DON'T MAKE POLICE WORK IMPOSSIBLE

Don't make police work impossible. Without question, the most tragic
aspect of the recent incident in Pinellas Park, where suspects fled
the scene of a drug sting, is that an innocent driver and passengers
were victims. I see another tragic aspect, which I believe is becoming
a dangerous pattern:

We bear down on law enforcement officers and insist they do their jobs
to protect us and our ability to move about without fear. It seems to
me that, in recent years, when the police do this, they get harsh
criticism. When they are not proactive and assertive enough in
protecting our community, they also get harsh criticism.

How long can we ask that police officers deal with this demoralization
without becoming so unnerved that they leave and find other
professions? Will we end up with a situation where few are willing to
serve in this way, and where the maintenance of peace in our community
further erodes?

As a teacher of many years, I have seen how the undermining of the
authority of public servants results in consequences that none of us
welcomes.

I appeal to the people to not tear down those who we insist protect
society. It's not only contrary to our integrity, it's beyond all reason.

John N.C. Meros

St. Petersburg