Support for TPS and local RCMP detachment

In the event that our local police forces, both those of the town and the RCMP, might be vilified in the deluge of criticism of all police both in Canada and the United States, I express my whole-hearted support for the work of service and protection they provide to all of us. I compliment them on their professionalism, their decency, their restraint under stressful pressures and their consideration for the situations in which they find people struggling to deal with these challenging COVID-19 times.

We all cringe at the repulsive behaviour of over-reaction by police in dealing with what seems to us to be show of force without restraint and good judgment. These instances are reprehensible and must be corrected. However, controlling the behavior of those who could harm others and even themselves is not an easy or an enviable task. Each of us has responsibilities for maintaining a peaceful and compassionate society. In today’s world immediate gratification of desires is too often expected without consideration for the harm we might be doing to others in the drive for personal – even selfish ends. We can’t leave the responsibility of law, order and good citizenship to law enforcement agencies alone. All of us must willingly check our list of wants in our behavior plans and choose those that will benefit others.

This will do much to show that we truly are a law-abiding people dedicated to a peaceful and safe society.

Ray Sheen