Lives Are at Risk: When Police Officers Hesitate

Seconds count in policing. When officers hesitate to take action or to use justified force against perpetrators when warranted, they (and civilians) are at increased risk of getting injured.

An officer-involved incident in Middletown, Connecticut exemplifies this. The video shows a police officer asking a man to place his hammer down. He not only refuses, but charges her, proceeding to attack. (Warning: It’s a tough video to watch.)

Middletown, CT. This is why cops shoot people with blunt objects and do not allow them to get close. Detective is ok and F*ck this guy. pic.twitter.com/Y8Z5O31SzY

— police.law.news (@policelawnews) August 18, 2023

While I’m by no means an expert in police use-of-force, it seems she could have (and should have) taken action before he had an opportunity to get that close.

What thoughts were passing through her mind that caused her hesitation, I wonder. Was she afraid of being wrongfully indicted, sued, or fired and that nobody would have her back? Did she fear the video would go viral and result in rioting? Was she concerned that her loved ones might become targets?

GET TRAINING: SECONDS FOR SURVIVAL

As it stands now, there are civilians who think it perfectly acceptable to assault police officers. In fact, we just had an incident here in Madison early this morning.

Per the Madison Police Department news room,

“As a result of the crash, a large crowd gathered and multiple people began to obstruct paramedics, fire fighters, and police. One subject shoved a paramedic who was trying to help one of the victims, then shoved a police officer before fleeing on foot. He was apprehended after a short foot pursuit. Another subject was arrested for kicking a police officer. Several other people were cited and released.”

Yet as of this writing, there’s been no public commentary about the incident, aside from the above written statement. Not from city government. Not from police command staff. Not from the police unions.

This is a big part of the problem. And it’s unacceptable.

This is a critical bill, and one that the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) has prioritized. Since being introduced in the House in February, however, it has only 78 co-sponsors.

This is pathetic.

FOP also has a handy Call option that will directly connect you with your representative. And when you’re ready to make the call, a pre-written script will appear that you can use when speaking to your elected official.

Here’s a shorter, alternative script you can use.

As your constituent, I’m urging you to co-sponsor H.R. 743, the Protect & Serve Act. It creates a new federal crime for anyone who intentionally targets and harms a police officer.

This legislation is needed to deter the increase in attacks on police officers -including ambush attacks- and to send a message that as a nation of laws, these egregious attacks will not be tolerated.

Remember to get the staffer’s name and to request a follow-up letter.

And regardless of the time of year, a staffer should be available to take your message and relay it to your representative.

Watch My Interview with NPA

You can catch the segment on Pluto TV if you subscribe.

Or you can watch it directly on The First TV.

Because the NPA Report is available collectively in 84 million homes, this interview presented a unique opportunity to inspire civilians to support law enforcement. This network continues to grow.

• Help elect law and order candidates
• Lobby your state officials
• Lobby your city officials
• Support the families of fallen officers
• Purchase a law enforcement license plate
• Lobby for the Protect & Serve Act at the federal level
• Create a local election guide
• Use the power of your voice
• Host an appreciation party for your police department
• Support police nonprofits

As always, I love hearing from you. If you have a question, would like to get more involved in advocating for police officers, or would just like to chat, reach out to me at [email protected].

I hope you all have a lovely and safe week ahead. : )

For the Blue is a solutions-based initiative. I’m just an American patriot asking questions. I don’t work with any political party and I answer to nobody. For me, the health of the nation, due process (including for police officers), the rule of law, and respect for individual liberties, will always transcend party affiliation. I welcome your thoughts, even if you disagree; though personal attacks will be ignored. You can reach me at [email protected].

Source: www.lawofficer.com