How to Respond to Hateful Attacks on Police
While creating meaningful change
This post will be brief. It’s just that after hearing news this morning about the Law Enforcement Memorial in Louisville, Kentucky being vandalized, I wanted to reach out. That it occurred shortly before the start of National Police Week makes it an especially sharp punch to the gut.
Feeling angry and distraught is a normal response. Events like this one, however, also provide an opportunity to do genuine good and to plant the type of seeds that open hearts and minds.
Our Response in Wisconsin
Several years ago someone vandalized the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial (WLEM), essentially making a mockery of our state’s fallen heroes and their surviving loved ones.
They slapped the collective face of all police officers, most of whom do their jobs with dignity and honor and a sincere desire to make a difference. And because police officers are representatives of the U.S. Constitution, this act was Un-American.
Instead of just stewing in anger, we used this event as an opportunity to do something positive for law enforcement and the community. So came the idea to host a special law enforcement vigil.
I think it took me about a month or so to pull everything together. I worked closely with the Capitol’s administrative department; as well as the Madison PD and other local law enforcement agencies who handled the security aspects (have to say I didn’t expect snipers on roofs!) and Honor Guard presentations (which were simply beautiful!).
We invited Brad Schimel, former state attorney general; and Wisconsin representative David Steffen (who was key sponsor of our WLEM bill) to give speeches; as well as a member of the clergy to lead us in prayer. Then we followed up with lit candles to honor the fallen.
It turned out to be a beautiful evening. Bittersweet, humbling, calming.
Finding Opportunities to Do Good
It’s easy to become distraught and angry when police officers are unfairly targeted - whether it’s via defaced monuments, ambushes, or zealous indictments.
We live at a time when things often don’t make much sense - and that can be overwhelming as heck. While none of us has the power to make all of this horrible stuff evaporate, we can find ways to replace it with acts of goodness.
In this case, we could have stewed in our anger and disappointment and gotten into right-fighting battles on social media (Yawn!). But what would that have solved?
Instead, we used this despicable act as an opportunity to spread goodness and hope. And maybe by doing so, we inspired people who would normally be on the fence about cops (A girl can dream!).
The point of my writing all of this is to let you know that you also have the power to turn that overwhelm and frustration into meaningful advocacy for police officers.
Don’t Back Down
Speaking up for cops or any cause you care about doesn’t have to be confrontational or ugly. In fact, countering a bad act with a positive one will more effectively advance the cause - and as an added plus, you’ll feel better about yourself.
So whenever you host a vigil, police appreciation party, help draft pro-police legislation, or support a worthy police charity, you’re in essence speaking up for cops.
(Ideas for how to support police officers during National Police Week.)
I’m just an ordinary citizen who cares about police officers and who wants to live in a nation where the rule of law is respected. A desire to do good is all it takes.
If you ever want to bounce ideas off me, don’t be shy about reaching out. I’m here to support you in supporting police.
Hope you have a beautiful rest of the week. : )
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.
In addition to your thoughts I would add that those responsible must be prosecuted and jailed for the maximum term possible. the approach must be a two sided sword, education and enforcement.
This is a tremendous article, Paula! You’re right… Reading your words was like a punch in my gut, as someone just vandalized our cities law enforcement memorial as well… And even through that we are choosing to act as officers of nobility, serving the next face in front of us. Again, you have a gift for writing and I’m always encouraged when I have an opportunity to see a new post!