White and Black Hats

The hats they wear do not distinguish between the good and the bad. The vast majority of police officials are good; they do what is right and that which is expected of them. Yet, we hear periodic complaints, some justified but most resulting from the public expecting more than what is humanly or financially possible. As to the “bad cops”, they do exist and that may be a reflection of human nature, of greed and self-interest. These officers need to be rooted out and replaced.

It is unfortunate that the TV news programs often devote much time to stories of police in conflict situations where violence and abuse is most evident. Infrequently we see police using tactics which are inhuman, cruel, and brutal and totally beyond the behaviour expected of the police authorities. The general public abhors what is seen and feels a deep sense of disgust.

What is most hurtful is the display of racial intolerance, discrimination and abuse that sometimes takes place. Brutality is the word that is heard. It is a word that should never be associated with police conduct and behaviour.
The public has a right to expect the protection of the police against the small percentage of the people who exhibit antisocial behaviours. The laws are there and the police are expected to uphold those laws.


Whenever a violation of the trust that is placed upon police officers occurs, all police officers lose a measure of respect. This can be most unfortunate for trust and respect is at the cornerstone of the structure that supports the system designed for the security and safety of our society.

The public needs and should support the police in the many and difficult tasks in which they are involved. They should be honoured and thanked for without them our society would become chaotic and lead to anarchy and the destruction of the very thing that identifies us as human.