Is Law Enforcement Losing Favor With Traditional Supporters?
Plus updates & a volunteer who performs good works for cops
When I was a child, my parents would pin a red poppy on my blouse during Memorial Day weekend. It was a small way to commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Back then, I didn’t really understand the importance of this holiday, or for that matter, what it meant to truly be free. What kid does?
As an adult, I now understand this concept clearly. It’s because of the uncommon courage of those who gave everything that I’m able to sit here, typing away while sipping on an iced coffee, expressing my independent thoughts. Not everyone on this planet experiences this right. We are blessed.
It’s because I get it, that it’s upsetting to see that patriotism and other values that have served as a foundation and gotten us through our darkest hours, have plummeted. In fact, in some circles, patriotism, faith, and the nuclear family are now perceived as instruments of extremism.
How did we get to this place? It’s a question I frequently ponder. What I’m more interested in, however, is how we move forward together as a country - united and strong.
Police Project Updates
The Protect & Serve Act (ACTION ALERT!)
It’s a piece of legislation that has the potential to save police officer lives. If passed, the Protect & Serve Act would mandate prison time for intentionally ambushing a police officer. This is important, especially since various district attorney offices have become politicized. Given the continued rise in violence targeting law enforcement, this bill would serve as a deterrent.
It’s a bill I’m closely following; and am heartened whenever I receive a new alert about a new co-sponsor being added. I reached out to Ryan Windorff, president of the Wisconsin Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) this past week to see where we’re at with the bill.
He had this to say, in part.
“Co-sponsors are slowly getting added. Our National President participated in a press conference during police week to bring attention to this legislation. It seems that the house is dealing with debt ceiling and other issues and are not doing anything else related to law enforcement specifically. I have been “encouraging” our WI Representatives, many of whom we met with in DC in February, to get behind this but have so far been met with “we are looking into it”.”
Please! If you haven’t already, take a moment to contact your U.S. representative, urging him or her to sign on to this bill as a co-sponsor. A primary responsibility of government is to keep us safe and protect our rights - so this legislation needs to be a priority. You can check here to see if your representative is a co-sponsor. It currently has 73 names. Great, but we can do much better.
The FOP has made it easy for anyone to participate via their automated form letter, which you can fully customize. If you have more time, call your U.S. representative or set up a time to meet. Though the bill is still on the House side, it doesn’t hurt to contact your U.S. senators, as well.
Law Enforcement Presentation for Women
A project I’ve been working on for the past couple months came to fruition last week with a live taping. My intent for this project is to educate women on this pressing topic, and to inspire them to become advocates for police and public safety.
Given that there are tens of thousands of women who will have access to this presentation, it’s safe to say that police officers have found a new, formidable ally.
I received word that the presentation will become available mid-week. I’m still not sure if it’s publicly-accessible, but I’ll be sure to let you know if that happens.
What’s Up Next?
I’m working on some new projects that I hope will bring about meaningful and positive change for law enforcement and public safety.
I know that progress is slow-going (and sometimes it seems to have come to a standstill) but please know that these projects take time to implement - and that people do care.
Are Police Officers Losing Favor With Traditional Supporters?
I recently stumbled upon an article showing that public support for law enforcement is waning. Only 26% of respondents believe police are effective at targeting anti-social behavior.
The article reads, in part:
“In that study, we found that right across the country there was not only worry, anxiety and fear at rising crime and anti-social behaviour, but also palpable anger and frustration that it seemed like the police had given up trying to tackle it, which was in turn only egging criminals on.”
This is not the typical survey showing a loss of faith stemming from police malfeasance. These concerns are from people concerned with rising crime.
Granted, this is a U.K. study (few in the U.S. seem to be asking this question). There are, however, parallels between what’s happening abroad and here in the U.S.. One appears to be that confidence in U.S. police is waning - including from those who’ve traditionally supported law enforcement.
One indicator is the continued rise in firearm purchases, with women and minority communities propelling the sharp rises. It’s not difficult to understand why people are choosing to exercise their second amendment rights: They feel unsafe. The need to feel secure in our own cities is a universal theme that transcends ethnicity, religious belief, or ideology.
Part of this phenomenon is indeed a product of a nationwide police staffing crisis coupled with leniency towards criminals. There are, however, other factors at play that often times stem from police leadership.
This is currently just speculation based on observation, anecdotal information, chats with people, and intuition; I have no hard data at this point in time to back this up. I do however, sense that there is some hesitancy from those who’ve traditionally supported law enforcement.
While I can’t get inside of millions of people’s heads to determine what they’re thinking, I do have some insights on why this might be happening.
Good, hard-working Americans hear and see the stories of assailants being released without bail for the most heinous of crimes.
They also see police leaders (the very same people who are sworn to protect them) engaging in the following:
Apologizing for criminals. Writing diatribes that put the onus for criminal behavior on the citizenry, as if the suspects share no blame in their own behavior.
Apologizing for their profession. For example, publicly admitting that policing is systemically racist when they know full well this is false.
Capitulating to the loudest, most unreasonable voices in the room.
Kneeling when a cop is engaged in malfeasance, yet not uttering a word when innocents are victimized.
Seemingly showing favoritism. For example, meeting with members of one ideological group while ignoring another.
Politicizing the badge, like endorsing political candidates who advocate for the very same policies that have resulted in increased crime and the neutering of law enforcement.
The law-abiding of this nation, IMO, are baffled because they’ve done everything they’ve been told to do in order to be solid citizens - they study hard, do honest work, practice their faith, give to their communities, and provide a solid family structure.
They rightfully feel betrayed, as if they don’t count; and as if nobody will be there in their time of need.
This is just speculation at this point. It is, however an issue I’ll be tracking.
Good People Supporting Police Officers
Betsy Brantner Smith, who serves as spokesperson for the National Police Association -and in IMO, is one of the strongest voices for police officers currently on the circuit- recently interviewed Chaplain Ron Leonard, who with his dog, Molly, mentor to police officers in need -on a volunteer basis- and distributes goody bags.
Through his ministry, he also offers (on a donation basis) a Holy Bible tailored to law enforcement.
I’d love to meet Ron and Molly one day. Theirs is the type of service and humanity that touches my heart and inspires me.
Thanks for spending part of your Memorial Day weekend with me! Please stay safe out there. : )
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.
Thank you for another on point article. I loved how you called out the police leaders for their cowardly stuff!
I learned info here! I didn't know about the Congressional bill! Thank you!