Many of the law-enforcement based TV shows are hitting the heavy topics these days. And it’s necessary. We need to have more open conversations so we can relate to one another in a way we haven’t before. Most episodes are finding a great balance of choosing to address these topics in a manner that shows the struggles on both sides; those on the side of policing and those who feel we need major changes. The conversations aren’t easy. The solutions are even harder to find.

An episode of a recent show spoke to police officer’s “being a catch-all for the city’s problems” and I couldn’t get that concept out of my head.

During any given shift, an officer can be called, by a member of the community they serve, to be a therapist, psychologist, social worker, mechanic, parent, medic, or any other job function that is requested of them. Scenes are rarely static and their job function may rapidly evolve from one minute to the next. The problem in all of this? They aren’t trained to be all of those things.

They aren’t therapists, who trained for years to help you manage the thoughts in your head, but they will be there on your worst day, when those voices are loud and you need someone to talk you out of taking your own life.

They aren’t psychologists, who trained for years to help you sort your way through a hard time in your life, but they will be there on your worst day, when you feel the walls closing in.

They aren’t social workers, who trained for years to help you in a moment of crisis, but they will be there on your worst day, when your loved one has suddenly died.

They aren’t mechanics, but they will be there to help you change your tire so you can make it home safely.

They aren’t parents to your children, but they will rush to the call of a child found wandering outside, to be sure that your child is safe and well cared for.

They aren’t medics, who trained for years to help you after you have been shot, but they will apply a tourniquet, and be the calming and encouraging voice you need, as they wait for that help to arrive.

Police aren’t trained to be these things. At least not effectively. But we require them to wear all of these hats and to play all of these roles. Why? Because they’re always the first to arrive.

When you call, they will come.
Every time.