Police power

From the time I was young I was taught to have respect for the police. In fact I remember saying that I had seen a cop. My father quickly corrected me and said that we did not call them cops, it was disrespectful, they were police officers. However, as I have aged I have realized that police are human and that the uniform does not necessarily make men and women good. Not only that Power in all it's forms can be abused.  In a revelation given to Joseph Smith it was stated, 

"We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion." 

None of us are exempt from this. But despite this issue most men and women in the force effectively handle the power and really serve us very well. Trying to show the necessary respect for our officers and still hold them accountable for when they abuse the power they have been given, can be a difficult balance. My article this week in the paper (Click here to read), deals with this issue and with the fact that I believe departments can do much to help their officers maintain the trust of the people they serve by promoting clear and transparent policies.

I hope we all find the right balance and can hold our offices accountable for the power we have entrusted them with all while still showing them the very deep respect they deserve, for putting their lives on the line everyday.