I would just like to say that the direction and decision by the Calgary Police Commission (CPC) is another demonstration of how out of touch they are with our officers. The commission seems to forget to consider the sentiments of the main stakeholder, that being the police officers of Calgary. The historical facts may have truth; however, it is important to put sentiment and symbolic representation into context..Many individuals throughout our past and present day have attempted to seek answers in history to support their cause, their movement or belief system, and as such have often manipulated historical facts, arriving at a conclusion that is often out of context, inappropriate or an inaccurate portrayal of current practices, a description of which we are seeing within the ranks of the CPC and some council members of city hall..What the Thin Blue Line represents is the solidarity of our officers with those who have fallen, and the loved ones and family members left behind. This too also includes co-workers who have suffered greatly over the years, often witnessing the death of a close friend and fellow professional. The suggestion, however remote, that our pride in wearing this symbol, is aligned with racism, historical wrongs, white supremacy, is tantamount to misinformation, spread by a negative narrative, that affects all of those trying to keep their head above water in responding to community gasps for help, support and need for police presence..How much more police bashing should we tolerate? Particularly from a body of individuals who should have a sense of what our officers are going through, what makes them tick, what makes them proud, and what challenges they have daily. .I would suggest that the vitriolic criticism contrived by some members of the commission and city hall, combined with the out of touch interpretation of the Thin Blue Line patch, emboldens those who wish to paint our service members within the community in a negative light. The CPC and the mayor through their antics and misinformation have emboldened individuals, who wish us harm which has at times, placed our officers’ safety in jeopardy. .The disrespectful tone and an implication that our officers will do harm to the community if they are not scrutinized at every turn, is a new and alarming adverse attitude sown by some members of the CPC and city council..Shamefully, the commission has turned this into political posturing only for the sake of appearance when the reverence of this symbol amongst those affected has not been properly considered. How great is the arrogance of a body of individuals who decide on what is important to our membership? .The commission has the power to order the removal of unapproved insignia on Calgary Police Service uniforms. Normally, I would support this, as we need to look professional and reflect a standardized portrayal of our city’s police force..What the Commission has failed to understand is, it is not the issue of wearing unauthorized patches on police uniforms, but the manner in which the commission has gone about exerting its influence and power. It has in effect, artificially created this state of political theatre to gain support for its opinions, which are deeply rooted in insecurities and misinformation. It has attacked one of our most sacred and fundamental symbols, in a most disrespectful fashion, to gain public favour..Our sworn officers are discouraged and disenchanted with the continued attacks, from the commission, the mayor, and certain members of city council..Their allusions that our city’s police are behaving in an unscrupulous and reprehensible manner, has deeply affected the trust between appointed and elected officials with that of our officers..There is a widespread loss of confidence in our leaders, a sad reality that is currently pervasive throughout our country. Fear is an emotion that drives decision making and most often these decisions are made by individuals who would coin themselves as leaders, who arrive at decisions that are discriminatory and misleading, setting a tone of negativity, scapegoating and misinformation..From the commission’s side, there have been very public opinions and while there may be other commission members that do not support these opinions, their silence over this last year is akin to complicity..I would suggest that we need a wholesale change of commission members, a new board of citizens who demonstrate the leadership attributes that our society is craving and who are willing to stand up courageously to address the real issues we face as a police service and city. .I can say with great confidence, that despite the commission’s “research” and “engagement with the community”, the majority of Calgarians, Albertans and Canadians, would state that our symbolic Thin Blue Line echoes and attests to the honour and values of those we lost AND reflects the values that are true to our citizens. .We must ask ourselves a most valid question; When our line in the sand is crossed, are we ready, willing, and courageous enough to stand up for what is right, what is just, and do we have a willingness to fight for a more hopeful future? Our children are watching!.Guest columnist Sgt. Justin O’Mahony of the Calgary Police Service
