Positive Policing

by Darren Wybenga

I am have been a police officer for 25 years.  Most of my career has been spent as a patrol officer serving the South Los Angeles area.  The office I work in patrols much of the Unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County along with the LA County Sheriff Department.  We also border the LAPD in several locations.  Working this area has enabled me see and serve a wide range of races and socioeconomic groups.  

As I reflect on the current situation of our nation it is evident people of color, primarily the black community, have recently expressed fear, anger, hurt, frustration….against many social injustices.  The primary focus of the displeasure has been directed at the law enforcement profession.  The black community is tired of being judged and often mistreated simply because of the color of their skin.  The law enforcement community, in turn, has become increasingly frustrated for being judged and mistreated, simply because of the uniform they wear.  These feelings have been accelerated as a result of the tragic death of George Floyd, at the hands of police officers.   

Law enforcement is a unique profession, in that, your job is to maintain order and serve the public, many of whom don’t like you or appreciate the job you do.  A civilian can say the most profane, degrading and inappropriate things to your face and then expect you to come to their aid moments later.  As a police officer, you don’t have the option to pick and choose the calls you respond to.  You just receive a call for service and respond.  You don’t have the option to avoid dangerous or potential life threatening situation.  Unlike the public, officers are required to run towards danger when most people run away from danger.  Then when you do respond to a situation, you are required to make split second decisions which could potentially result in taking a person’s freedom, or even worse, their life.  These are things you contemplate and choose to accept when pursuing this profession. 

I have loved being a police officer!  I chose to become an officer because I wanted to be in a position of service.  I have always wanted to be the type of officer who enforced the law fairly and treated people well.  The majority of the officers I have worked with and observed do the job the right way.  Unfortunately there are always a few bad people in every profession, who give the good majority a bad name or reputation.  The same way the violent and criminal minority has overshadowed the peacefully protesting majority.   

So how does positive change happen?  I believe we need to listen first and talk second.  Whether we can relate to these feelings of injustice, we need to be sympathetic, educated and willing to make changes.  We need law and order, but we also need reform.  Accountability is crucial for the public to feel better about law enforcement.  Law enforcement can do better, but we also need to feel supported.  The good majority needs to rise up and help.  If the public wants less police interaction, they need to help by self-policing themselves and those around them.  Moving forward, my goal is to do my best to make each contact a positive one.  I will continue to ask questions and take the time to answer questions.  Since much of the unrest has occurred, I have made it a point to offer apologies, explanations and do my best to clear up misconceptions.  Interactions have been very positive and informative.  I will never fully understand the unfortunate experiences some people, especially those of color have endured.  I am so incredibly sorry to hear these experiences have happened.  I have never been a part of or witnessed the “George Floyd” type of actions.  If I ever do witness such behavior, I will be an officer who intervenes and ensures it doesn’t continue.  I will spend my remaining 2-3 years in this profession seeking to be an agent of positive change!