My father was a Baltimore City police officer in the 1940s, '50s and '60s — when officers were respected and they were allowed to do the same life-risking job they do today. Only back then no one complained and everyone applauded. On those occasions when he had to protect himself or a citizen with force at the risk of his own life, he was told by everyone, "Thank you. Good job!"
Today, who wants to be a cop? You're not allowed to do the job you are trained to do, you can't protect the public without being accused of being "the bad guy," and you risk your life every day trying to get the real bad guys off the streets. What do you get in return? An investigation so that someone can profit from a lawsuit.
One of these days, I hope the residents of Baltimore City and other jurisdictions offer a genuine and respectable, "Thank you. Job well done!" to our dedicated law enforcement officers throughout this great country. I want every officer to know that I respect each of you with the same respect I had for my dad over 50 years ago.
To all of you: Thank you. Job well done!
Hank Thompson