If the last few years have taught the law enforcement profession anything, it’s that liberal Democrat politicians don’t support their own local law enforcement. Many went as far as to publicly criticize and went on to defund the police.
It’s no wonder why so many departments nationwide are suffering critical shortages, recruiting challenges, crippling morale, and record retirements.
It is hard to argue against the thought that if politicians supported police, denounced rioting, and properly punished criminals for their dangerous crimes, law enforcement wouldn’t have the same problems they’re dealing with today.
But how do you fix that? Is it fixable at all?
Or will it simply take more time, more needless victims, and more statistics proving that defunding the police was a bad idea?
Here’s an idea – what if all politicians were to go on police ride-alongs? Then they would be forced to see exactly what police go through daily.
They would see firsthand that many suspects are unpredictable and irrational, or that police officers often have a split-second to make a major decision. They could certainly learn that “not just anyone” can do the job and do it successfully.
“We recommend that every elected official do a ride-along once a month. Why so often? The changes that are occurring in technology, the changes that are occurring within communities, you can get a firsthand view of what's going on in your community and know how to best serve them when you do a ride-along,” Michael Letts, CEO and Founder of nonprofit organization InVest USA told LET in an exclusive interview.
Having a program like this can spread to the public, too. That may help change the public perception of law enforcement as well - which we can all agree that we would like to see it improve.
“The other thing we're encouraging is we think sheriff's departments and police departments should encourage everyday citizens in their community that wants to do a ride-along to provide for that because we think that's a key component to engaging citizens,” Michael added.
Another potential benefit to including regular citizens on ride-alongs is that they can support any police volunteer programs already in place. Many departments nationwide allow citizen volunteers to aid and assist police in a variety of police functions.
Offering ride-alongs may encourage citizens to get more involved in policing.
“They should be strongly encouraging ride-alongs. And then right behind that when they get back from the ride-along, say you have a reserve program, say ‘if you liked it so much why don't you dedicate a couple of hours a month, go through the training, get certified, and dedicate so many hours a month to just coming along and helping us on the street,” Michael said.
By having politicians and members of the public go on ride-alongs, we are confident that they will get a better appreciation for the work police officers do every day.
The secondary benefit would be that politicians would be more inclined to defend and support law enforcement when it is appropriate. Or they would be in a better position to understand those critical and often complex use-of-force scenarios.
The same goes for members of the public. Instead of jumping to an inaccurate conclusion and rushing to spread fake news on social media, they would be in at least a better position to either defend or properly criticize a law enforcement officer's decision.
Ride-alongs may be the answer America needs right now. It would help allow politicians and community members to be a part of the solution - or they can continue to ignore it and continue to be part of the problem.
Only time will well.
For more information about Michael Letts, go to www.michaelletts.us and learn more about InVestUSA.org HERE. Check out our full interview with Michael Letts here.
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Writer Eddie Molina is a veteran and has over 25 years of combined LEO/military service. He owns and operates the LEO apparel and supply company www.BuyHeroStuff.com
It’s no wonder why so many departments nationwide are suffering critical shortages, recruiting challenges, crippling morale, and record retirements.
It is hard to argue against the thought that if politicians supported police, denounced rioting, and properly punished criminals for their dangerous crimes, law enforcement wouldn’t have the same problems they’re dealing with today.
But how do you fix that? Is it fixable at all?
Or will it simply take more time, more needless victims, and more statistics proving that defunding the police was a bad idea?
Here’s an idea – what if all politicians were to go on police ride-alongs? Then they would be forced to see exactly what police go through daily.
They would see firsthand that many suspects are unpredictable and irrational, or that police officers often have a split-second to make a major decision. They could certainly learn that “not just anyone” can do the job and do it successfully.
“We recommend that every elected official do a ride-along once a month. Why so often? The changes that are occurring in technology, the changes that are occurring within communities, you can get a firsthand view of what's going on in your community and know how to best serve them when you do a ride-along,” Michael Letts, CEO and Founder of nonprofit organization InVest USA told LET in an exclusive interview.
Having a program like this can spread to the public, too. That may help change the public perception of law enforcement as well - which we can all agree that we would like to see it improve.
“The other thing we're encouraging is we think sheriff's departments and police departments should encourage everyday citizens in their community that wants to do a ride-along to provide for that because we think that's a key component to engaging citizens,” Michael added.
Another potential benefit to including regular citizens on ride-alongs is that they can support any police volunteer programs already in place. Many departments nationwide allow citizen volunteers to aid and assist police in a variety of police functions.
Offering ride-alongs may encourage citizens to get more involved in policing.
“They should be strongly encouraging ride-alongs. And then right behind that when they get back from the ride-along, say you have a reserve program, say ‘if you liked it so much why don't you dedicate a couple of hours a month, go through the training, get certified, and dedicate so many hours a month to just coming along and helping us on the street,” Michael said.
By having politicians and members of the public go on ride-alongs, we are confident that they will get a better appreciation for the work police officers do every day.
The secondary benefit would be that politicians would be more inclined to defend and support law enforcement when it is appropriate. Or they would be in a better position to understand those critical and often complex use-of-force scenarios.
The same goes for members of the public. Instead of jumping to an inaccurate conclusion and rushing to spread fake news on social media, they would be in at least a better position to either defend or properly criticize a law enforcement officer's decision.
Ride-alongs may be the answer America needs right now. It would help allow politicians and community members to be a part of the solution - or they can continue to ignore it and continue to be part of the problem.
Only time will well.
For more information about Michael Letts, go to www.michaelletts.us and learn more about InVestUSA.org HERE. Check out our full interview with Michael Letts here.
-----
Writer Eddie Molina is a veteran and has over 25 years of combined LEO/military service. He owns and operates the LEO apparel and supply company www.BuyHeroStuff.com
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The opinions reflected in this article are not necessarily the opinions of LET
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