Thank you, Blue

An Open Letter to Law Enforcement

As my team and I gear up to attend the International Association of Chiefs of Police conference #IACP2016 in San Diego this weekend, I began to reflect on the role of law enforcement in our communities.  My appreciation of law enforcement has evolved over the years and I have truly grown to admire the impact of law enforcement in many facets of my day-to-day life. I wanted to take this opportunity to say, Thank you, Blue.

Thank you, Blue. I am a homeowner that knows how quickly a small degradation in community standards can lead to a decline in the quality of life we have invested in so much. Thank you for reacting quickly to calls for service where you are never sure what is on the other side of the door. 

Thank you, Blue. I am a father with two precious little girls. Thank you for being school resource officers, who strive to ensure our children are safe so they can learn and grow.  Thank you for keeping our streets safe on holiday weekends, when drunk drivers hit the roads in frightening numbers. Thank you for embracing a noble profession that our children can look up to. I regularly share with my daughters stories of your heroism, bravery and loyalty.

Thank you, Blue. I love our country and the freedom it affords. Thank you for showing up at protests, even those where the protesters question your motives, your actions and your judgment. You keep those protesters and the rest of the community safe, despite insults and projectiles being hurled in your direction. Thank you for risking your lives to protect those freedoms.

And lastly, this thank you letter would be incomplete without acknowledging the family members of law enforcement. Thank you to the sons and daughters, wives and husbands, and mothers and fathers who send their law enforcement officer off to his or her job each day knowing the danger they face.  Without your commitment, all of the missed birthdays, holidays, dance recitals and little league games could prove unbearable for a family. But your stalwart dedication and support is vital to ensuring our law enforcement officers stay strong and focused in their mission.

Thank you, Blue. I know each day you strive to solve problems, make our communities safe, and ultimately improve our quality of life.  My bad days at work seem utterly meaningless when I think about what you do and face every day. I know your efforts are often overlooked or met with resentment and opposition and I admire your willingness to keep showing up to protect and serve all of us.

Thank you, Blue. Please stay safe. We need you.

Haywood “Woody” Talcove is CEO, LexisNexis Special Services Inc. and CEO, Government, LexisNexis Risk Solutions.