During Police Week, all Americans should honor fallen officers

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This week, our nation observes “National Police Week” to honor the thousands of peace officers who keep our communities safe, especially those who gave their lives in the line of duty.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. During this week, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world come to our nation’s capital to honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Following the tragic killing of George Floyd in May 2020, riots erupted throughout our country. Black Lives Matter, Antifa, and other activists fanned the flames of anger and called for defunding the police. The ill-advised demonization of police officers led to an increase in violent crime, looting, and social disorder.

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.

This week and every week throughout the year, we honor our police officers and give tribute to those that have made the ultimate sacrifice in order to keep all of us and our communities safe.