Last week was another rough week for our Capital City. With one investigation by the Department of Justice over and another by the Louisiana Attorney General and State Police beginning, our community and the Baton Rouge Police Department are under the microscope.
Thus far, Baton Rouge had remained calm. That’s testament to the leadership of Mayor Sharon Weston Broome, who had been preparing for the DOJ announcement with many stakeholders (including the governor, pastors, community leaders and law enforcement) and was out in front of the news, reassuring the public. It’s also a testament to the family of Alton Sterling, which, despite being angry with the decision of the DOJ (and the way it was leaked), stressed forgiveness, trusting God and remaining peaceful.
Information has been revealed about the behavior and threatening language of officer Blane Salamoni on the night Sterling died. Eventually, there will be more details, along with additional video and audio for the world to see—and people will draw their conclusions about the officers and BRPD. Many minds are already made up, and I doubt anything they see or hear will change them. But I do predict that as the people become aware of the details, they will expect changes.
That reality, along with a new mayor and, ultimately, a new police chief, is sure to lead to reform in BRPD. And that could be long overdue, since the unions have run the department for years and the status quo has long reigned.
Do police have a tough job? Absolutely. Do most officers do a good job in serving the public? I truly believe that. Is there room for improvement and a need for changes? Yes.
I have said before, in any profession, company or organization, there can be a few “bad apples” that spoil the bunch. BRPD is no exception. Have you heard tales of “Bruh Stupid,” “Bulldog” and “Bald Head”—officers whose mere nicknames strike fear in the hearts of residents of some communities?
But why? Are these officers of the law using brutality and going unchecked? Some argue this is how they have to be to maintain control. Is this the way officers in other cities handle unruly neighborhoods? I have been told, “You don’t know what it is like on the street”—and I don’t. In fact, I have learned that some of the neighbors in 70805 request the hard-nosed cops because they are fed up with the drug dealings and shootings on their street—and they want it cleaned up, whatever it takes.
What is the answer? New policies? New training methods? Body cameras? A new police chief? (Broome and the Metro Council have already approved some new policies and the purchase of body cameras.) Or is firing some of the “bad apples” part of the answer?
We have seen negative reports and lawsuits in the past against BRPD, but what action followed? Remember the out-of-state troopers who complained after Hurricane Katrina about BRPD treatment of suspects? There have been racist posts by an officer (who resigned) and a pending lawsuit involving alleged brutality on a 16-year-old, as well as lawsuits BRPD lost or settled where one victim had his teeth knocked out. That victim was a white male who was never even charged.
With hundreds of officers there will always be some issues—as is the case in any city or police department. Again, let me say, police officers put their lives on the line every day and most do a fine job that we should all appreciate. But what action is taken to discipline those who go over the line and to prevent it in the future? Tossing the “bad apples” rarely happens due to the power of the police union and the Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board. They make the rules, and protect their members and the status quo they created. Seldom has a chief fired anyone without it getting reversed by the Civil Service Board. Many have tried. It must be changed as part of the reforms proposed.
After the tragedies of 2016—and a federal and state investigation, regardless of the outcome—reform must happen this time. What that will look like, I don’t know. Whatever it is, public safety and respect for all citizens, as well as respect for law enforcement, must be the top priorities.
This is an important step toward healing our community and avoiding such pain in the future.
CONGRATULATIONS
In this issue we honor nine women who are making their mark by making a difference—in their professions and our community. It is inspiring to read of their success, and we are proud they call Baton Rouge home. We are saluting women of all ages, some as young as 31, who are proving leadership and success are not restricted by age—and certainly not by gender. I am pleased that both of my daughters can read these stories and attend the awards luncheon on May 17 to honor these women. I look forward to bringing my granddaughter in the future.
AN INFLUENTIAL WOMAN
Speaking of influential women, I think of my mom, Dot McCollister, who went to heaven on Easter Sunday. Easter has always been a special day in our family, and now it will have added meaning as we remember the life of our mother, a godly woman who always put others first.
As I attended the service for my precious and loving 90-year-old mom, I heard the stories from so many of the lives she touched by mentoring, praying and serving—or just simple acts of kindness, like her cooking. (Man, could she cook!) She always felt blessed by God and was generous with her time and talents. What great examples my sister, brother and I had growing up with our mom and dad. We were blessed.
So were our spouses and children, who got to spend much time with “Mee Maw.” She had quite the impact on their lives with so many good memories.
In this last year at St. James Place as she battled Alzheimer’s, she no longer remembered us as we visited. That is always hard. But she just smiled—and I will never forget that smile. (My family and I are grateful to those at St. James Place who cared for her. And to the folks at Alzheimer’s Services who support so many families dealing with this disease. We are thankful, and Baton Rouge is fortunate to have services and facilities like these.)
I was reminded at my mom’s funeral that at the end of one’s life, as you are remembered by others, your significance and impact is not reflected in your possessions, your titles or your fame—but in relationships and how you touched the lives of your family, friends and community. That is what will last and live on far beyond our days on earth.
Jesus put it this way in Matthew 25: “Truly I say unto you, whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me.” I know my mom heard these precious words when she arrived home: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” We love you, Mom.
