Law enforcement challenged

Dear editor:

"To protect and serve," the motto of our "finest" in blue.

I have for a long time wondered if our police officers ever stop and analyze exactly what that statement means? I do.

To me it means the well being of all citizens of Mountain Home. It means finding and keeping the dangerous criminals off our streets.

It does not mean giving everyone you stop a ticket for whatever charges you dream up, real or otherwise. It does not mean giving out tickets for the purpose of increasing city revenues.

I firmly believe when an officer stops someone for speeding, if it's the first time, give them a stern warning with a little lecture or whatever makes the officer comfortable. It does not demand a ticket every time.

I would ask all police officers to remember "you live in this community as well." If the person you stop is a habitual offender, give them a ticket, you will know the difference.

Being a police officer is a giant responsibility. You are looked up to in this community and I for one deeply appreciate the endless and pretty much thankless job you do.

I know for a fact we have one of the finest police departments in Idaho and I am proud to say my son, Cpl. David Heinen, is one of them.

But, I also want our police officers to remember what they do today will affect people for the rest of their lives. If you want respect as a police officer, you must earn it, it doesn't come with the badge. If you stop a young person 16, 17, 18 years of age, or anyone for that matter, don't just arbitrarily give them a ticket unless they truly deserve a ticket by their actions. If they are respectful to you then tell them. "The next time I stop you, you will get a ticket, please observe our laws, help me make Mountain Home a better community for all of us." Remind them of our little children and how they can run out in front of you. If you are speeding you might not be able to stop.

Your job as a police officer is to make this a better place to live, not a place where you are talked about behind your back, not a place where you are feared by citizens of all ages.

Young people should seek you out for advice and protection and safety.

I know this is not a perfect world we live in but good police officers can make it a much better place to live, you have that power.

I challenge all our law enforcement community here in Mountain Home, use good common sense when you perform your duty, be a good community police officer.

Please do not think this letter is a condemnation of our fine police department, it is not. My purpose is to challenge our law enforcement community, to help them make this a better place to live, where there is mutual respect for all.

I would also ask all our citizens to say "thank you" the next time you see one of our fine officers. Let them know you appreciate them, I do.

Larry Heinen