Write Lightning is a blog from writer Deb Thompson.
Everyone is welcome here.
(Some links or topics may not be completely kid-appropriate.)
Everyone is welcome here.
(Some links or topics may not be completely kid-appropriate.)
Mon, Mar 30 2009
On enforcing the law with character and compassion
The whole incident with Ryan Moats and his family was unfortunate. But I hope no one uses the situation to speak badly of the majority of officers who protect and serve. I was glad to see that a lot of older, wiser officers have spoken out about how the officer's behavior was brash and uncaring. I was especially concerned about the remark Officer Powell made, "I could screw you over." That should have never been said. Any officer who would use his position to make such personal threats has a lot to learn about working with the public.
The good news is that no one was injured or killed during the chase or during the hospital parking lot incident. This could have ended with more tragedy piled onto the family's grief over a dying relative. I'm hoping that all police departments use this as an opportunity to go over similar scenarios and assist their officers in doing the right thing in following not only the letter of the law, but the spirit of the law.
I would suggest one other idea. We need a way for motorists in emergency situations to be able to signal to officers that they are in a 911 type of situation, whether it be by cell phone, a newer car's online navigation system or some other device. Maybe some tech-savvy people will work on it. Someday soon an emergency drive might summon an immediate police escort instead of an angry confrontation.
posted at: 06:12 | category: /Miscellaneous | link to this entry
The whole incident with Ryan Moats and his family was unfortunate. But I hope no one uses the situation to speak badly of the majority of officers who protect and serve. I was glad to see that a lot of older, wiser officers have spoken out about how the officer's behavior was brash and uncaring. I was especially concerned about the remark Officer Powell made, "I could screw you over." That should have never been said. Any officer who would use his position to make such personal threats has a lot to learn about working with the public.
The good news is that no one was injured or killed during the chase or during the hospital parking lot incident. This could have ended with more tragedy piled onto the family's grief over a dying relative. I'm hoping that all police departments use this as an opportunity to go over similar scenarios and assist their officers in doing the right thing in following not only the letter of the law, but the spirit of the law.
I would suggest one other idea. We need a way for motorists in emergency situations to be able to signal to officers that they are in a 911 type of situation, whether it be by cell phone, a newer car's online navigation system or some other device. Maybe some tech-savvy people will work on it. Someday soon an emergency drive might summon an immediate police escort instead of an angry confrontation.
posted at: 06:12 | category: /Miscellaneous | link to this entry
