After being in law enforcement for almost 30 years, it still disturbs me when parents see me in uniform at a restaurant, a shopping center, or in public, and they tell their young kiddo, “Do you see that cop over there? If you don’t straighten up and act right, that police officer is going to arrest you and take you to jail.”
Sometimes it’s worse — they tell the kiddo that the police officer will take them away from them.
Wow. You just made me the bad guy in that child’s eyes, and after all this time, it’s still mind-blowing to me.
I don’t think the individuals making the comments understand the importance of youngsters trusting the police and the long-lasting impact that statements like these may have with a child or young person. Typically, we teach; If you’re in need, who do you seek out? If you’re lost, who do you seek out? If you witness a crime, who do you contact? The answer is the police or 9-1-1.
Trusting the police is essential for children and the public to feel safe. Viewing police officers as allies, rather than threats, assists young ones to develop positive attitudes towards authority and law enforcement.
I’ve witnessed several occasions in my career, when I’m in a neighborhood investigating, when an adult chastises or scolds a young person for even talking to me, sometimes for just exchanging pleasantries. I understand some individuals have not had the best encounter with law enforcement depending on the town, county, and state one lives in.
Unfortunately, in Texas, we are in a place in our society where we have police officers in our schools. However, one of the bright spots police officers in schools has made, is the children begin to develop a healthy attitude towards law enforcement. While at school, they have interactions with police officers on a regular basis, which often allows them to have a positive view of the police.
Police officers in the schools help with safety and protection, reduce fear and trauma, assist with the long-term community relations, and can help with the reducing recidivism, and crime. We want our children and grandchildren to reach out to law enforcement when they are in need and to not run the other way or be silent. Together we can make a difference in their lives.
As always, call us if you need us.
Steven Jeter is Chief of Police in Trinity.
