Excerpted from a statement by Gwinnett County Sheriff Butch Conway. The full version is online at myAJC.com.
I’ve watched with growing horror the … senseless murders of law enforcement officers across this country, especially in recent weeks.
We’ve all heard the noisy voices blaming law enforcement officers themselves for these assassinations and it sickens me. I’m angry that the fringe groups who started the culture of police hatred have widened the racial divide in our country by alleging that officer involved shootings stem from racism. I’m angry that the controversy involving law enforcement officers has been further fueled by the news media, which seems intent on trying these cases in the court of public opinion through relentless media coverage and irresponsible reporting … .
I can think of no greater example … than the events that took place last August in Ferguson. An officer who acted within policy to preserve his own life became the poster child for alleged police racism and suffered damaging, irreversible lifelong consequences.
The truth is that the common denominator in every controversial case of officers using deadly force has been police interaction with people who do not respect the law. The blatant disrespect towards law enforcement officers performing their duties must stop.
The widespread allegations of racism made it difficult to speak up … . It’s not about race.
Law enforcement officers are being dehumanized. Those inciting riots and committing murders are simply criminals and do not represent the majority of Americans. They are domestic terrorists with an agenda. Their message is that police lives don’t matter, which sure sounds like a hate group to me. Anyone willing to kill a cop is capable of killing anyone.
These hate groups are using the excuse that they have been mistreated by police to justify their actions. If someone feels they have been wronged by a law enforcement officer, there are clear avenues to pursue it through legal means.
But if you scream it loud and often enough, then add race into the mix, you effectively silence the majority of law abiding citizens. The loudest voices are heard until a credible voice speaks.
This trend of law enforcement hatred threatens the fiber of our society and the safety of our citizens as good officers leave the profession because they are no longer willing to do the job. Who can blame them? Sadly, after more than 30 years of service in law enforcement, I’m not sure that I would choose it again, given the current state of affairs. The silent majority must find its voice and speak boldly in support of those who risk their lives to serve them.
My priority has been and always will be keeping our deputies and our citizens safe. All lives, and I repeat, ALL LIVES matter.
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