By BENJAMIN LAPLANTE
Contributing Writer
[email protected]

The police have gained a lot of negative attention in the media over the past year because of events that started in Ferguson.

The news of the justified shooting quickly spread nationwide, sparking a massive movement against the police which caused social unrest throughout the country.

Since this event occurred, the media only covers situations which can be used to fuel the anger towards the police. Law enforcement officers are doing their best to protect and serve, which has become increasingly difficult with their increasing disapproval rate.

These officers should be respected for their bravery and their unwavering drive to protect the public, even with the increased anger towards them.

With everything going on in this country, being a police officer is extremely difficult, but very courageous. Being a cop is already a very stressful job because of the things that they have to see and deal with on a daily basis; now tack on all the media scrutiny and anger from recent events.

The men and women who are brave enough to wear the uniform everyday knowing the high level of stress involved should be shown respect and admiration because they take on all the stress willingly in order to protect the public from those who break the law.

The men and women who work as police officers are no different than any other person in the United States. These people have their own families and the same responsibilities as everyone else does, but they are willing to take on the responsibilities of society.

A person does not become a police officer because they want to make a lot of money; they become a police officer because they are willing to answer the call of those in need. It takes a special kind of person to be willing to protect society on a daily basis and still be disliked for enforcing the laws that protect people.

In the United States there is a sad reality in which people do not respect the police and do not respect the law. The growing tension between communities and law enforcement has given rise to the “us vs. them” mentality which is only going to make things worse.

With everything going on recently, community policing is a vital tool that can be used to help eliminate the “us vs. them” mentality. Police officers making friendly appearances in rough neighborhoods can provide personal interactions with the community and build bonds among the residents.

This type of effort will only work if it is reciprocated by the other side. If this effort is shown by both sides then there is a better chance that tensions will ease and violence towards the police will decrease.