NORRIS: Behaved appropriately

I’d just like to voice my strong support for Sheriff Robert Norris in relation to the smear piece recently published in the Coeur d’Alene Press.

It sounds to me like the person recording the incident was being verbally aggressive. A police officer is NOT required to wait until after someone physically attacks in order to prepare to defend him/herself. Had I been in a similar position, I would have certainly made sure my pepper spray was in my hand and ready, just in case the person was more than just a jerk.

Yes, the person had a right to film. The person did not have the right to interfere with an officer in performance of his duties. Cursing at an officer and distracting him when he is in the middle of an incident is interference.

One thing I have been pleased about is that Idaho has not participated in the “defund the police” movement. We should treasure the men and women who are willing to put themselves between us and harm. Don’t encourage people to harass officers. Don’t pass on their videos. Give them the resounding silence they deserve.

CRISTINA GINORIO

Coeur d’Alene