Members of the International Association of Chiefs of Police met in Chicago this weekend to discuss such topics as “Building Community Trust and Justice” and “Violence Among Young Men of Color: Why It Is Important to Police.”
Just outside, #BlackLivesMatters activists, anarchists, and other groups showed their appreciation by chaining themselves together, blocking intersections, holding “die-ins,” and pulling down the American flag, all chronicled on Twitter under the #StopTheCops hashtag.
In today’s hostile climate of “dead cops” chants and cold-blooded murders, we often ask ourselves why anyone would want to be a police officer. Law enforcement inside the convention provided their own handwritten answers to that question under the hashtag, #WhyIWearTheBadge.
Heartfelt sentiments handwritten by LE professionals from across the globe at #IACP2015. #WhyIWearTheBadge pic.twitter.com/g0SLEb97jf
— Glendale Police (@GlendaleAZPD) October 26, 2015
A Nigerian police official adds her signature to #WhyIWearTheBadge wall #IACP2015 pic.twitter.com/AGIuF5ettG
— Evan Pérez (@evanperez) October 26, 2015
Some of the more inspirational messages I found at the #WhyIWearTheBadge wall at #IACP2015 #lesm pic.twitter.com/XIoN3TAJ5L
— Yaelbt (@yaelbt) October 25, 2015
The IACP also debuted its video of the same name, compiling tweets, Facebook posts, and handheld signs explaining why officers chose their profession.
A new #WhyIWearTheBadge video was unveiled at #IACP2015. Thanks to all who shared their stories! https://t.co/Mx04oYKexX
— The IACP (@TheIACP) October 25, 2015
We recommend watching on YouTube as the text will be easier to read. Here are a couple of example entries:
https://twitter.com/JimKCMONews/status/658767053105397761
Ofc. Mittermeier visiting with kids while on patrol in SW yesterday, bringing ?'s to their faces. #WhyIWearTheBadge pic.twitter.com/4exdgZKzxb
— Little Rock Police (@LRpolice) October 26, 2015
When 2 YO Dylan put on his police officer costume he said, "I'll help!" #WhyIWearTheBadge #WilmingtonMA pic.twitter.com/4WA5dT9FMa
— Wilmington MA Police (@WilmingtonMAPD) October 26, 2015
@McPhersonPD made some new friends this weekend! #WhyIWearTheBadge pic.twitter.com/1DdpBAI3GO
— McPhersonPD (@McPhersonPD) October 5, 2015
Jesus wants to be a police officer and officers took time to visit w/ him earlier this week #WhyIWearTheBadge #LRPD pic.twitter.com/zy8YQoXnB9
— Little Rock Police (@LRpolice) October 25, 2015
#Mentoring Matters! Love the moments that make memories! #whyiwearthebadge #LAPD #CommunityPolicing @TheIACP #LESM pic.twitter.com/4i6QrdvzMW
— Heidi Stoecklein (@LAPDStoecklein) October 15, 2015
#WhyIWearTheBadge https://t.co/yQV8AgCtQU #Crime #Legal #USA #US #Law #Police pic.twitter.com/uGfB66kBdv
— Autotestdrivers.com ?? (@Atdcarshows) October 23, 2015
A heart-melting #WhyIWearTheBadge goes viral. https://t.co/kGFsb03sEG #BlueLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/Bi4ADhBcVO
— ALTAIgear (@altai_gear) October 22, 2015
Tomorrow’s special guest: President Barack “Beer Summit” Obama, who will talk gun control and criminal justice reform.
Also Pres Obama flies to Chicago tomorrow to address Intl Assn of Police Chiefs conference about gun violence and criminal justice reform.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) October 26, 2015
What’s the chance he’ll sit quietly and listen as police officers talk to him about gun control and criminal justice reform?
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