Cops

Cops have a tough job. They’re tasked with catching dangerous criminals as well as attempting to prevent crimes. When they see something suspicious, they investigate. They stop and ask questions.

I’ve seen video of so-called killer cops. I agree that sometimes in the heat of the moment, while in a violent confrontation, they over-react. They’re just humans trying to do a difficult job.

And I’ve no doubt that a few cops are bullies and just want a chance to bully some innocent person.

But having said those things, I have to say I’ve seen many videos where cops shoot a Black man and in virtually every video, the man who got shot brought it upon himself in some way. The “victim” refused to cooperate with the police, sometimes fighting with the police, seizing the cop’s weapon, shooting it at the cop, running away, etc. If the “victim” had cooperated with the officers, all would have gone smoothly and no one would have been shot. At most, the “victim” would have spent a night in jail, unless there were outstanding warrants on him and he was already a wanted man.

When these things happen today, the cops usually get fired and may be charged with murder. And the “victim” becomes a hero. I put the word victim in quotes because he isn’t a typical victim. He wasn’t hit by a hurricane. He wasn’t swept away by a flood. He made himself a victim by being uncooperative and/or belligerent with the authorities who are tasked with keeping us safe.

I’m White, but I know a number of Black people who are not afraid of the police. They know what to do when a cop asks questions: simply answer the questions. Don’t make sudden moves. Don’t do unexpected things. The cop isn’t psychic. If you suddenly reach inside your car, the cop doesn’t know for sure what you’re doing. Maybe you’re reaching for a weapon. When interacting with police, tell the cop what you’re going to do.

“My wallet is in my back pocket, I’m going to get it out now.”

“My registration is in this center console. I’m going to open it now.”

If it’s nighttime, give the cop time to point his flashlight at what you’re doing. Let him know what’s going on. Don’t be difficult.

These Black men did not have to die. The cops may have been at fault to a degree, but if, at the end of the day, you’re dead, then does it matter to you that the cops over-reacted? No it doesn’t, because you’re dead. Don’t give the cops a reason to over-react.

I’m trying hard to not blame the victims here. But the truth is that sometimes the victim does bear part of the responsibility for what happens to him. We don’t live in a sci-fi world with artificially intelligent robots policing us. We have humans with families they want to go home to, and they aren’t psychic; they can’t read our minds. So talk and answer questions. If the cop wants to take you in, go with him. Be a responsible person. Take responsibility for your actions. Do the right thing and let events work themselves out. Fighting the cops is a lose-lose situation. You either lose now or lose later. Be smarter than that.

Lastly, for those who insist this is all a racial thing, you should know that cops kill Whites twice as often as Blacks.