Support your police

Police officers are more likely to be shot or injured than many military members in combat support missions. Every day they have to deal with the worst citizens. Most of us must respect the law and the role that the police plays in enforcing it. But some people don’t understand, creating excessive scrutiny of officers, such as in Chicago. As a result, more than 700 citizens were killed last year, yet there does not seem to be any public outcry. But when a police officer shoots a criminal, there is national publicity convicting the officer before circumstances are known.

I have worked with police officers and troopers in Washington state. I have known many of them socially, and I have not heard any of them make racist remarks or say they enjoy the use of deadly force. They serve courageously each day expecting to return to their families.

How many critics would be willing to knock on a door or make a traffic stop not knowing they might be shot? It is time for many political leaders to support their local police and recognize that without these dedicated men and women, the murderous chaos in our inner cities will continue.

Merl Gorton Jr.

Spokane Valley