Many know about the tension between law enforcement and the public eye. If you are not aware of this tension, you may be living under a rock; Patrick Star, please rejoin society.
Any public office or occupation is often under widespread scrutiny. This scrutiny seems to intensify if someone works in politics or law enforcement. When a person is appointed to protect our freedoms, we often do not allow a large margin of grace when it comes to mistakes. To an extent, this limited margin of error is justified; these occupations come with a large social responsibility. However, isn't there still a human factor that should be applied to these occupations we should account for when criticizing these peoples' job performances? This doesn't mean politicians or law enforcement shouldn't be scolded, investigated or terminated from their jobs if the mistake is grievous enough, but should society break out the tar and feathers when the slightest whiff of conspiracy is circulated around Facebook?
Whatever your opinion of law enforcement, I'd like to pose the question about how law enforcement specifically can improve its public relations. Do you think law enforcement agencies do enough to improve its image and to promote the positive things the men and women do in this industry? I would argue law enforcement agencies could do more to relate to the public in an effort to combat the negative spotlight recently targeting it.
I would suggest law enforcement do two things: more community involvement and more saturation in social media.
Community involvement is important, in my opinion. The more the public sees law enforcement officers in positive atmospheres within the community the less threatening officers may seem. This could take the form of more education in schools, appearances at state and county fairs or charity days like Toys for Tots drives. This stance may seem weak; some may say "why should law enforcement back down and try to soften their image?" This is a good point, and law enforcement always deserves respect and cooperation, but trying to relate to the people an officer is trying to keep safe is not weak, it is smart. Trying to fight discontent and mistrust is not alleviated by more mistrust and secrecy. If you're breaking the law you will be reprimanded, this fact doesn't change, but maybe law enforcement can be more incorporated into the community as protection and not an enemy. Make no mistake though, this ideal must be bought into by both the public and the law enforcement agencies.
The other idea of mine is for law enforcement agencies to relate to the public with social media. The flood of negative sentiment on social platforms could be combated if law enforcement agencies put out its own content on social media. This gives a chance for law enforcement officers to speak up and let people hear their side of the story. Misinformation and misunderstanding is the greatest enemy to trust. Anyone can post on Facebook about an encounter with law enforcement, but what would happen if a law enforcement officer posted about their experiences at 3 a.m, wondering about the car he or she just stopped on the highway. What if this officer shared his or her fear about coming home to his or her family and the possibility of bleeding out on the highway while backup is miles away?
I am not claiming to have all of the answers. I am trying to promote a positive conversation about solutions and communication between law enforcement agencies and the public.
I welcome comments, but please keep them polite, respectful and constructive.
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