After a DC officer was injured and the deaths of two NYPD officers, the Black Lives Matter chapter of Washington, DC, has called for the public not to automatically hail cops shot on the job as “heroes” before all facets of a situation are evaluated. I can appreciate the waiting for all the facts before any determination is made. I question the timing of their demand.
Next week, the President is scheduled to visit the new Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, who was himself a New York City Police Officer, to discuss gun safety. To use one of Biden’s lines, “you stupid son of a bitch.” Biden needs to be at the podium calling for an all-out effort to end this scourge on Police. Biden should attend one of these funerals of an officer gunned down doing their job.
Certainly, following lawful orders is important, but notice that there is nothing mentioned about obedience to leadership. That’s because following orders is between the officers and their leaders. Upholding their oath is between them and us, the American people. We expect them to make judgements about right and wrong, and the oath is their assurance that they will do so conscientiously.
Should the suspect decline mediation, physical restraint may be appropriate. However, physical restraint shall only be employed under the direct supervision of a medical professional. Upon determination that physical restraint is called for, the police shall “call time out,” and request a backup doctor be dispatched. They may proceed with restraint only after receiving the doctor’s written authorization.