lOCAL LEADERS NEED TO HEAR YOU SUPPORT LAW ENFORCEMENT

We forget the influence we have as citizens, taxpayers, parents, and business owners among our elected officials. For too long citizens have abdicated their role as “civic participant” and have lost the understanding of how our system of government works. It is beneficial to our wellbeing to remember: we are a nation of the people, by the people, for the people. And those who sit in local elected offices are there to represent us. So the question should be poised to all Michigan citizens: do your local leaders know where you stand on Law Enforcement? 

In Michigan, there are 83 counties and collectively house over 600 County Commissioners. Each County has a board of elected leaders who make decisions on how things should be run in their individual counties. Their votes and decisions influence policies in the Health Departments, how money will be spent on parks and recreations, and to me one of the most important: they determine how well our Law Enforcement are cared for and loved.

Also, the City Councils influence the money that will be given to your local City Police. When you attend Council meetings you will often hear your local Police Chief weigh in with reports and answers to questions. 

Data will show you that monies have decreased in local budgets for Law Enforcement over the years. Police Leadership have had to be magicians to manage smaller budgets with a growing demand of need, and growing opposition in recruitment. Some areas now have fewer officers, are forced to utilize old gear, and may be facing their future with no pension. Many of these decisions are made at the desks, boardrooms, and white boards of our local elected officials. 

In the mind of an Elected Official, who sits behind their desk each month, they make note of the citizens who are showing up. They calculate who is speaking up, and who has reached out to their office. They actually welcome the feedback from citizens. When those who devalue Law Enforcement show up in greater numbers, or louder voices, they have to wonder “Do my pro-Police constituents care?” 

In 2023, Law Enforcement are going to need our support like never before. Citizens who serve as Elected Officials on Town Councils, City Councils, Security Advisory Boards, County Commissions: they need to hear from you on a regular and consistent basis. And they need to hear from more than just one voice. 

Encourage your neighbors to pay attention to what is going on, ask your Church leaders to contact elected officials, and nudge local business owners to speak up to Elected Officials to remind them: “Please, make Law Enforcement a priority in your work and in the budget. We care more about our safety and their safety than we do about a new park. Please by your actions and the resources you are giving to them, let the Officers know Michigan local communities have the backs of our heroes.”


As a growing chorus of caring, compassionate, and kind citizens speak up via email, or statements of support at local meetings, calling into radio stations or meeting with elected leaders face to face you will find the morale of Law Enforcement boosted and you will find many elected leaders that will be grateful for your voice. They need to hear from you. And when they hear from you in the spirit of honor and class, they will have greater confidence to stand - and to stand strong - for Michigan Law Enforcement. 

• Amy Hawkins, resident of southern Michigan, Chair of Police Week Michigan

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Cross posted at www.policeweekmichigan.com