For the Safety and Protection of Others

Every day across America, law enforcement officers are putting their lives on the line for the safety and protection of others. Most serve with valor and distinction.

That protection comes at a price, however. Each year, there are approximately 60,000 assaults on law enforcement officers, resulting in nearly 16,000 injuries.

Over the last decade, an average of 146 officers a year have been killed in the line of duty. And throughout U.S. history, more than 20,000 law enforcement officers have made the ultimate sacrifice.

According to preliminary data compiled by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, as of June 30, 2017, 65 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers have died in the line of duty this year, increasing 30 percent over the 50 officers killed during the same period last year

In 1936, August Vollmer wrote a book titled, The Police and Modern Society. In that book, he wrote about the tasks required to be good police officers.

One may wonder how any group could perform the tasks required of police officers.  The citizen expects police officers to have the wisdom of Solomon, the courage of David, the strength of Samson, the patience of Job, the leadership of Moses, the tolerance of the Carpenter of Nazareth, and finally, an intimate knowledge of every branch of the natural, biological, and social sciences.

Today, the fundamental responsibility of a public safety officer is to serve the community, safeguard lives and property, protect the innocent, keep the peace, and ensure the constitutional rights of all are not abridged.

This coming year, I want to encourage community members to become better informed about police services and practices by attending the Bozeman Police Department Citizen’s Police Academy. It will also give you opportunity to meet and interact with officers who are committed to keeping Bozeman the most livable place through public safety and community partnerships.

Richard N. Gale                                                                                                                                         Bozeman Police Commission