The public is losing its faith in our law enforcement agencies, and the nation is on edge. We are battling chaos while trying to find the right outlet for our frustration. Conflict between police officers and protesters over the past week has exacerbated this frustration and has made it seem like we’re only a few steps away from losing control completely.
But where there is division, there is also an opportunity to work toward unity, as a Michigan county sheriff proved last week.
Like just about every other law enforcement official in the country, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson was told to ready his officers for a confrontation in the case that protesters’ peaceful march turned into a riot, as has happened in various cities across the country. So when protesters arrived at the Flint Township police station, they were met by police officers in riot gear. But then Swanson pursued a different route. He took off his helmet, asked his officers to put down their batons, and he began talking to protesters.
“These cops love you,” he said. “The only reason we’re here is to make sure that you got a voice — that’s it.”
The crowd responded in turn and began to chant “Walk with us!” So, he did. “Let’s go, let’s go,” Swanson said. “Where do you want to walk? We’ll walk all night.”
The policeman’s job is to protect and serve communities, a fact often forgotten. Swanson made sure his officers and those they were protecting could see that very clearly. Importantly, it wasn’t only the police who disarmed here. The community members who marched down Flint’s streets did not throw water bottles or projectiles at officers. They did not scream obscenities. The protesters were respectful and willing to listen, and it made a difference.
It wasn’t just a good cop who made this happen. It was also good protesters.
