“Dear Peace Officers of America, along with the assurance that I am speaking for the overwhelming silent majority, please let me share my heartfelt thanks and thoughts.”

Since the onset of the global pandemic, many things have taken a turn for the worse in public life. Racial tensions have sparked some of the biggest protests, unrest and riots the country has ever seen.

In the middle of it all, police officers have come under serious scrutiny in some cases. They have also received high praise in others.

In the face of such criticism, both justified and otherwise, it has become hard for the nation to appreciate the vital work our police officers do every day.

Even in the middle of the turmoil, the people sworn to service in our society suffer attacks and endure many hardships without enough positive coverage of the essential job they do.

Stuck in the middle

At present, there are tensions, group politics and agendas being played out all over the country.

While a police-related incident might have kindled a spark for the movement behind the civil unrest, the officers themselves remain everyday people trying to do their jobs.

There are cases when, rather than receiving gratitude, they are exposed to thrown bricks, bottles and even gunfire.

Many in the service feel like 2020 was the most dangerous time to serve in the police force. The violence and pressure the officers endure are almost unsustainable.

Yet, they persevere and continue with their job, exposing themselves and their families to various threats.

It shouldn’t be forgotten that a police officer’s job description is to deal with society’s most dangerous elements and to protect and serve under any circumstances. This remains the same, even in critical times when the police themselves might be subject to different kinds of aggression.

The level of stress that an average officer feels these days is exceptionally high. No matter what your profession, no one can stand being exposed to outbursts of rage without reacting.

Many police officers are overworked and suffering, both mentally and physically as a result. The toll exacted for their service is reflected in their personal lives.

Even with all these things considered, there’s a large number of officers who have shown their support to the protests and stood by their fellow citizens.

There are many examples that show that those involved in previous notorious incidents are overwhelmingly in the minority. The police service remains filled with dedicated people who have their communities’ best interests at heart.

What our police officers did for U.S. citizens in 2020

When it comes to an emergency, in a majority of instances police officers are first on the scene. They are also assigned to patrol areas and neighborhoods to maintain the safety of families living nearby. Assigned officers monitor for suspicious activities and are ready to react at a moment’s notice.

There are officers that only work in specific fields, specializing in locating suspected felons and processing those responsible for specific criminal acts. All of these activities can potentially put police officers in danger, which is why the job requires both bravery and dedication.

The committed officers of police departments throughout the country have made an outstanding contribution to the reduction in homicides and violent crimes over recent years. Their efforts have brought down the rate of these crimes to a fraction of what it’s been in some states.

The contributions police officers bring to the community have a wide range, including finding missing persons, helping out in domestic situations, reacting to crises, and even assisting communal projects such as cleaning up public spaces.

Police officers also participate in other helpful activities, giving classes and lectures on gun safety, drug abuse, public safety and more.

There are countless stories of police officers going above and beyond the usual demands of their work and making an extra effort to benefit their local community.

Whether your pet has gone missing, you need directions, or want to report suspicions of illegal activity, there’ll be a police officer you can talk to, and they’ll be sure to help you in any way they can.

Appreciate the good work

These are troubling times for a nation that is being divided on a number of serious and contentious issues. The average police officer has found themself caught in the middle of rioting and looting.

Even those who received yesterday’s praise might be frowned upon in the light of recent civil unrest.

Still, we must remember the valuable service these officers do for every community’s greater good − from our neighborhoods to the nation as a whole.

At the end of the day, those that keep us safe and apprehend wrongdoers are the same responsible, dedicated and brave officers they always were. With that in mind, the appreciation for their work should perhaps be greater now than ever before.