fbinaa_jul-sept-2020-Final-digital-v2.FINAL

REFORM AND UNREST HIDDEN OPPORTUNITIES IN DIFFICULT TIMES

CLIFTON COUCH

To say that the law enforcement profession is facing unprecedented challenges would be an understatement. I was recently told by a class- mate from the FBI National Academy that his agency in Oregon has dealt with on-going protests for over 100 days straight. My newsfeed every morning is filled with stories of riots, protests, and various other forms of unrest. My own community has been (thankfully) free of the violence that’s swept across larger cities, but there have been very painful, difficult conversations. The public discourse ripped off the scab of old wounds and experiences for cops and community mem- bers alike. I often hear officers remark that they’d choose a different career if they could start over. Some days, I agree with them.

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