January 9th is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

Did you know January 9th is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day?

It's a great time to take stock of all the hard work and dedication your own city police force do to keep you safe.

From local, state and federal, their duties command dedication. The jobs are often thankless and take them away from their families for long hours. Rarely do they know what their days have in store for them.

Just imagine this for a second...

It's 3:00 a.m. and you bounce out of bed from a deep sleep to the sound of your back door being kicked in. The first thought for the vast majority of Americans is to call 9-1-1.

At this point your expectations are "please hurry" – "save my family's lives" – and "I don't want to die." All very understandable emotional responses to a home invasion.

Now, put yourself in the position of law enforcement having just received this 9-1-1 call for distress.

What questions are running through this officer's mind?

  1. Are there lives at risk?
  2. Hostages?
  3. Injuries?
  4. Is the intruder potentially deadly, under the influence, mentally hazardous, armed?
  5. Do I have backup?
  6. What is the floor plan of the home?
  7. Will I get in trouble? Is my life at risk?

These are just a few of the questions law enforcement officers ask themselves every time they answer a call. Really, every time they gear up for a shift.

So, walk in those shoes for a minute before you judge or discount what our men and women in law enforcement have to face every time they show up for duty.

I have yet to meet the perfect person. Mistakes are made in every walk of life, including the SEAL Teams and law enforcement.

I also have yet to meet someone who has decided to pursue a career in law enforcement – including close friends and family members – that did so with malicious intent.

To a man and woman, they simply "Wanted to protect, defend, and serve." It surely isn't for the money!

My advice when dealing with law enforcement

Whether you've just been pulled over for speeding; or have found yourself as a hostage during a bank robbery, I highly suggest you follow this advice. Understand that law enforcement is responding to an unknown situation that could result in that officer's death.

"The sooner I feel less stressed, the better the outcome."
LAPD SWAT Officer

 

Responding law enforcement often has NO idea what they are walking into. And for their own self-preservation each one must approach every situation with the highest degree of alertness. Help them do their job.

  1. Show the highest degree of respect.
  2. Don't make any sudden or aggressive movements.
  3. Ask permission before any actions.
  4. Don't pose a threat!
  5. Put them in their comfort zone.

Every organization makes mistakes. How would you live your life under a microscope?

Imagine having to put on a body cam every time you clocked into work...

Now I have personally had issues with law enforcement that I felt were unjust. There is a path for dealing with this, but when you find yourself in any situation with law enforcement, I highly advise you follow the steps above.

And again, be honest and ask yourself, “Would I trade places with this officer?”

This might give some clarity. And let's be honest, if you were speeding... you got caught and it's only your fault. It's time to face the music.

God Bless Our Folks in Blue.

Be a survivor... not a statistic,

Cade Courtley
Former Navy SEAL / 4Patriots Contributor

Comments

  • DEbbie - January 30, 2020

    Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all the brave police officers all over our country! I appreciate everything you do on a daily basis! Just know we love you all! Keep up the great work!

  • Jason Cook - January 30, 2020

    I don’t normally comment on things like this but this message was perfectly written. I support our first responders and always do what this article speaks about. This still made me stop and reflect.
    God bless our LEO’s.

  • Clara J DAvis - January 30, 2020

    Thank you for this article ! I am the mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother of 3 now retired and 4 still active law enforcement officers ! I pray for their safety always! It’s a rough world out there for people dedicated to this career! I gifted each member of my family with this great flashlight this Christmas! It was a greatly appreciated gift by all!

  • Elizabeth R. - January 30, 2020

    As a retired police officer, I completely agree and appreciate every single word you wrote on how to treat an officer, what to expect, and what to do. On many occasions, I had to tell someone, “ma’am/sir, am I yelling at you or disrespecting you? No, so can you please treat me the way I am treating you, with respect, that’s all I ask of you.” And 99% of the time, they did and apologized. Thank you for such a great email/article.

  • peter wing - January 30, 2020

    I’m sorry to say that Belton’s law enforcement has never done anything to help me. Instead of protect and serve, it’s more profile and harass if you’re a minority like myself. In the 32yrs I’ve lived here, I’ve never even considered dialing 911. I do respect the law and the few officers who do their best. But, I feel safer handling anything that might come up in my home before thinking about dialing 911.

  • Evelyn Ironside - January 30, 2020

    A big thank you to all our Police in our Law enforcement units..I appreciate your dedication to our communities and the many sacrifices you make to keep us safe. My prayers are with you for your safety each day. God bless you all. Evelyn Ironside

  • Sam Kegley - January 30, 2020

    I am a draftee veteran of WW II. These law enforcement people do a terrific job for all American citizens. They pledge their lives as we did, draftee or volunteer when entering the forces. God, please continue blessing them, each one, and particularly our soon retiring and long-time serving neighbor and friend, Carol Estep of Westerville, Ohio. She is a logistical manager who always performed above the call of duty.

  • WILEY S DRAKE - January 30, 2020

    Wiley Drake <wileydrake@gmail.com>
    Fri, Jan 3, 6:23 PM (22 hours ago)

    to reply-MA-MA

    Congressional Prayer Conference of Washington DC Calls for Cooperation with All Worldwide Prayer Partners to a Special Repentance Prayer for America
    Contact: Pastor Wiley Drake, 714-865-8132 CALL2FALL.COM

    WASHINGTON, — The Congressional Prayer Conference is offering the following avenues of prayer to Pray America back to Repentance and a closer walk with God through Jesus:

    1. “Telephonic Prayer Session” daily, Monday through Friday, 1-605-468-8016, Access code 399430# at 9:00 AM EST

    2. 24-hour “Live” Prayer Request Line, 1-714-865-8132

    3. “Live” Upper Room Prayer Vigils daily at 12:00 noon and 8:00 PM EST, 1-714-522-7201

    4. E-mail for written prayer targets: wileydrake@gmail.com

  • Daniel Cobbins - January 30, 2020

    My concern now is the the unconstitutional gun grab that is going to happen in Virginia right now. Some of the sheriffs there have stated that they will not comply with these new laws. Any official who violates their oath to uphold and defend the law of the land needs to be removed from office.

  • Tom - January 30, 2020

    Thanks. I have 2 relatives that are officers so I know what they go through. Tom

  • Connie - January 30, 2020

    For 22 years, I wore those shoes. I have a great respect, love and admiration for our Military Personnel and my Brothers and Sisters in Blue. Retired LRPD.

  • PEnny - January 30, 2020

    Just saying I appreciate our officers in every capacity! It’s always been a serious job but the way times are today I feel it is extremely dangerous job! More people should stop and think, “if we didn’t have our policemen what would just everyday life be like!
    I take my hat off to all just like our military! They serve and protect and need to be respected by all!
    God Bless them all!

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