I didn’t know much about police officers growing up. I lived in a small town with a sheriff’s department which we good-naturedly called Barney Fife. After having been married to my husband, an almost 10 year veteran of the police force, and having represented abused and neglected children I know more. I know police have received a great deal of bad press lately. Some of it justified and some not. When it occurs I often see all police officers lumped together.  Like any profession there are “bad apples” and people who make poor choices.

Open, honest, and rational discussions about these incidents is important.  As is seeking change by the numerous legal methods provided for in the founding of our government, including peaceful protests.  We must remember there are human beings on both sides of the issues and there are other humans affected by the conflict. We must remember that…