When I was growing up, I would have never applied the word “cop” to a police officer. It wasn’t respectful, and I was taught to respect police. They were there to protect me.
I don’t feel that way anymore. The police culture has changed so radically that “cop” seems too respectful for many of them. There are still some who are decent and worthy of respect, but their numbers seem to be dwindling.
I thought about that this week when I heard the news that Andy Griffith had died. As the iconic Sheriff Andy Taylor, above right, on the Andy Griffith Show, he epitomized what a small-town peace officer should be. And his attitude represented what any police officer should have. In a world where police officers are expected to act more like military storm troopers, his character still provides a stark contrast.
He cared about the people he served. He tried to do what was right for everyone, sometimes including ignoring infractions when it served justice better. And he did it all without regularly carrying a gun.
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