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Police explorer’s essay: Why do we fight police stigma alone?

Cadet Christina Stach was assigned to write an essay about stigmas, and decided to focus her writing on her individual experience as a cadet and law enforcement as a whole

Editor’s Note: In this week’s P1 First Person essay, Police Explorer Cadet Christina Stach, of Concord (Calif.) Police Department, shares her essay assignment on stigmas. If you want to share your own perspective with other PoliceOne Members, send us an e-mail with your story.

By Cadet Christina Stach, Concord (Calif.) Police Department

Being a police explorer has broadened my horizons in more ways than one. I learned both sides to law enforcement in greater depths than I ever could have imagined. I’m only 17, yet I have more knowledge about society than some civilians twice my age.

My high school English teacher asked my class to write a spoken-word piece about stigmas. The stigma can relate to our own lives or people around us. I chose to write about both. I’ve shared my writing with people within my department and they think it is fitting for the current social issues. Enjoy.

The Young Cadet Stigma
Day to day, I hear the names of black men killed by police officers. Michael Brown. Freddie Gray. Tamir Rice. These names circulate through every hallway of every building followed by “F--- the Police” and “Blue Lives Don’t Matter.”

When I walk down the street in my decorated blue uniform, I see stares of disgust and hate rather than honor and respect. I am seen as a killer. I am seen as a menace. Despite my training and official title of “peace officer” I am seen as anything but peaceful. People assume that I am racist — that I hate people of color. That I only protect the white people. That I am just an officer, not a person.

We are people. We have families, we have names, we have fears and weaknesses. We have lives. Since 2005, 1,466 officers have given their lives on duty without as much as thank you while they were still above ground. When I ask around for a name of an officer who has died in the past 10 years, 90 percent of people can’t name a single one. Not all officers are out to get people or create a 2015 genocide. Though, there are officers like this. There are also butchers like this. Dentists like this. History teachers like this.

So why are the officers fighting the stigma alone? As much as you say “f--- the police” you call us when your sister stops breathing. As much as you say “blue lives don’t matter” we protect you during protests. As much as you spit in our paths and sneer at our presence, we are on call, ready for you at a moment’s notice.

When you see flashing blue lights and feel a shiver down your spine, you aren’t afraid of me. You’re afraid of the stigma that surrounds me. My badge is not a license to kill and it is not a shield from morality. My badge is my tangible vow to be your guardian angel when you need it most.

My brothers and sisters risk our lives everyday trying to make you feel safe. You don’t have to like me. You don’t have to agree with me. Just remember that I’d take your place six feet under in a heartbeat.

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