“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
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.
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