TIE SENTINEL POLICE ASSOCIATION "FOREVER VIGILANT - FOREVER STRONG" 1889 CENTRAL PARKWAY CINCINNATI, OHIO 45214 PHONE (513) 651-3507: FAX (513) 651-3710 1am disturbed by recent events involving the FOP. | reject Dan Hils' inappropriate post referring to black on black crime, which amounted to telling the black community that they cannot be upset about police involved shootings until every single homicide involving a black victim is resolved. We officers put our lives on the line daily and have to make split second decisions to save our lives and the lives of others. Most of the time we are justified in using force, even if unfortunately, that force happens to be deadly. But most of the time is not all of the time. While officers are sworn to protect and held to a higher standard, we are not exempt from being brought to justice when we overstep our oath and attempt to escape the law. This is what our community needs to see... the humanity in our authority, not seeing us act as though we are so different that the law cannot reach us. Without this mindset, we become bigots, and the community in turn has no tolerance for our presence and support. Criminals did not take our Oath...we did, All eriminals should be convicted according to their crime. Period, To tell black people that they must remain quiet, even if they feel a police involved shooting is unjustified, until Cincinnati Police solve all the cold case murders is absurd. As black officers we are caught in between being blue and being black. The fact is we are divided; not by race, but by right versus wrong, and what appears to be right for some is not necessarily right for others. Hil’ comments ignores the plight and feelings of the black officers who he is supposed to serve. To add injury to insult, last night the FOP voted to withdraw from the Collaborative Agreement "Refresh", which decision was made by a majority of members whom are retired and no longer put their lives on the line daily. Any officer can tell you the importance of community - police relations as it relates to officer safety. Community - police relations are also important when we are seeking assistance from the community in solving the murders Hils referred to. But the FOP is willing to as the phrase goes "take their ball and go home" because of a difference of opinion with a few people. When you are tasked with leading a group of individuals whose lives depend on your decisions, those decisions cannot be made rashly, capriciously, with malice or retaliation for comments you don't like. Collaborative policing has worked in Cincinnati and it is now in danger - all of us should be concerned - officers and citizens alike. As officers, we should not be perpetuating untruths about certain members of our society, Black on black crime is a myth, which myth officers should not be furthering. White people primarily commit crimes against other white people. Crime, especially violent crime, is driven by opportunity and proximity - a fact that is true for all races. The perpetuation of this myth is what makes society look at black people as if they are violent criminals, which often affects the manner in which black people are policed, regardless of their education or profession. Even I am not immune. This unhealthy, ill-informed rhetoric is dangerous. Trust, cooperation and communication is required from both the community and the police department. When we are successful in these areas the police have the ability to better performTHE SENTINEL POLICE ASSOCIATION “FOREVER VIGILANT - FOREVER STRONG" 1889 CENTRAL PARKWAY CINCINNATI, OHIO 45214 CNCRNATE PHONE (513) 651-3507- FAX (513) 651-3710 ‘oH. and the community is better protected. The current finger pointing is not driving us to resolution, instead it is pushing us further apart and backward. We need to all embrace the need to address improper and sometimes illegal policing prior to finding ourselves faced with another Tensing trial. We need to hold each other, including our judicial system accountable when these unfortunate events occur. You are either for the people or against the people...this is everyone's responsibility, especially ours, a Eddie D. Hawkins President Sentinel Police Association