The Fall River police department actually posted this on their FB page after Chauvin was found guilty. “Chauvin immediately stood and calmly placed his hands behind his back” after the verdict, read the since-deleted post, the Herald Newsreported. Chauvin immediately stood and calmly placed his hands behind his back.” “Imagine where we’d be if George had done the same.”

That begs the question, if Chauvin had struggled, did they then think it acceptable to kneel on his neck for 8 minutes, 46 seconds, until he was dead? Did they? I’d really like to hear their answer. I’m quite serious. They can call me.

What I also find interesting is that it demonstrates the mindset that still exist within some law enforcement. Note, I said some. I’ve been pleased to see others publicly speaking out in favor of the verdict. In favor of reform. But it’s still not enough and that post proves it.

Retirement in law enforcement is at an all time high. Recruitment is reportedly difficult. The “industry” is suffering due to the scrutiny it’s been facing. But is the right response to run? To turn away?

If you’re a responsible law enforcement officer, one who is ethical, does their job without bias and by the guidelines, why not stay and help usher in a new, better time for law enforcement? Why not BE the change?

Is it hard? Of course it is. Do you think the civil rights movement and the fight for people of color to simply gain the right to vote was easy? Do you think it was easy for people of color to gain access to equal housing rights? Employment rights? What about simply the right to an education? It wasn’t easy. It was ugly. It was often met with violence perpetrated by white men in uniform. So, to ask you to stay and fix a system that may be difficult, messy, uncomfortable and sometimes ugly, isn’t asking too much. It’s asking you to simply do the right thing.

We all know that not all law enforcement is bad. Not all law enforcement is racist. Not all law enforcement is unethical. Not all law enforcement is abusive. But, a light has been shone on those that are.

So to those good, ethical law enforcement officers, I beg you to stay a be part of the change. Make law enforcement better. Be the example. Work with community leaders and legislators on reform that works for every stakeholder. But please, please, don’t take the easy way out. Change never occurs when we turn and walk away. Change occurs when we lean in. Lean in.