Are Police Agencies Prepared for the Unthinkable?

At a time of growing unrest, it's a legitimate question

As policing has been weakened, global and domestic threats have simultaneously risen. This is a concern.

Many of you reading this, especially those of you in law enforcement, have seen this oncoming train wreck approaching for some time. If you’re currently serving, you know about, and witness more savagery than the news cycle reports or that you’re allowed to publicly express.

One retired law enforcement officer who’s in a position to alert us to current and imminent dangers is

Keith Graves

, founder of Christian Warrior Training. He chronicles the attacks on places of worship, and provides security and safety training for them. His most recent piece:

ISIS Calls for Attacks During Dhul-Hijjah—Why Churches Should Remain on Alert Through the Weekend

It’s surreal that we’re even having this conversation after witnessing the attacks on the Twin Towers unfold in real time 24 years ago.

What happened to Never Forget?

Let’s touch a bit on what got us here. This is by no means a comprehensive analysis.

Border instability. As compassionate human beings, we can sympathize with those who cross here illegally because they want to make better lives for themselves.

In the process, however, suspected terrorists, human traffickers, and drug runners were also ushered in. As a result, American lives have been destroyed, as have those of illegal migrants, including tens of thousands of missing migrant children. God knows what has happened to them.

Mismanaged international relations, trade deals that have weakened the U.S. (economically and in terms of national security) and political self-interest over several decades have worked to decrease our position in the world as a global leader.

Sign of hope: Our military is hitting recruitment goals early in the process

Meanwhile, anti-American sentiments have been allowed to emerge, including on college campuses (not all).

Given this perfect storm, should we be surprised by the civil unrest, attacks on and assassination of innocents, and other terrorist-like activities that have seemingly risen?

Which leads to the next logical question.

Are police agencies prepared for the unthinkable?

It’s a legitimate question, and every police agency needs to be prepared to answer it.

As someone who has focused on police advocacy for almost a decade now, I’ve witnessed law enforcement go into free fall. It’s resulted in the demise of cities across the country, with the most vulnerable communities experiencing the brunt.

The issue isn’t just that police agencies are still struggling with recruitment and retention. They’ve had to lower their standards just to get people in the door.

Take this recent piece that appeared recently in the New York Post:

NYPD cops no longer welcome in Orange County due to lower standards: ‘Should be embarrassed’

It reads, in part, that:

“Officials in Orange County are snubbing the NYPD, saying they won’t take on any cops who want to transfer out of the nation’s largest and best-trained police force — because the department’s reduced recruitment standards aren’t up to snuff for them.”

Keep in mind, it wasn’t too long ago that NYPD was considered the upper echelon of policing, the gold standard.

While I don’t expect any police agency to divulge their intel, strategies, or logistics, I’d like some reassurances that we’re prepared in case of the unthinkable.

Instead, what I see too often are police leaders trying too hard to be liked, to fit in, and to pander. This does not instill confidence in the majority of Americans.

Community policing, mentoring, and the other ways police work to bridge gaps with their communities, are of course important. At the end of the day, however, what I want in police officers and what I suspect most Americans want, are warriors. Especially during times of upheaval.

I pray every police department is heeding the advice of my friend and retired Florida law enforcement professional,

Roland Clee

(founder of American Peace Officer), who penned an insightful piece deserving of an honest assessment: Policing Against Terror: Why Every U.S. Police Officer Needs Counterterrorism Training Now.

Because evil is at our backdoor.

Ending on a Positive Note

It’s near impossible to craft meaningful solutions unless you understand the nature of the problem. Thus the impetus for this piece.

That said, my advocacy is indeed about solving problems, not just expressing doomsday narratives. There’s already plenty of that out there.

You also need to know that our coalition is growing, and that our members are deeply committed to advocating for law enforcement and public safety. There’s still a lot to be hopeful about. Hang tight.

Next Issue

I’ll be writing about the increasing number of state bills being introduced to make Brady-Giglio lists more transparent and standardized. In their current form, these lists can unfairly ruin reputations and damage the careers of police officers.

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For the Blue is a solutions-based initiative. I’m just an American patriot asking questions. I don’t work with any political party and I answer to nobody. For me, the health of the nation, due process (including for police officers), the rule of law, and respect for individual liberties, will always transcend party affiliation. I welcome your thoughts, even if you disagree; though personal attacks will be ignored. You can reach me at fortheblue@substack.com.