I am a Cop, and I am Sorry

None of us are perfect, but I think each of us can agree that until we accept the fact that we do not truly understand the point of view of the other person, we will never find a common ground to build on. One lesson I have learned from my wife is the value of a heartfelt apology. I used to believe that an apology was equal to admitting some kind of defeat. For a Marine and police officer, that is sometimes a difficult thing to do. During one of these arguments when I would refuse to apologize, she told me something that I have really grown to appreciate. She said, “an apology doesn’t always have to mean you did something wrong, it can simply mean that you are just sorry something has happened”.

As a cop I am truly sorry that people have been hurt and killed by the very people who have taken an oath to protect them. When one human kills another it is tragic. The purpose of this editorial is to not place blame, justify actions, or make claims on things I know little about. It is simply to tell all those, who mistrust law enforcement, that from someone who carries a badge, that I am sorry if you have every felt, intimidated, singled out, or mistreated because of the color of your skin, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, or a myriad of other things that make you different from me.

I am saddened to see the wedge that this issue has created. Media (social and traditional) is on fire with views that are more focused on dividing us then unifying us. They give the microphone to those who are the loudest instead of those who are the wisest. This has become a polarizing topic causing people to take sides. It seems at this point you either have to be pro-cop or anti-cop. If these are our only two options, then where will we be a year from now?

When people argue they clash. Every argument causes them to dig their heels deeper into the argument. Without some kind of intervention this can become highly emotional. So how do we navigate these troubled waters? I have found that until we find some kind of common ground (something we can all agree on) then we can’t move forward with finding a solution.
The same can be true for the current relationship between those who support law enforcement and those who mistrust it. Are there things we can all agree on?

None of us are perfect, but I think each of us can agree that until we accept the fact that we do not truly understand the point of view of the other person, we will never find a common ground to build on. If you hate cops then have coffee with one or go on a ride-along. If you are a cop frustrated with all the cop bashing lately, then attend a town hall meeting and listen to the frustration of the people within your community. This might not be the end all solution, but it is a start.
words from Daniel Cortes, PhD