Some Still Defend the Police

A decent article sent in by a few readers:

• As the first anniversary of the fatal Ferguson, Missouri police encounter approaches, we can expect activists and opportunists to return to the small town and take to their soapboxes to stage protests, disparage law officers, and call for additional limits on the police. Sadly, the anniversary of this watershed moment in policing finds a much degraded image of law enforcement in America, increasingly polarized views on crime and policing, and concerning increases in homicide in cities across the country. While clear-headed opportunities for positive change have been ever-present, conflict and negativity have ruled the discussion
  
  Fueled by negative media reports and an Administration-led political agenda, it is now fashionable to vilify your local police, loudly and often, regardless of the facts. As the trend expands, we will inherit the obvious result - good men and women already doing difficult, often thankless, work opting out of the profession; young prospects taking other paths for their careers; rising crime rates as beleaguered cops retreat from proactive policing.

Go read it all. As some have said, the darkest days may still lie ahead for policing in general and the country in particular.