PAX Centurion - Fall 2016

Page 34 • PAX CENTURION • Fall 2016 617-989-BPPA (2772) The dangerous world of modern American policing By Daniel MacIsaac, B-3 Days I don’t even know where to begin. On July 7 th a great crime was perpetrated against our brother and sisters officers in Dallas, Texas. The reality of it is shocking; sadly however the potential for a tragedy like this to happen comes as no surprise to those of us who have practiced our chosen profession over the last few years. The climate that exists surrounding policing in United States is toxic, dangerous and all too often fatal. The dynamics that have created this climate are disparate and in some cases seemingly unrelated to one another. Here I would like to discuss a few factors that have helped drive us into these dangerous times. As everyone knows there has been a seismic shift in the way media is consumed, produced and disseminated. The proliferation of social media has had many positive effects on society and seems to be the logical extension of our society that promotes and encourages free expression. The right of the people to express themselves freely is enshrined in the DNA of our nation, and those of us sworn to protect it take it very seriously. Social media has given a voice to many who previously would have struggled to be heard, in many ways that is a good thing. However, it has also forever changed the way we receive news. Today many people receive their information as often from family, friends, acquaintances or someone (whoever it maybe) that they follow on Twitter, Facebook or any of the many other platforms out there. In many cases this leads to what amounts to be a large version of the old kids game “telephone.” Half-truths and outright lies spread like fire and before you know it, it is an official part of the narrative. This editor-free environment where “news” travels quickly perpetuates falsehoods that in another era had a better chance of not being heard because a responsible journalist would vet information before passing it along. The traditional media often ends up passing this misleading information along in order to keep up with the voracious pace of the modern news cycle. When these pieces of “news” are passed along by established organizations it lends credibility to them. The starkest, most recent example of what I am talking about were the events in Ferguson, MO. A justified use of deadly force by a police officer trying to protect his life and the lives of those around him was turned into an indictment of his actions in the media. The “hands up, don’t shoot” myth was reported as fact and perpetuates till this day. The facts of the incident borne out by two exhaustive investigations have little to do with how people view the incident. The public’s right to know is an important consideration, it is however not the only concern and sometimes it is rightly not the priority. Seasoned investigators all over the world know from long experience that drawing conclusions based on less-than all of the facts and a careful review leads to mistakes in almost all cases. Recently, more often than not, hyperbole and hate-speech carry the day. This environment has made an already dangerous job even more so. In addition to the poor performance of the media the “leadership” we have seen from our elected officials has not been stellar. Unfortunately, the era of great statesmanship is over; there are no Lincoln’s or Roosevelt’s today or anywhere on the horizon. When we have elected officials like Senator Warren or Governor Dayton of Minnesota making irresponsible statements about incidents when they have none of the facts, it only serves to foster a climate where the police can be viewed as the enemy. Pandering for the purpose of political convenience is cowardice, plain and simple. With all that being said please try not to despair; remember to look out for one another and remember to keep your tactics sharp. Practice and train to stay sharp and get better and ensure you go home at the end of your shift. I do believe that this job is still worth doing and doing well; whether or not our “leaders” or some members of our society want to admit it the police are essential to the freedom and security of our great nation. Keep the fallen officers from Dallas, their families and the officers of the Dallas Police Department in your prayers. Stay safe. Postscript: Unfortunately, shortly after I wrote this the world was confronted with the tragic news from Baton Rouge, LA where three more police officers gave their lives in defense of their community, events like the one in Dallas and Baton Rouge test the resolve of even the most committed among us. Please add to your prayers the Baton Rouge Officers, their families and colleagues and be careful. Bob & Julie Colburn’s daughter Maeve attends picket in support of Brigham & Women’s Hospital nurses. Attention To all members of the Boston Police Relief Association – Active Duty or Retired If you need to change your beneficiary or you are not sure of who your beneficiary is you can contact the relief office at 617-364-9565. If you leave a message your call will be returned and if necessary the paperwork will be sent out to you. Thank you. William F. Carroll, Clerk, Boston Police Relief Association