I have said before we need good cops like we need air. The operative word is good. Meaning we don't need the cops who shoot at you for holding a cell phone, we need the cops who will go into our schools when an armed intruder gets in the building with bad intentions. Some of these men and women are your neighbors, they attend church with you. They help you when your car breaks down. They control traffic and a litany of other good deeds. But just like any other group you always get remembered for the worst of you. Everyone of a certain group gets lumped in with the bad apples. All black men aren't thugs, all cops aren't bullies who want to inflict harm on citizens. But undoubtedly there's always that person that believes both stereotypes are true. In light of recent events, one would surmise that these beliefs are valid , especially pertaining to law enforcement.
In life we are taught of how our experiences help formulate the person we become. Most of our nature is birthed from what we've been exposed to. This could be something that originated several generations before you were born. Sometimes we inherit sinful habits that severely stunt the development of growth in ourselves, our family or organizations we're apart of, until we as individuals attack the problem head on these issues in essence, become apart of our culture or tradition. it is apart of what we are, sometimes that's good, but oftentimes not. In the church it's called generational curses. These are problems that predispose future generations to the same issues you may have or had that your father or mother passed on to you. I know, I've experienced it for myself and if not addressed whatever the issue is whether it's pornography, alcoholism, drug abuse, gambling, etc. it can destroy you and or possibly your family. You must not allow it to continue or it wcause destruction in some form. In a biblical sense you must make a decision to repent or turn away from that sin that has continually reared it's head in your family lineage.
"The origins of modern-day policing can be traced back to the "Slave Patrol." The earliest formal slave patrol was created in the Carolinas in the early 1700s with one mission: to establish a system of terror and squash enslaved uprisings with the capacity to pursue, apprehend, and return runaway slaves to their owners. Tactics included the use of excessive force to control and produce desired slave behavior."
Over the last century there's been an increased emphasis on the policing of citizens here in America especially considering the racial element. Blacks have normally been met with more force and vitriol when faced in confrontations with law enforcement in America than any other ethnic group. Understandably this has caused a contentious relationship between both groups. In the past I have always said we need more blacks in law enforcement. They would be able to relate more closely to black citizens. Black officers would see their brothers, their sisters when addressing people that look like them. They would inherently know to treat these citizens humanely. Then I saw the video of Tyre Nichols being beaten unmercifully by those 5 Memphis police officers. This assumption was proven unfounded in this instance. I still believe having more minorities in law enforcement would be beneficial, but this tragic case shows that doesn't guarantee anything. At some point what some cops have been exposed to supersedes their sincerity for humanity. The egregious actions performed by those cops was mystifying. It brings to mind the Eric Garner assault and many others like it. Just outright blatant abuse of power especially considering it was for someone who's offense was wreckless driving. Was that even the case? There have been reports that Mr. Nichols was intentionally being harassed. I'm not trying to minimize his offense because driving wildly can hurt people and destroy property, but it's not as vile as murder, rape, or kidnapping. It's a traffic offense. Cuff him up and tow the car and we'll see you in court. The fact it took 5 cops to apprehend Tyre seems a bit disturbing but there's also a reason that the officers responsible, rightfully got no support and were fired swiftly after the video from the altercation was viewed. Well two reasons, but I'll let you assume what one of them was. This was bad. I mean bad, bad. So, serving the community by beating a handcuffed man like a bunch of hooligans is the type of public service citizens require? This occurred just down the street from Tyre Nichols parent's home. Imagine their dismay seeing something so tragic happen right outside their home. Passing that corner every time they go home will forever trigger them.
Here it is another family preparing for a funeral at the hands of those chosen to protect and serve. Another big wrongful death payout that the taxpayers will absorb for no reason of their own. I am just dumbfounded that black men, guys you would think know about George Floyd, Terrence Crutcher, and others. Did they see the type of response the general public had? You would think they know as black men the criminal justice system punishes them more harshly than any other demographic. But I guess they have been brainwashed to believe the badge makes them invincible. Newsflash fellas, you're not getting the Betty Shelby treatment. So why put yourselves in position for your actions to be judged? Regardless of your race as a cop, upholding the law humanly for all citizens is the standard. I don't know what that was or how to justify it. You're a cop, you should expect to be cursed out, spit on, and ran from. It comes with the territory, but it doesn't require that kind of reatallion especially after the threat is no longer present. I just hope that law enforcement around the country saw that video and will use it as a teaching tool to show their agencies that this type of behavior is not to be tolerated.
Policing policies need to be addressed. For far too long the ruthless behaviors which have been passed down from the Slave Patrol have been deemed acceptable by some. It's time for a change. These thugs have been taught these intimidation tatics which has been passed on for years and our our criminal justice system hasn't been holding law enforcement officers accountable. What we allow we teach. Some cops take more pride in the power they have to punish citizens than actually serving them. This has to stop. Just like Generational Curses can be destructive and divide relationships. These antiquated policing practices initiated by the Slave Patrol will continue to create a divide between law enforcement and citizens. As long as this behavior is acceptable there will never be progress in this area.
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