What Will They Say About You After the Fact?

As I followed along with the Ray Tensing trial, I keep coming back to this image. (Then) Officer Tensing was required to wear a black T-shirt under his uniform. Like many officers, he threw on a printed T-shirt in which the print would be covered by a vest and uniform shirt. I can't imagine that he ever thought someone would take his clothes that day and then examine his T-shirt. I can't imagine him purchasing a T-shirt that commemorates the foundation of a National Park (founded in 1934) and painting him as a racist because of it.

Now, imagine being his boss and learning that he was wearing a Confederate flag T-shirt in a city where 43% of your population is black. Add to that the fact that Ohio fought against the Confederacy during the Civil War, so there is no historical pride that can be argued. In fact, there are any number of shirts commemorating that park. How is it that he wound up with the one (I couldn't find this one for purchase online) that has a Confederate Flag?

The reason I think it's important to write this is that it seems so obvious now, but clearly wasn't obvious to Officer Tensing that day. As I look across police departments across the country and shop for police supplies online, I keep coming across "morale patches" and the like. One particularly popular theme is the LEO "Punisher" logo. It is practically ubiquitous. Now, watch this video: https://youtu.be/0zxv1B4QXJ4?t=2m18s

Did you get that? "Frank became The Punisher. A man with a white skull painted across a bulletproof vest. This became the symbol of his cause: To bring death to criminals..."

The Punisher is a vigilante that kills bad guys because he doesn't believe in the criminal justice system. Other superheroes have fought with him because he pays no heed to the law as he sets out to kill bad guys. Is this the symbol you want on your uniform when you are defending yourself against the court of public opinion? When your officer-involved-shooting is national news, do you want this symbolizing how tough you are?

I pick on the Punisher because it's everywhere and I don't think people have given a thought to it other than "that looks cool." It's not limited to this though. I've seen patches on tactical gear such as "That Guy" (one who does everything wrong. Frequently used in LEO circles for the guy that stirs or messes things up) or "Doorkicker" (tough guy that is first into action). There are numerous others.

I hate to be "That Guy" that is telling you things that seem obvious, but look around your department and tell me that it is Punisher-sticker-free. Look at Officer Tensing who thought nothing of his T-shirt. When we say, "be safe out there," there's more to it than driving safely and keeping a sharp eye out.

This last line is to plug the SIFIR Use of Force Investigators Conference. Hope to see you there!