A small perspective from behind the Thin Blue Line

   We're all aware of the current controversy surrounding law enforcement officers. I don't feel the need to touch on that subject. I'm thinking of a different issue. One I am accused of nearly every shift I work.

"WHY DON'T YOU DO YOUR JOB???"

   For the record, I am doing my job but I can't always do exactly what you think I ought to do. The law is the law. It does not change because of your anger. It does not give heed to your ranting nor does it care how many times you cuss me out. I have sworn an oath to protect and serve you. I WILL DO SO...lawfully. Please understand, the same oath that I swore to protect you, protects the one who has offended you. 

   You must remember, in the state of North Carolina, there are 9.9 MILLION residents who may have an emergency at any time of any given day. We won't count those who are visiting family from out of state and wreck their car or those who are passing through but still decide to steal from the local Wal*Mart. There are only 23,000 law enforcement officers to save the day and all of us aren't on duty at the same time. 

   23,000 vs. 9.9 MILLION

   If you can't see that perspective, think of it like this. While your husband is convulsing, somebody else's house is on fire containing the family dog and a two year old little girl. There's a tree down. Your officer, who would normally take 5 minutes to get there, takes 20 minutes because two of the major roads have been shut down without any information being passed along. There are two car wrecks. The first, is only property damage while the second has a severely injured 8 year old little boy. A mother has a missing 15 year old. Across the street, people are shooting at each other all while an important city official is calling for an escort to the bank. 

   There are only 5 officers on duty. 

   We are your first responders. We are your law enforcement officers. We swore an oath to protect and serve you. I meant that oath. I took it to heart and I don't regret it. You matter to me.  I am rushing around to coordinate your safety.  I'm taking curves a little too fast and skipping lunch to help you. I'm furiously wracking my exhausted brain to find an immediate solution to your problem all while watching my back and yours. My bullet proof vest is cutting into my shoulders. My duty belt weighs 30 lbs and it's not being kind to my aching feet. I've worked so many hours in the last 3 days that I haven't been able to hug my children. I feel guilty about it. As my focus lays entirely on you and your problem, there are 3 other calls demanding my attention. I understand you may be hurting and you're afraid. I am here to help in any way I can. Just please, when I finally arrive, be patient and kind. You can't see the whole picture. You also aren't the first person to scream at me, call me lazy, or accuse me of racism in the last 3 hours. Let that sink in as I say, I have at least 9 more hours to go.