I know firsthand that black males are high on the target list. Sometimes we are instructed or I was instructed to target them. I never did it but it was a part of the department as for patrol basically. I didn’t stay in an officer’s uniform very long and when I made supervisor, I didn’t tolerate excessive behavior especially towards minorities. It bothered me and when I had a say I showed no patience for it. It is a part of the officer culture and has been since before I joined the force. What is staggering to me is the blatant way some officers are displaying aggression. Being an officer is not easy and again, it is a calling. Like everything else, you get some who just want to boss people around, speed, and delve into a little mischief on the side. I’ve had a few under me like this. It’s hard to fire them and there have been a few that have been on the force for a long time and they were pretty racist and vicious.
I think a lot needs to change in this country, and Black Lives Matter means when you look at black people you see them as human beings and therefore worth. Worthy of respect, dignity, compassion, consideration, understanding, opportunity just like white people.
