We are asking too much of police forces
The police have been called upon to be law keepers, social workers, medical experts, school monitors, traffic engineers and a number of other functions in a charged culture that encourages force as a way to solve problems. They rescue a kitten from up a tree, then walk straight into an armed robbery or a domestic violence situation.
The tumult right now does not indict the police as much as it recognizes that society has impossible expectations. They cannot fulfill all these tasks – and then go home and help their own families. We need a different delivery service system, including revamping employment criteria.
The pay is inadequate. We expect saintlike devotion on a salary that does not meet basic needs, and then disrespect them. Our class system rewards those who achieve personal gain at the expense of those who provide the sweat equity.
It is no wonder some are cynical or that this system has produced the cruelty that we see daily. The wonder is that so many do as much good as they can for as long as they can. It’s time to change.