As a lifelong resident of Salt Lake City I am concerned to see elected and appointed officials taking a knee with Black Lives Matter Marxists, thugs and civil illiterate demonstrators at a time when our city at every level is under siege by social leftists.
For those of you on this city council who may think or feel you have basic knowledge regarding racial equity and policing through policy change, I have a suggestion. You each should be required to spend a minimum 120 hours of ride-along experience with a street level patrol officer before judging our men in blue who protect our streets and lives. For one who has experience over the years, I would recommend 40 hours each of the day, afternoon and graveyard shift.
You would participate firsthand in police issues the officer is required to handle and submit a written report of your shift experience noting your opinion and suggestions. Perhaps then you will have a better understanding of the issues facing our officers. You will better discern facts when reading an internet story or seeing a 10-second video, as well as view more clearly the issues faced by those willing to serve as officers.
Change should be based on civil dialogue from both sides of an issue but never by mob rule in the streets.
Brent Cottle, St. George