MY TURN: Police deserve respect
I must admit something that embarrasses me slightly: I’ve watched hundreds of “cop cam” videos on YouTube. They’re surprisingly addictive and entertaining because it’s hard to believe what you’re seeing and hearing.
I was prompted to write after reading the editorial regarding Sheriff Norris’ town hall situation. What happened there reminded me of many videos I’ve seen featuring people who refuse to comply with lawful orders.
Until I began watching these recordings, I had no idea what it was really like to be a police officer. I’ve never known one personally, and my two or three roadside encounters in my life have always been professional and courteous. (I’ve had one speeding ticket in my life.) But what I’ve witnessed in these videos is beyond the pale. Unless you’ve experienced up close what officers face daily, it’s impossible to grasp the difficulty of their job. Frankly, it’s surprising that anyone chooses the profession.
Across the country, police procedure appears remarkably consistent. In incidents like the town hall situation, resistance often begins with someone refusing to walk or pulling away. When officers give a lawful order, compliance is required. Yet many act like children throwing tantrums, drawing attention to themselves and creating the false impression that they’re being mistreated. The truth is simple: Those who comply and behave respectfully will be treated the same.
The DUI stops are even more revealing. The level of abuse police endure is astonishing — crude language toward them, personal insults and vile remarks about officers’ families, repeated endlessly. I’ve never seen an officer retaliate in kind. Their composure in the face of such behavior deserves admiration.
It’s also clear that officers hear lies constantly: “I had one drink,” “I wasn’t speeding,” “I don’t have any weapons.” People act like some teenagers — if they’re talking, well, you know. Even basic courtesy seems lost when drivers continue talking on their phones after being approached. Such disrespect is astounding.
Equally disturbing are false accusations of racism during even routine encounters: “You wouldn’t have stopped me if I were white,” or “Don’t shoot!” while posing dramatically for the camera. The restraint officers show in these moments is commendable.
The animosity some people express toward police is deeply troubling — statements like “I hate cops” or “I don’t feel safe around you” are far too common. Much of this hostility is learned behavior, passed down by parents and fueled by sensationalist media narratives. Imagine a job where nearly everyone you meet begins the interaction with hostility. That takes patience and courage.
Police officers, like all professionals, have varying personalities. Some are exceptionally kind, others more businesslike or even a little gruff. That diversity is normal. A serious demeanor does not equal rudeness, as some people claim. And yes, there are bad actors, but condemning an entire profession for the actions of a few is unfair.
Calls to “defund the police” or replace them with mental health professionals in some situations are terribly misguided. Dispatchers can’t always predict how a call will unfold, and many seemingly calm domestic situations turn violent in seconds. Expecting unarmed mental health workers to step into that danger is unrealistic and unsafe.
One of the best developments in modern policing has been the widespread use of body and dash cameras. They protect both the public and officers by providing an objective record of what occurred. False claims of misconduct are far less effective when the footage tells the real story. Sheriff Norris has experienced that firsthand.
Many people don’t realize that police officers put their lives on the line with every traffic stop and call they respond to. They never know for sure what they’re walking into. The least we can do is show them respect: follow instructions, be polite, show respect. Thank them as you would thank veterans — they help keep us safe. If you’re stopped for a ticket, smile and save your argument for the judge. A little respect goes a long way toward making an officer’s day — and making them glad they’re a cop.
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Cynthia Marlette is a Coeur d'Alene resident.