Every year in the United States, National Police Week seeks to honor and remember police officers who gave their lives in the line of duty. It is intended to be a solemn week of respect and reflection across political divides. Police Week itself originates from Peace Officers Memorial Day, first developed by former President John F. Kennedy in 1962.
Watch the above video as Straight Arrow News contributor Star Parker reminds us of the importance of celebrating this week, and then presents a list of proposed policing improvements for further discussion.
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The following is an excerpt of the above video:
Police officers who break the law and act in contradiction of their training should be held accountable. The police officer who killed George Floyd was convicted of second-degree murder and received a long prison sentence. Rather than calling for calm and letting our justice system work, irresponsible activists and some opportunistic politicians caused great damage to our country.
Following these tragic occurrences, the Center for Urban Renewal and Education, an organization I founded and lead, produced a policy report entitled “Police and Communities: Bridging the Divide.” We recognize for communities to thrive, there must be a reasonable level of trust and cooperation between residents and the public officials who serve and protect them.
We believe issues like qualified immunity and collective bargaining with police unions can be addressed in a manner that holds bad cops accountable without exposing good cops to unwarranted harassment or unjust financial hardship. We see a need for better data collection, more transparency, improved training, and open communication between police and key people in their communities.
Finally, we see a need for honest dialogue and commentary on the part of political leaders, celebrities and the media. When people rush to judgment based on limited information or false narratives, passions can become inflamed and destructive actions can follow. Disputes need to be resolved through our legal system, not through street justice or vigilantism.
