Safety and Trust Go Hand in Hand
Who do you call when you need help? How do you trust what you fear?
On one hand, our society has witnessed various forms of police misconduct. These encounters range from corrupt behaviors to the use of deadly force. Media platforms sensationalize these incidents to an already dismayed public. This behavior is a perceptual abuse of power that continues to erode the trust that our communities should have in police officers and their duties.
On the other hand, law enforcement is an honorable profession. However, the uniform has been villainized for its historical atrocities towards minority communities. Contemporary law enforcement officers do not get a fair chance to protect and serve without facing the community's resentments toward them. This could leave good police officers feeling sorrowful and victimized by communities that profile them according to their uniform. Who helps the help when they need it?
The bargain for trust begins with the empathic interpretation of our American experiences. This transparency cannot occur within the current climate of fear and frustration. The below form is an invitation to such dialogue by introducing what research has suggested about aspects of human development, the culture of law enforcement, and how it impacts officers who shun the idea of seeking mental health counseling.
If interested in learning more, fill in the fields below. You will receive a free copy of the Building Community Trust white paper. It details perspectives on the problem and provides solutions for this topic.