Defend, Defund...or Somewhere in Between?

 

“Cops are held to a higher standard of accountability than the rest of the population…as it should be. But never forget that they are people too. Men and women…subject to the same doubts and regrets…that all of us are. I’m not asking for anyone to cut us slack, not at all. But a little recognition…for the conditions under which our men and women operate…that’d go a long way.” 

                   NYPD Police Commissioner Frank Reagan, NBC’s Blue Bloods

 Since 2002 I’ve had the privilege of being the chaplain for the Burlington Police Department. Over the course of the past two decades, I’ve interacted with local officers from our department, as well as officers from other departments. These men and women aren’t perfect, nor do they profess to be, but they are committed to making a difference and serving for the good of the public. It’s been very hard for me to watch the national maligning and misrepresentation of law enforcement.   Usually, at this time of year, I participate in our local Fallen Officers’ Ceremony. With Covid-19 this year’s ceremony was postponed. Yet, everyone should remember that every time an officer puts on the uniform, in the back of their minds they know that it could be the last time. They don’t know who they will encounter during their shift, pull over or what call they will be sent to. Law enforcement officers are required to run in when everyone else is running out. 

  A ride along with an officer is very eye-opening. Every elected official and those critical of cops should be required to do one. I’ll never forget my first one. I was psyched up for a drug bust or at least a high-speed traffic stop. That first call quickly altered my misconceptions. It was the horrible crime of a barking dog. That was it. No assaults or batteries. No one was even letting loose a string of profanities…just an annoying, barking dog. 

  And I remember thinking, “Why didn’t the man just go over and talk to his neighbor instead of calling the police?” It’s my belief that one part of the solution for our current law enforcement crisis is not a defunding of the police and certainly not getting rid of the police entirely. Those options would be disastrous for those who most need police protection and the intervention of law enforcement. Part of the solution is found in the Bible of neighbors being responsible for neighbors. Isn’t that a key point in Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan? The Samaritan was a hero because he got personally involved, even at risk and at great cost to himself. 

  To begin just learn your neighbors’ names, the names of their children…even their pets. Swapping phone numbers is a great place to start. Exchanging normal civility like speaking to them when you see them in their yard or waving as you drive by. 

  Strictly speaking, there was no police force in ancient Israel, but there were systems in place for community policing. When a crime took place, the whole community was expected to cry out, and all within earshot were obligated to assist. The seeds of that rationale are still seen in volunteer fire departments and neighborhood watch programs. 

  Our lack of knowing our neighbors has been fertilized by our placing decks and patios on the backs of our homes. We’re missing the benefit of the front porch. It’s one reason we put a bench out front of our home where I often read. It’s an opportunity to interact with my neighbors. As the weather grows warmer, we put a water bowl by the sidewalk for dog walkers to use to satisfy a thirsty pooch. 

  Many law enforcement crises would be eradicated if parents parented or when there was a problem with their child, be the parent instead of calling the cops. The same is true in marriages or other relationships. Many use cops to show the person they’re bickering with that they’re serious. It’d be better to leave, rent a room at a motel or even sleep on a friend’s couch. Obviously, if there’s a risk of violence, one needs to dial 911. Yet, often before the situation escalates it can be calmed by a simple exit of one of the combatants. 

  Jesus said, “You will always have poor people with you” (John 12:8, Good News Translation). Ours is a fallen, sin-contaminated world. Because of that reality, there will always be poor, disabled, mentally ill, homeless, fatherless, orphans, single parents, and others that are disenfranchised. They are the ones most often abused and taken advantage of by the powerful and cruel. They’re the ones most needing the protection of law enforcement. Defunding the police leaves the most vulnerable even more vulnerable. It’s already taking place in communities that have bought into the latest social fad purported as some type of solution. 

  While there needs to be a strict evaluation of law enforcement officers, the continual caricaturing by the media and public officials for political gain hurts everyone.  There are some bad cops. That’s true of every facet of society, even those in the ministry. Blanket mischaracterizations and attacks hurt everyone, particularly most needing protection. Soon men and women of character will decide it’s not worth the risk to be so maligned and choose another career. The only ones who will enter law enforcement will be the very ones who should never be in law enforcement. 

  I’d give more heed to those who are critical of law enforcement if they’d stop casting rocks from places of safety and actually live in those same neighborhoods. Years ago Chicago’s Mayor, Jane Byrne, did just that for at least three weeks. In 1981 she moved into one of the worst public housing units in Cabrini Green to demonstrate that the area wasn’t as bad as its detractors suggested it was. She also hoped to shine a light on the neglected side of the city and prove that it was an area worth investing in. 

  If the police are defunded maybe the extra funds should be used to move those voting for such shortsightedness into those same neighborhoods. Don’t hold your breath. 

  As Christians, we must be a blessing in our communities. So, what must happen from a biblical worldview and mission is for Christians to plant churches and to move into those needy communities. Whenever the light of the gospel moves into a community, the darkness of evil lessens. We can’t solve all of our society’s deep problems. Yet, we can pray for a new host of missionaries to go into the world of our inner cities and we can determine to be the Good Samaritan in the neighborhood where God has placed us.

Can we help you spiritually? Can we help you know Jesus better? Please check out more resources on our church's web page, Gracechurchwi.org. Or, call us at 262.763.3021. If you'd like to know more about how Jesus can change your life, I'd love to mail you a copy of how Jesus changed my life in "My Story." E-mail me at Carson@gracechurchwi.org to request a free copy. Please include your mailing address.