Is Your Police Union Fighting Hard Enough for You?

From the perspective of a civilian looking in from the outside

Whenever Joe Gamaldi, vice president of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) makes a statement, you can bet it will be bold, fearless, and honest.

In response to the increased violence on police officers, Joe recently had this to say:

“War on Cops in this country continues to rage…every officer is sick and tired of going to work with a target on our back. We are not some third world country that accepts officers being targeted, ambushed, assaulted, assassinated. Every American should be disgusted and outraged.”

And in regards to officers of the law recently being ambushed in Fargo, North Dakota, he said:

“This is absolutely horrific, my heart goes out to all of them. A stark reminder of the war on cops in this country and any who perpetuate it or attempt to profit off it through money or influence, are abhorrent monsters.”

These statements are not outliers. Joe is consistent in his outspokenness.

Not All Police Unions are Equal

I see so many missed opportunities by local unions to push back against false narratives. Whenever there’s an incident involving an officer, I scour the local news looking for statements from these leaders. They rarely come, and when they do, they fail to address the very real issues impacting officers and public safety.

Officer deaths, for example, are up because there are few (or no) repercussions for criminal offenders, especially when those acts are committed against police officers. This coupling with years of false narratives about law enforcement with little pushback from those in leadership positions (including certain chiefs and union officials) have emboldened criminals.

Some of the political candidates they endorse are also a head-scratcher. Endorsing someone who aligns with your proposed benefits bill but spouts falsehoods about police officers does nothing to advance law enforcement.

My Personal Experiences with FOP

Most of my dealings with FOP have been with the Wisconsin lodge, and these interactions have been positive.

Although I’m just a civilian, lodge president Ryan Windorff has been open to working with me. He’s spoken at the Wisconsin chapter of my national women’s network about the issues facing police officers; responded to my proposal of a state bill to mandate jail time for attacks on officers, even discussing it with state legislators; and has been prompt in responding to questions, including about a local officer-involved case and updates on the Protect & Serve Act.

These are the types of partnerships that will advance policing and public safety. We need more of them.

Striking a Fine Balance

I completely understand that when it comes to politics, you have to be adept at fostering relationships. Maybe unions fear alienating an elected official who holds the deciding vote on a bill impacting benefits.

It’s tough to be a cop, chief, or union leader these days, especially in cities with a vocal anti-police sentiment. At a time when it’s easy to be targeted and few have your back, you need to be careful. I respect and understand this.

We’re in the midst of a war on cops, however, one in which lives are being put at risk. Placating and sitting back isn’t working. Rank-and-file police officers may not be able to speak out, but police chiefs, command staff officers, and union officials can.

It’s true that you teach people how to treat you. People have learned that it’s ok to treat cops like trash, and that if you do, there will be few-to-no repercussions.

It Is My Business

Perhaps you’re thinking that none of this is my business. On the contrary. This stuff impacts the way police officers do their jobs, and thus their ability to keep the public safe. When I can’t freely drive to Chicago or fly to New York City for fear of becoming a crime statistic or worry about my loved ones getting attacked in broad daylight, it becomes my business.

Feeling like you have to walk on eggshells or wait for the next shoe to drop is not a good way to police a city - or to live. Something has got to change.

Another Strong Voice for Law Enforcement

If you watch the news, you’re probably familiar with the name Betsy Brantner Smith. Betsy is a strong, passionate, articulate voice for police officers, and someone I recommend giving a follow.

As spokesperson for the National Police Association, she’s a frequent guest on news shows (she was even on Dr. Phil!), podcasts, and presentations; and she’s often quoted in news pieces. She hosts the NPA Report, which is also available in 70 million homes on Pluto TV and 14 million homes on DirectTV CH 347.

As a big fan, I didn’t hesitate for a moment when Betsy asked if I’d up be for an interview to chat about my police advocacy. Although we’ve already taped the segment, it won’t be available until next Sunday. I’ll let you know when that happens.

A Must-read on the Decline of Our Nation

A powerful, new article by fellow Substacker, Police Law News, articulates what I think a lot of us are feeling these days.

Here’s an excerpt.

“As a society we passively allowed rioters to destroy cities and businesses in 2020. We allowed maniacs to take control of our streets and offered up our sense of security as payment for the hope of woke social credit. We then had to think twice about where we let our kids play. My 70 year-old life-long Democrat mother felt compelled to remove her yard sign that expressed support for first responders so that her windows were not smashed in. And those who challenged the anarchy and took up arms to defend life and property were labeled by the media as “racists”.

“Elected leaders across the country bowed down and groveled at the boots of angry mobs that demanded we (via the threat of violence) defund our police departments to achieve their goal of destabilizing communities. Our weak leaders were cuckolded by dishonest elites who reside behind high walls with expensive private security forces - knowing that they enjoy the luxury of avoiding the consequences of their faux public beliefs.”

The country is unrecognizable from when many of us were younger. And if you have kids or grandkids, I suspect you’re terrified for their future, as you rightfully should be.

While it’s true that our nation has endured chaos, uprisings, and catastrophes in the past, this time the challenges and threats are different. Plus the buffers we’ve relied on historically (like a strong family unit, patriotism, and faith) are not there as they have been to see us through.

I know how tempting it is to just want to check out, smile & nod, and go along to get along, especially in this era of overwhelm and cancel culture. It’s especially tough when you have kids depending on you, a pension, a career. I’ve been in that position, and it’s unsettling.

There are, however, ways to help without being vocal or exposing yourself to the mob. If you’re interested, I’ve outlined viable ways to support the police in my new (completely free!) e-book, Defending the Defenders - a citizen’s guide to supporting police officers. My advocacy is self-funded; I get absolutely nothing from any of this, aside from the satisfaction knowing that I did all I could to save a nation that’s in deep decline.

Also, please watch my new video about the police staffing crisis. Then consider sharing it with your networks. The more awareness we can bring to this issue, the better.

Thanks for taking the time to listen to my thoughts today. While some of what I wrote is harsh -and will likely result in some unsubscribes- it’s something I believe needs to be said. This is not about winning popularity contests; it’s about saving a nation. Until we can talk honestly about the issues impacting law enforcement and public safety, nothing will change.

I don’t have all the answers, and I don’t know everything there is to know about police unions or policing. And like anyone else, I’m subject to getting things wrong. Whatever your thoughts are on any of this, you are welcome to offer feedback.

As always, best. : )

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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.