We Should Celebrate Good Police While Pointing Out The Bad

Due to current events, I have two feelings right now.  First, I think there needs to be some nationwide re-training of police. Second, I want to brag on the Lubbock Police and what a good job they did for me.

My gut tells me that there are too many police who think that everyone is out to hurt them, when the facts tell us that there were less police deaths in 2015. In fact, more police died in traffic accidents that year than were hurt by some scumbag with a gun. Even worse, each time there is a new incident, relations with the police get even chillier.  I think if we could get some kind of national, or even union re-training program created, that it would at least show citizens something was done.

Now, onto the positive. Most of you know that Nightmare On 19th Street was vandalized over the summer. It wasn't a little vandalism either, it was "lets break every single thing that is breakable" in our caretakers trailer, in our box office and his truck. In addition a lot of stuff was stolen and one room was set on fire (thanks to L.F.D. too). The police who came out were courteous, respectful of our losses, investigated thoroughly and even took fingerprints. A short period of time went by and some of the culprits were found with some of our items. They were arrested, the rest of the guys were identified, and were set to be picked up at the start of the school year (that's why I'm just now telling the story). All will got to enjoy a little jail time and some community service for their behavior. In addition, some of our stuff was returned. All in all, it was the best anyone could hope for.

Not every one is as lucky as we are. Some of you have had bad experiences, and that's okay, let's remember that you are seeing police at some of the worst times in your lives. There's barely a way for them to come off as positive when they are in a volatile situation. All I'm saying is, there are good stories out there. There are good cops out there, and one of the best way we can improve policing is not by just pointing out the bad cops, but by celebrating the good cops.

The opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author and are not representative of the opinions of Townsquare Media Lubbock, its advertisers or affiliates.