Mainland. Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the Surrey RCMP awards ceremony honouring police officers and others who had reached beyond the call of duty during the performance of their jobs or assisted the police over the past year. The list included civilians, provincial corrections personnel and a constable from the New Westminster police department as well as numerous RCMP members. While some awards were for the apprehension of criminals and crime-solving, it was noteworthy that a large number were for assistance to suicidal or needy persons, at times requiring risk or extra effort on the part of police.
In his closing remarks, Assistant Commissioner Peter German, the RCMP’s Lower Mainland commander, asked how many of the audience had heard of the actions of these officers in the media. Naturally, no one raised their hand; the day-to-day efforts of police officers, be they municipal or RCMP, fail to make headlines. I believe German’s point was that, despite the headlines outlining glaring incidents of police misconduct, and the attendant commentaries depicting “thugs and criminals in uniform,” British Columbians can still rely on the good conduct and motivation of the majority of our police personnel, regardless of their organization.
For each headline and organizational foul-up reported in the media, thousands of ordinary Canadians — our children, brothers, sisters and spouses — get up at 4 a.m., go to work, raise families and simply try to do their jobs. They are who you call when your home is broken into, your family member assaulted or your car stolen.
It is my experience that most police officers cringe each time a new, sensational and often less than fully investigated allegation is aired in the media. I know that I did and still do. I also know that the hearts of many of them shrink when some of these allegations are proven. The majority, however, keep showing up for work, dealing with the tedium, stress and trauma that all emergency workers experience.
They also struggle, working in organizations where conflicts often exist. But, as in any job, most try to do their best, regardless of the generalities and criticisms thrown about.
I can only ask people to look beyond the headlines and support the province’s police officers for the work they do on your and my behalf, regardless of the uniform they wear. That is what the June 19 ceremony in Surrey was about.
Recent Comments