3 Police Opinion Pieces to Pen for Your Local Newspaper
A guide to using your words to support police officers
I know what you’re probably thinking. In the age of social media, why should I bother writing an op-ed or letter to the editor? Who would even read it?
Penning a thoughtful piece for your favorite newspaper carries more weight than you may think. One formal study from Yale University (albeit from 2018) found that op-eds were effective in persuading members of the public and decision-makers.
Think about which you’d give more weight to - random comments from anonymous accounts on social media; or a thoughtful letter that someone took the time to write and sign?
Also consider that compelling letters can (and do) go viral online. And even if you persuade just a few people with your words, the time spent on writing a letter will be well worth it.
A Quick Primer on Opinion Pieces
Letters to the editor (LTE) are short -usually up to 250 words- informal opinion pieces that readers submit in response to recent newspaper articles or to express thoughts on current topics or events.
Op-eds are pieces in which the author relies more heavily on facts, data, and examples to back up a perspective. They’re also longer than LTEs; typically up to 1,000 words. And though there are exceptions, op-eds are often written by subject matter experts or well-known people; this is especially the case for newspapers of record like The Wall Street Journal.
It’s much easier -and quicker- to get an LTE published in your local newspaper, so I’d suggest starting there.
Tips for Writing a Compelling Letter
These are guidelines, not hard-and-fast rules.
Focus on one specific topic
There are a number of critical issues impacting the law enforcement community and public safety right now - bail reform initiatives, police staffing shortages, an increase in violence towards cops, the criminalization of police who act in good faith, to name just a few.
Covering all of these issues in one sitting will overwhelm readers, especially those who are new to the issue. Choose one point you’d like to make (I have some ideas for you below) then use your word count to zoom in on it.
Be passionate
Good editors seek to publish letters that are compelling and offer a unique perspective. Don’t try to sound like every other person or apologize for your POV. You have every right to your own thoughts; don’t be afraid to express them with fervor.
Back up your opinion
Though you don’t have as much space in an LTE as you would an op-ed, try to back up your perspective with facts or examples as much as possible. This will add credibility to your letter.
Tie your letter to a current event
You’ll have a better chance of getting your letter published if you write about current events or issues. What’s happening in your city that you’re fired up about? Is violent crime on the upswing? Are repeat offenders being continually released from jail? Does your school want to nix the SRO program? Is your police department experiencing staffing shortages?
Rebut a recent article
Another solid strategy is to offer a rebuttal to a recent article you read. Maybe you disagree with it; or the author made a factual error or overlooked an important point. This is your opportunity to set the record straight or to offer an alternative view point.
Potential Police Topics to Write About
In case you have writer’s block, I’ve included some potential topics and accompanying talking points. This list is not inclusive of all the issues facing law enforcement, but it should serve as a good starting point.
Representative (insert the name of your U.S. rep) Should Co-sponsor Legislation That Protects Police
Potential talking points:
Violence towards cops has increased in recent years and has become more deliberate and calculated.
Ambush-style attacks were on the U.S. Department of Justice’s radar in 2015. Moreover, the Fraternal Order of Police recently reported that there was a 115% increase in ambush-style attacks on police officers in 2021 over 2020.
These attacks should not be tolerated in a nation that values law & order. This is why I encourage Representative (your U.S. rep’s name) to co-sponsor the Protect & Serve Act. This legislation has the potential to deter deliberate attacks by imposing federal penalties on those who intentionally target police officers with violence.
Additional insights on ambushes of police
Police Shortages Are Putting Our Communities at Risk
Potential talking points:
At a time when crime has surged, an increasing number of police departments are struggling with near-historic labor shortages.
A nationwide survey by Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) found that police agencies are having difficulty filling all their positions. It’s being outpaced by an increase in resignations and early retirements.
Smaller applicant pools mean that police departments have fewer high-caliber recruits from which to choose. It also translates into longer wait times for non-priority calls and less time for proactive policing; and it contributes to officer burnout and lowered morale.
Additional insights on police staffing shortages
Politicians Can Protect Women by Supporting Police
This is especially powerful if you can identify and publicly name an elected official who does little to support police, while simultaneously running as a women’s rights advocate.
Potential talking points:
With crime surging in our city -region, state, or nation- women are at an increased risk of becoming crime victims. (If you can, include recent local examples.)
Women are biologically no match for the strength and speed of most men.
Emptying jails, creating bail reform initiatives that put violent repeat offenders back onto the streets, and disrespecting police are all factors that contribute to a lawless society, and thus violence towards women.
The best way to keep women safe is by strengthening and protecting police, not defunding or demoralizing them. (Offer a solution, like urging your elected officials to co-sign legislation that deters violence towards cops).
Additional insights on women and public safety
Hopefully this guide has inspired you to send a letter to the editor of your own newspaper. Let me know if your LTE gets published, and with your permission I’d love to share it. I can’t wait to see what you’ve written!