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Field Representative’s Report
Are police officers the only ones responsible for de-escalation?
Today I read an article by Michele Fiore of FOX 32 about the absurd statement made by Ed Yohnka, a spokesman for the American Civil Liberties Union, that “We need again to move toward a day when po- licing is built around de-escalation and community relations and not throwing people to the floor and ul- timately shooting them.”
Mr. Yohnka seems to believe that police officers are solely responsible for de-escalation. If I had the opportunity to speak with him, I would ask, “What about the community? Don’t they have any respon- sibilities?”
After all, the last time I checked, the Illinois Compiled Statutes did not give any person the right to refuse to be arrested. Those same statutes empower police officers to make arrests and state that an officer need not retreat or desist from efforts to make a lawful arrest because of resistance.
Every police officer knows right from wrong, long before he or she puts on the uniform and star. And, from day one in the Police Academy, it is drummed into our heads what we can and cannot do in most situations.
Pages and pages of general orders attempt to address every sit- uation an officer could possibly face while performing his or her duties. Officers are expected to comply with these mountains of orders. When they fail to do so, they face discipline or possible termination.
The only rule governing the person being arrested is the Illinois Compiled Statute prohibiting resisting arrest, but many refuse to comply with this single rule. But why should any potential ar- restee comply with this statute when they know they are in Cook County, where this statute is repeatedly ignored by State’s Attor- ney Kim Foxx?
Every police officer yearns to work in a society where a simple please, excuse me or thank you would be sufficient to gain com- pliance in all situations. After all, police officers get paid the same amount of money whether they talk someone into handcuffs or have to roll around in an alley to accomplish the same task. Which scenario do you think any police officer would choose?
In its simplest terms, an arrestee determines when a police of- ficer will use force. Compliance equals no force, noncompliance equals force. Even Mr. Yohnka should be able to see how this ap- plies to his statement. The police do not throw compliant arrest- ees to the floor and ultimately shoot them.
Mr. Yohnka, I implore you to get your people on board with this compliance concept. Things will be better for the community and the police officers who are empowered to protect them. Police of- ficers’ spouses, children and parents will also be relieved to know that their officer will come home in one piece every day or night. It’s a win-win for all.
I’ve even got a catchphrase for you: Comply now, complain lat- er.
You can thank me later.
RICH AGUILAR
Knapp Medical Center
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