Pubdate: Tue, 09 Sep 2014
Source: Lawrence Journal-World (KS)
Copyright: 2014 The Lawrence Journal-World
Contact:  http://www.ljworld.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1075
Author: Tim Hjersted

POLICE PRIORITIES

Much of my concern about investing our money into a new police
headquarters would be alleviated if I was assured that our local
police department was an ally in the movement to reverse the
disturbing trend of police militarization that we have been seeing
among police departments over the last 10 years.

Fortunately it seems like the Lawrence Police Department has avoided
becoming a part of this trend. But I think the nation in general has
become alarmed by what we have seen in Ferguson and elsewhere.

I think providing positive leadership in light of this disturbing
trend is more important than ever a=C2=80" most of all from courageous
police departments who are willing to publicly say, a=C2=80=C2=9CThis is 
not the
way.a=C2=80=C2=9D The oath of police is to protect and serve all citizens
=2E It
should never treat citizens as enemy combatants.

I am hoping our Lawrence police department can be one of these
courageous voices. I believe they can. Lawrence has a history of being
awesome. The recent interfaith vigil for Michael Brown was a reminder
of that. I would like our police to be just as awesome. I would like
our police department to publicly state that it will never accept
military gear from the Pentagon. I would also like the Lawrence Police
Departmenta=C2=80=C2=99s public support of Law Enforcement Against Prohib
ition,
which is a national coalition of law enforcement working to end the
disastrous effects of the drug war. If you can do these things, you
will have my support.a=C2=80=C2=8B

Tim Hjersted,

Lawrence
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MAP posted-by: Matt