Not "Code 4"

"Code 4" is a radio code used by some police departments meaning, "no further assistance necessary." In Southern California for example, an officer at the scene of an incident might use the term over the radio to cancel additional officers as the situation is under control. On a traffic stop, an officer would hold up four fingers to convey to the arriving back-up that he does not need assistance.

Unfortunately, law enforcement is anything but Code 4. Attacks on those employed to protect and serve have increased to levels I could never fathom. Distain and the total lack of respect for our laws and those who have taken an oath to enforce them has created a greater divide than this country has ever seen.

Do law enforcement officers always get it right? Why no, they do not - anymore than we always do the right thing. Just like you, once all of the information is gathered, wrongdoing will be punished. To jump to a conclusion before an investigation is complete and all of the information is available is ignorant. Immediate protests of alleged wrongdoing have just as quickly gone away once all of the facts are uncovered. We are all innocent until proven guilty.

My years in law enforcement were short versus my contemporaries and I respect those who continue to put on a uniform each day knowing that members of the community don't like them, elected officials may not support them and that this shift may be their last. The job is not easy. Think about it. You go out each day and try to find the worst of the worse and get them off the streets to keep the community you are responsible for safer. You make traffic stops and issue citations to make drivers aware and reduce vehicle accidents. You are called out when people have been victims of a crime and try to make them understand why it happened and assure them that you will work to bring those responsible to justice.

When you see nothing but bad news about law enforcement, it makes you wonder if they ever get it right and does defunding, eliminating, or stripping their powers make sense. To those who believe that I can confidently say that law enforcement gets it right more often than you see. Why don't you hear about it? Well, they are doing what they were hired to do and that does not come with special recognition or publicity.

I guess it is easy to complain when you have a concern but have you ever submitted a compliment when the officer went the extra mile? Have you ever gone on a ride-along, participated in a Civilian Police Academy, served on a civilian review board, or attend community meetings? Law Enforcement wants and needs the support of the community and know that they cannot do it without you. Perhaps understanding what they do, how they do it and why will help change your view? If not, perhaps your input is just what is needed to help improve relationships. Start a neighborhood watch program, participate in a national night out, follow your local agency on social media, be as willing to compliment as you are to condemn. Your local law enforcement agency should also be willing to reach out and work with you to understand your needs and help improve your community.

None of this is easy, it will take time, effort (on both sides) and there will be setbacks. At the end of the day, what kind of world do you want to live in and what kind of legacy do you want for the next generation?

No, law enforcement is Not Code 4! They deserve our support and we need to let them do their jobs!