This is a different kind of Happy post, I spent Monday night doing a ride along with my son a Deputy in Orlando, Fl. I was so proud and happy to see how he interacted with people of all races and social status.
Respect was given to all and truly in this department there is no race preference towards treatment, all were treated the same and those that were respectful got it in return. It is a very mixed area (but low income) and I was amazed at how people react when confronted by the Police, most were nervous of course but by and large they all reacted well to being treated well and fairly. The shift squad is a mixed group of all races and one woman, mostly young as the older deputies want the day shifts, their consideration for each other and professionalism was just incredible for Deputies that were in their 1st year on the force.
These Deputies work their butts off all night to keep things safe, things like helping lost tourist that are wandering around in the worst possible place in Orlando. Homeless people that just need help with not getting killed by other homeless or predators, and folks with domestic issues that needed (most times) just to vent or have someone else tell them how to deal with their issue. I thought I knew what he did every night, but I was way off in how much they really do and get no thanks for it most of the time.
The stress on every traffic stop was palatable, not knowing who you were dealing with and how they would react is a great unknown and with the recent rash of Police shootings it is on their minds to do things by the book and take no chances.
Anyone that can should do a local ride along and see what is like from the other side of the fence, it will change your perception of Police forever. I am not a particularly religious person, but God Bless them and please keep them safe is what comes to mind.
Respect was given to all and truly in this department there is no race preference towards treatment, all were treated the same and those that were respectful got it in return. It is a very mixed area (but low income) and I was amazed at how people react when confronted by the Police, most were nervous of course but by and large they all reacted well to being treated well and fairly. The shift squad is a mixed group of all races and one woman, mostly young as the older deputies want the day shifts, their consideration for each other and professionalism was just incredible for Deputies that were in their 1st year on the force.
These Deputies work their butts off all night to keep things safe, things like helping lost tourist that are wandering around in the worst possible place in Orlando. Homeless people that just need help with not getting killed by other homeless or predators, and folks with domestic issues that needed (most times) just to vent or have someone else tell them how to deal with their issue. I thought I knew what he did every night, but I was way off in how much they really do and get no thanks for it most of the time.
The stress on every traffic stop was palatable, not knowing who you were dealing with and how they would react is a great unknown and with the recent rash of Police shootings it is on their minds to do things by the book and take no chances.
Anyone that can should do a local ride along and see what is like from the other side of the fence, it will change your perception of Police forever. I am not a particularly religious person, but God Bless them and please keep them safe is what comes to mind.