We reported recently on the Concord police vehicle that passed a stopped school bus; luckily, the bus driver was vigilant, saw a potentially bad situation developing, and ordered the child to stop before he/she stepped off the bus.
This medium supports good policing yet seeks to hold criminal cops accountable. Police officers are people, too. Officers deal with stressful situations each day in their jobs. They also deal with personal matters in their lives as well.
I hardly believe that this officer willfully drove past a stopped school bus knowing the danger to children. I, therefore, think this was a moment in which the officer was preoccupied, possibly in thought, about something going on in his life, public or private.
This is a teachable moment for the police all across the United States who interact with members of the public. Daily we see police officers berating, disrespecting, brutalizing, and even killing people for the most minute and insignificant thing, things they themselves do without consequence.
As I personally chastise police for the god complex, far too many of them develop after they are given a gun and badge; I also urge grace and mercy in the way this officer is treated because I believe his actions were not willful.
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Mike Beckles is a former Police Detective, businessman, freelance writer, black achiever honoree, and creator of the blog mikebeckles.com.
See Mike’s Youtube channel @ mikebeckles