You know what makes me angry? When a government fails its own people.
I’m sure you’ll have your arguments about this here and there. But the fact of the matter is we’ve seen a number of government offices in cities turn their back entirely on their workers because they felt a better agenda was in place. Or worse yet, they divert the funds to something that they believe is a better cause, rather than the people that actually help things run smoothly.
And I’ve seen this on too many occasions with police forces.
Over the past few years, many Democratic leaders have fallen for this whole “defund the police” campaign that kicked off with the death of George Floyd. They chose to take away funds from hard-working officers in favor of whatever else they felt like.
As a result, thousands of officers have left their jobs, either retiring or simply for the sake of their well-being. It’s frustrating to see, when a little bit of support would make all the difference.
This week I’ve seen yet another frustrating instance in which police officers were forced to leave their post when all the local government had to do was agree with them on something. Anything, for that matter.
I’m referring to a recent situation in the small town of Craig Beach, Ohio, where roughly 1,000 civilians reside. According to the report, all officers with the Craig Beach Police Department (CBPD) have resigned, locking up their office behind them.
And why? Sgt. Renatta Griffith made the point very clear, stating, “Just a lot of discord between us and the council not getting equipment that we need, not getting bills paid, just really a hostile work environment and it just got to a point where enough is enough.”
A recent council meeting was held this week in an effort to try and avoid this. But it still happened, with Mayor Jim Becker forced to work with the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office – from another county – to step in to provide protection.
There have been mixed feelings about the resignations, with some feeling that the police force wasn’t effective enough and others believing that the officers simply need to come back, and the matter should be resolved.
First, let’s address why some feel that the force wasn’t effective enough. Resident Denise Allman noted, “I’m kind of disgusted with it because when we did call the police, they were never around anyway.”
Now before you say, “Well, the police weren’t doing their job.” The question is…did they have the resources to do their job?
Let me reiterate with Griffith said earlier. They didn’t have the equipment they required to do their job. Bills weren’t getting paid, so, for all we know, their resources may have been limited. And a “hostile work environment”? That’s creating a level of discord between government and police. The last thing that should happen within any community.
I think I relate more to Torrance Locke, who noted, “I think that we should figure out what the main issue is and get that issue resolved. Get those officers back.”
Exactly. I don’t think Becker seems to realize the disarray he’s created in his small community. By stating that he simply doesn’t feel the need to support his own local police force, he’s showing just how little he cares about them. And now, having to force another county to come all the way to provide support for his own…it’s just absolutely ridiculous.
What’s more, at the council meeting, it simply stood by and accepted all the officers’ resignations. Didn’t even fight for them. Didn’t even raise a finger to offer any support. You’re kidding me.
There has to be a point in time where these cities that treat their officers like garbage recognize their importance. We’re starting to see its effect already. Seattle, Denver, and Portland – once prosperous cities with beautiful downtown landscapes – have fallen to crime. What’s more, others, like New York, are creating new ordinances that are making it near impossible for the police to properly do their job without literally jumping over hurdles.
It has to stop. We have to take care of our officers again. These Democratic leaders need to understand that no amount of money will make up for the lack of these brave men and women.
It’s time to make things right. Hope you’re listening, Mayor Becker.
