LEOS—HAVE TO WORK HARD TO REGAIN PUBLIC TRUST
Back in the nineties, there was a solid effort underway by many Neighborhood Associations across the country to ‘show a little love’ for their local police officers by holding cookouts and the like, giving the police officers home-cooked lunches. It was voluntary, of course. Many police officers in my home city of Indianapolis, Indiana took part and enjoyed themselves. Pat Roeller (aka ‘The Flag Lady’) usually put out the BEST spread, and police officers from road patrol to motorcycle traffic detail would show up and get their grub on. And, yes, neighbors would quickly visit to show their love and appreciation for the hard work that the police officers did.
Of course, once ‘the brass’ found out, they decided to forbid many officers from participating. This was strike one. The Neighborhood Association luncheons disappeared, and the great relationship between the police officers and citizens was ruined. Why? Because headquarters ‘decided’ that the police officers would be more ‘useful’ on patrol, rather than getting to know the neighbors in their various cities.
Strike two came when the police unions decided to NOT back Republican candidates for city and country offices in many urban areas. Thus, when the crime rates rose, and police officers left the cities for better, more secure (Republican) cities and states, police union officials were left with egg on their faces and still supporting (Democrat) politicians who were pro-crime and (later) we found anti-police (except for those police officers who made up the security details of liberal politicians). Why did they support pro-crime politicians? Power and money, baby!
Strike three came when law enforcement officers and agencies—fresh off of the first two solidly blown efforts—decided to NOT share REAL gang information with the citizenry, but ‘begged’ churches, neighborhood associations, schools, and anti-gang ministries to supply the police with information and intelligence on gang members in their areas—but would not ‘reciprocate’ what they had in their files, under the guise of ‘confidentiality.’
Now, I understand there are some things that the police can’t share about some gangs in their various cities. However, the police must think that the we citizens are three ways from stupid. The average Grandma or Grandpa know their neighborhoods. Even the gang members respect them. Will the rank and file talk with them?
Better question: Will the brass ALLOW the rank and file to talk with them?
There are two scriptures from the Book of Proverbs that will help LEOS as they work in the future with the public that they serve. I’m bringing these forward to help rebuild the trust that the public and the police used to share. First, thought, three quick points when dealing with the public via your ‘inspiration’ from the brass and the Mayor’s office:
*If you KNOW that your Chief or commander is NOT competent, it is best to turn in your shield and resign. Look what following Custer did for the morale of the US Army with the Indians. That’s right: the scars STILL exist today.
*LEOS are to protect and serve the public…not the brass and not the politicians above the Chief’s office. If the public is wise enough to see that you aren’t ‘for them’ you can mostly forget getting help as to where the gang members are congregating.
*LEOS who are quick to blow off information from the public when it rains information will likely hit a drought when it comes time to get that needed information to break a big case.
I realize that there is more than enough stress in being a member of law enforcement. News flash: there is MORE stress in being a preacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The ONLY difference is that the preacher has Jesus to lean on. A smart police officer SHOULD use that same wisdom.
My favorite motto: “There is NO separation between church and state in the streets.”
Wrapping up with the scriptures, right from the KJV and the Book of Proverbs. Food for thought:
Proverbs 18:16: A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
Proverbs 18:19: A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
When LEOS know what is right and wrong…and settle for the wrong to ‘endear’ themselves to the DEI crowd, you may ‘land’ that promotion, but it will cost you more than your self-respect. It will cost you a solid relationship with the public—and the public will spread it around like wildfire. Is it any wonder that the rate of suicides among police officers is hitting the stratosphere? Sound like its time for the police officers to work to get BACK with the public. Who knows? The brass may figure out that’s it’s not too bad to have some lemonade with some folks in the hood BEFORE having to get a run in that same area.
LEOS…the public wants you back. Do you have THEIR back—or the back of the politicians who ONLY face the public every two to four years?
Let us redeem the time, for the days ARE evil…and the Lord’s return is not that far away!
Mike Ramey is a retired Gospel Minister, Modern Street Gang Specialist, and Founder of “The Gang Line,” a Christian-Based anti-gang ministry based in Indianapolis, Indiana since 2007. Ramey served as a post-production consultant for the “Black Angel” comic by Chick Publications. The motto of “The Gang Line: “Spiritual Solutions for Spiritual Problems.” Ramey can be reached at Rameysgangline@yahoo.com. “Remember: It is easier to pay for anti-gang training than for a teen’s funeral!” ©2025 Barnstorm Communications International.
Lift up Christ and lay the sinner low. –C. H. Spurgeon
