Conversation with a DC Police Officer

The below Conversation is with a Washington DC Police Officer. We did this interview anonymously because I didn't want to jeopardize his employment. Somewhere along the line the line, he got cold feet of sorts, and declined answering supplementary questions I had for him. I was going to delete the preliminary interview we had done, but decided I might as well publish it anyhow. So here goes

This should be an interesting conversation between us. Like I told you when I found out you’re a cop, I’m not a big fan of the DC police but I’m ready to keep my mind open. How long have you been a patrol officer?

10 years

What was it about being a police officer that you admired?

The way you can help anyone from the youngest to the oldest. Unlike other occupations, being a police officer you have so many different hats to wear (a friend, counselor, protector, a comforter)

As a young man, what were your dreams and passions for life?

As a young man my dream was to make it to see the age of 21. Growing up where I did and in my environment there were a lot of killings, and I lost most of my friends between the ages of 12 to 19 so I just wanted to see my 21st birthday.

How did you get to join the police force?

I was newly married and had a child on the way so I needed a job with benefits, and the MPD was hiring.

Growing up in the environment you did and seeing what you saw, what was your impression of the police? Were they your enemy or your friend, and why?

(NO RESPONSE BACK)

What was the reaction of your family and friends when you informed them you were joining the police force?

There were mixed emotions. A lot of my family members were excited for me to become a police officer. However a few really hated the idea. My only brother hated it and didn’t talk to me for several years after I became one.

Why do you think they hated the idea? In your opinion, what was the impression your neighborhood had of the police?

(NO RESPONSE BACK)

How long was the training program, and what did it involve?

Training at the academy took 8 to 9 months and it involved all the DC and Federal Laws, physical training and weapons training.

What do you love most about being a police officer in the Capital city? What brings you pride and accomplishment about it?

I love being a police officer in DC because I can help people that I grew up with and help the city that I was born and raised in.

In your opinion, why do you think there is a disconnect between us the people and the police? I know there are worthy officers of repute and integrity, yet somehow it always seems the #%@% up ones are the ones more people encounter

The reason there is such a disconnect is because some officers and citizens don't want to understand what the other side goes through. A lot of citizens don’t understand the stress and craziness that we have to go through everyday, and all of the problems we have to deal with. Also a lot of officers don’t know what people have to go through everyday living in DC. A lot of officers don’t care about the citizens. They look at being a police officer as a job, but it’s much more than that.

But officers are everyday people, so they KNOW what citizens experience daily. Obviously wearing the uniform mentally alienates an officer, but does the culture in the police force encourage alienation and separation from the citizens (to enable you enforce the law)? And why?

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I love the TV show Blue Bloods. Would you say it is an accurate depiction of the brotherhood you officers share?

I like that show as well and parts of it is true. You also have to understand that it is show so it has to add exaggerated excitement to it.

I know you cant speak for officers who give the good ones a bad rep, but lets just assume you can. What do you think makes some officers see us the public as the enemy, rather than the ones they should protect?

Because some officer don’t treat citizens as individuals. A lot feel that if one person does it that all are going to do it and that’s not the case.

Power intoxicates. How would you describe the power and authority you feel when you wear your uniform, and know most people will do anything you tell them? Be honest now

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I know you, and you have been nothing but an upright and exemplary man I’m proud and honored to call a friend, which is why I was shocked to find out you’re not just a police officer, but a DC police officer. Obviously my perception is flawed. How would you suggest I begin to repair my flaw, and learn to celebrate you guys like you deserve?

Understand that the officers that you had a bad encounter with don’t represent every police officer that is out here. Treat officers off the experience that you have with them instead of past experiences. 99 percent of officers are great people and care about their community; don’t let that 1 percent have a negative effect on you .

I hear you. As a force (and an insider in the force) do a majority of you guys feel like you want to repair the flawed image we have of you, or it really isn’t something you guys stress over collectively?

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What’s the big mistake we as the public should never make when you stop us to question us?

Dont make the mistake that all of us are bad officer. There are some bad officers but not all of us.

If we feel a police officer is bullying or abusing us, what should be our appropriate response?

Call for a higher ranking official to respond whereever you are and talk to them. If you fight with the police you are going to lose. We as a people need to go about the right way to get where we want to go.

How do I call for a higher ranking officer when I am stuck in my car at 9pm with a crooked, shady and shiesty officer trying to strip me of any dignity and self worth I have as a human being?

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You know we cant have this conversation without addressing the increasing deaths of black men encountering white officers. When you hear of these incidences, where does your loyalty gravitate to? To your brothers in blue, or your human brothers….and why?

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Do you personally know any racist fellow brother in blue? Lets keep it real now

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In your opinion as an insider, do you think the police brotherhood culture is trying to actively stand against these senseless incidents, or you guys are just giving us a public image, and behind closed doors, you’re standing with and supporting your blue brothers, regardless if they are guilty?

(NO RESPONSE BACK)

How prevalent is racism and corruption in the force?

(NO RESPONSE BACK)

If your son said he wanted to join the police force, would you support and encourage him? Why?

(NO RESPONSE BACK)

If we want to support or volunteer to help the police force in any way, what can we do?

Go to your local police station and ask what you can do to help.

I’m sure you have faced some pretty risky situations in your service. How will you convince an aspiring youth who wants to join the force?

Just to follow your heart and don’t let the bad experience you had change that.

Any last words of advice you have for us, Officer?

Nope