Following the nationwide protests and riots that materialized after the events in Ferguson, Missouri and Baltimore Maryland, many feel that a media narrative has developed that paints the country's law enforcement officials in a very negative light.
While Americans are fully aware of the Black Lives Matter movement and the accusations of systemic racism and police brutality against minorities, far less coverage has been given to the impact that these accusations have had on law enforcement officials and their families.
MRCTV traveled to downtown Washington, DC last week for the National Police Week, Unity Arrival Tour Ceremony. The event celebrated the arrival of hundreds of law enforcement officers and family members who biked across the east coast in order to raise money for their fellow police officers who have fallen in the line of duty.
We wanted to get a sense as to how these police officers and their family members felt American law enforcement was being portrayed in the press. Here's some of what they told us:
Many of the officers were reluctant to talk about the recent events surrounding the rising anti-police sentiment and the government and media responses to the events in Ferguson and Baltimore. They were there for their fallen comrades and reluctant to comment on political matters. However, the family members of those who lost loved ones were far more vocal in their condemnation of the media's coverage and did not hold back from speaking their minds.
One woman told MRCTV she thinks the media's portrayal of police is putting officers in danger:
“Oh, absolutely. I worry every day that my son-in-law goes out, that something’s going to happen.”
Here are more comments by family members on the media's treatment of police:
- “It’s not right. They’re being treated like trash.”
- “They don’t get the benefit of the doubt. There’s too much of a rush to judgment.”
- “They’re not given credit for the good they do; all we hear is the negative.”
- “A lot of politics is responsible. I think they portray a certain thing, they jump on something: and, no matter what it is, it’s like, whatever serves their own political purpose. It instigates, instead of mediates, anything.”
- “I think it’s been a little disrespectful, the lack of appreciation there’s been for the officers, straight from the White House. Even looking at Officer Moore’s death, and his funeral, and nobody sent from the White House staff to go to that.”