Yesterday was the funeral service of NYPD Detective Liu, the second of the two who were murdered just a couple of weeks ago, just because they were cops. The shootings were senseless and tragic. And I've always said that the police are much underrated and underappreciated; the risks they take, the dangers they are constantly faced with, are far from commensurate to the respect or the pay they get.
Nevertheless, I do think those who choose to turn their backs on the Mayor at these events are making a mistake. First, because the Mayor is responsible to the voters, and therefore to public opinion. Not to the police! He should of course support his people (the NYPD) where possible, yet some of the problems recently brought to light can't be defended by any elected official.
Second, because the policemen's willingness to "act out," fight their bureaucratic battles in public, and blame the mayor makes them look not just childish, but unprofessional and selfish; it makes it appear they are more concerned with defending themselves than honoring those who died. Worst, an emotional response like this reinforces the impression that they may react emotionally, rather than measuredly, under pressure, and this is the very thing that has raised questions in the first place.
In short: NYPD, suck it up. Like professionals in service in other walks of life, you should understand that it's not about you. Your reaction (if you're among the back-turners) obscures what you stand for (or should stand for).
I couldn't agree more! The few thoughtless, disrespectful, selfish, immature back-turners are a disgrace to the NYPD. What they've done is probably not a firing offense (I wish it were), but I think they should be severely disciplined by the department for acting in an unprofessional manner while in uniform and for publicly airing grievances that should be negotiated and settled in private.
Posted by: PiedType | January 05, 2015 at 11:30 AM