Thread by @LeadNowBoulder

I think it’s helpful to start with the framework of the #Boulder POP mission: to serve the community by reviewing cases and making recommendations for remediation, if necessary. Police shouldn’t be afraid of oversight. 1/

I don’t think we should throw the baby out with the bath water by saying this case of LSM misjudgment means the POP is a corrupt organization.
If you make this argument then you must also side with the notion that one bad cop spoils the whole police force. 2/

This is an argument used by fringe ideologues. I see this entire ball of wax as a problem of scarcity. The POP is overworked and under resourced. They feel sensitive and defensive. The police department is also overworked and under resourced. They feel undervalued. 3/

The citizenry is also exhausted and frayed. They want life to feel as safe as possible. It’s not really a winning combo when everyone feels this way. There’s no one to stand up and be the bigger person. The POP should not be wanting to change the ordinance to avoid scrutiny. 4/

They should be guarded against abolitionists and conversely cop lovers. They should have appointment questions that vet for both extremes. My hope is the POP will learn to be much more careful and not let any ideological interlopers into the fold. 5/

My hope is the police dept. will be able to hire and retain more officers and not have necessary resources stripped.
I have always been a fan of parsing out the work that can be done by a mental health professional versus a eager cop with a gun. Let’s evolve here. 6/

As for the citizenry, so many don’t feel safe…and with good reason. I think this moment asks that we take a big breath and take the time to resource oversight, law enforcement, and each other. I hope you will take all of this in the best spirit as it is said with kindness. 7/end

@threadreaderapp please unroll.