Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 4012 AMERICAN POLICE BEAT: APRIL 2016 by Barry Donelan W hen you pull open your car door or the front door to your home, you have a reasonable expectation of what awaits you. Ev- ery day is similar. For us, we arrive at every door never knowing what will happen next. Whether responding to a do- mestic violence call or approaching a traffic stop, the next moment can take a number of turns. Thankfully, the vast majority of situations are resolved without in- cident. However, the very nature of emergency response is never predictable. Recent incidents in the Bay Area of San Francisco and Oakland have put added strain on police depart- ments already struggling to bring together officers and the commu- nity. Mistakes have been made and law enforcement must adjust. But we must not forget that the cop on the beat is the difference between those in danger getting home safely, or a situation ending in tragedy. I’ve been a police officer for more than 15 years, in a leadership posi- tion at the Oakland Police Officers’ Association for a decade, and on the Peace Officers Research Associa- tion of California board much of that time. Me and my fellow board mem- bers frequently discuss the changing realities of public safety. The 66,000 officers we represent see the shift firsthand and many of us are experiencing a new level of noncompliance – a disregard for law enforcement that borders on acrimonious. The era of new rules for engagement is tak- ing hold; we need to see if it works. Crime is up. Low- level offenders skate by with a citation. Drug rehabilitation in return for reduced sentencing is moot, as offenders are well aware they will likely serve no time for tre- fusing to follow the rules. Criminals with serious offenses are being let out early. Those with ill intentions are emboldened when criminality has no consequence. Add the “Ferguson effect,” that suggests officers are reacting more cautiously, and a situations can es- calate from troubled to dangerous. Everyone who deals with law enforcement deserves respect. It’s time to right the wrongs and move forward. We must define the root causes of the cycle of violence resulting in communities being plagued with crime. We need to find an answer to drugs, gangs, intolerance and a disregard for our laws. Attention must be given to those struggling with mental health issues. Our health care system must func- tion properly to keep the mentally ill from being treated as a public safety hazard. They deserve special care to preserve their dignity. The safety of our families and ourselves depends on actions we take today. If our families aren’t safe nothing else matters. Let’s stop the finger-pointing and name calling. No more impulsive policy decisions made without be- ing fully vetted. Instead, let’s work together and address the frustrations of commu- nities feeling marginalized. Oak- land police officers and Peace Officers Research Associa- tion of California are committed to creating a positive dialogue. We want to focus on the facts, not on situa- tions that don’t re- flect the reality and daily efforts of our men and women behind the badge. It’s time for real solutions. The safety of our families depends on actions we take today. And if our families aren’t safe, noth- ing else matters. Barry Donelan is a sergeant with the Oakland P.D. and president of the Oakland Police Officers’ Association. Time for real world solutions Time for real world solutions Crime is up. Low- level offenders skate by with a citation. Drug rehabilitation in return for reduced sentencing is moot. 888-411-7744 libertyartworks.com HONORyour FINESTwith SOLID BRONZE QUALITY... …made in the USA