Everywhere I turn, everything I read, and most media reports on television lately have shown the RCMP in a negative light - tasers, cell deaths, excessive force, etc. When did the RCMP become such an easy target? In 2005, four Mounties were gunned down on a farm near Mayerthorpe, AB and a short time later two individuals were arrested for aiding and abetting (being parties to the offence of 1st degree murder). I can remember the out cry and angry media reports all across this country - even the Fifth Estate did a ONE HOUR piece on how and why two people came to be charged with the murders of the four fallen members. The program automatically took the side of the two that were charged and were quick to criticize the Force for fabricating evidence - something we do often apparently. The headlines that streamed across newspapers and Internet news sites suggested these two were innocent and that the RCMP framed them just so they could say there were charges laid. Not once did I see an article commending the RCMP for a job well done. And today, January 19th, 2009, these same two people plead guilty to manslaughter, an offence that could carry a jail sentence of up to 15 years. Were the police right all along?
Why must people automatically attack the ones you call on to keep your children safe? I know my opinion may be somewhat biased, but I am still allowed to have one. I have had guns pointed at me, I have had knives pulled on me, and I have suffered black eyes and bruises. But for what? It's not really what most consider a dream job. The public strive on negative press - they eat it up - yet I bet not one of them would put my uniform on and deal with the things I've had to over the last five years. I didn't join the force to put people in jail; oddly enough, I joined so I could help people and if that entails putting people in jail then I've done my job. Some people prefer to sit behind their computers all day long and make suggestions on how things could have been handled differently, and to those people, I call you cowards. You are safe where you sit so I suggest you stay there and continue writing.
I can say that most people I know only think that I issue speeding tickets and arrest impaired drivers, and most people I know dislike the RCMP for that reason. If I had a penny for every time I heard that I should be catching "real criminals" instead of picking on drunk drivers I'd be a wealthy woman. I'm not going throw stats in your face but I know everyone reading this knows someone who has been touched by a family member who has been in an alcohol related accident, myself included. It is a crime to drink and drive and nothing will ever change that - perhaps it's time you just accept it and grow up.
So, to all the bloggers out there who have nothing better to do than constantly find ways to attack the RCMP - you can continue criticizing a Force that is forever there to help you but please, whenever you fear for the safety of you or a family member, pick up the phone and call because I will still be the first one there and I will show up willingly every time.
3 comments:
Hear hear.
It would appear that you and I were having similar thoughts on our blogs this week.
Thanks for doing the job that you do.
Dear Kristen,
I grew up in Fort Smith, NWT through middle/high school (160's) and we used to (mildly) annoy the RCMP all the time. Looking back, I think it was out of affection as I have always had a great deal of respect for them, and I think they enjoyed it as well. Well, maybe not as they were very physical with us during basketball games but they never tired of talking to us and giving us advise and well, being out friends.
In those days, the RCMP were the sole representative of authority and were often called on to be dentist, doctor, arbitrator, whatever especially in the smaller communities, probably much like I imagine you do where you are. Ignore the ignoramuses that complain and I think you have their number; none of them could ever do the job you do. I still appreciate the RCMP because I have lived all over the world, bribed many an officer in countries like Indonesia (where they call it a "commission") and never been impressed with the dignity and respect the RCMP stand for. It's the best police force in the world.
Keep your chin up.
Peter Jones
As a northern social worker we would not survive with out you guys and gals! Good post!
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