Police hiding in plain sight

Editor: We’ve all seen it. Or, maybe, if we’re lucky, we haven’t. Officers behaving badly. Perhaps it is the unashamed sensationalism of the 24-hour news cycle, or the viral nature of social media.

Whatever the reason, our society seems to be inundated with images of those charged to protect and serve, abusing their use of power, sometimes to fatal ends. Notwithstanding the truthfulness of these deplorable acts, I do believe that the constant portrayal of them has somewhat, {{more}}unfairly, skewed our collective perception of what Romans 13:4 refers to as ministers of God.

What we seldom see, are the good aspects of community policing and positive interactions. Were it the case that these enjoyed as much media coverage as the negative images, I think we would have a more favourable outlook on those brave and selfless men and women who sacrifice for our safety and security each day.

On Friday, October 28, 2016, just one day after celebrating our 37th anniversary of political independence as a nation, I was fortunate to witness an understated execution of police duty that would usually go unnoticed. Without fanfare, a female officer in the vicinity of the Inland Revenue Department confis-cated a green-bottled beverage, labelled as alcohol from a van conductor on duty.

I wanted to double back and thank her, simply to make her aware that I noticed what she did and appreciated it. On a much deeper level, who knows how many lives she may have saved from this simple act. These seemingly pedestrian gestures may never win medals or make the evening newsreel, but they are as deserving of our recognition.

Many make hay (and perhaps justifiably so) when they get it wrong. I rather praise them when they get it right. I’d like to see many more officers (and people) follow suit. Philippians 4:8 (GNT) In conclusion, my friends, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honourable.

Jiang Jia Mu