I was a KC police officer for 29 years. I grieve for George Floyd — and the good cops

As a retired African American police officer of the Kansas City Police Department, I can’t stay silent any longer. I sat back in my chair all this past week feeling disgusted, angry, disappointed, sad, concerned and worried while watching coverage of the protests and rioting engulfing our city, country and world.

There is no way any good police officer who took his or her oath can justify the killing of George Floyd. I’m in total agreement that the officers involved in this disgraceful incident must face criminal charges. They will have their day in court.

As an officer, I did my best to uphold the oath I took to protect and serve all residents of this city. During my time working and patrolling our streets, I’ve been called every name in the book, spit at and called “Uncle Tom.” Once, I was called the N-word to my face.

I’ve worked in every part of this city, and I can honestly say I did my best to be fair and respectful to any person I unfortunately had to arrest for one reason or another. I also extended a helping hand now and then to those in need. I did so regardless of their race, background, ethnicity or any other consideration. Every person has a right to expect nothing less from any law enforcement officer.

I cannot condone the looting or violence against innocent people and property that cloud the message of peaceful protest, and I believe most people feel the same. I also want us to be objective and remember that not all white officers mean harm to those of other races and backgrounds. I’ve worked with many white colleagues who did much good and always strove to uphold their oath while protecting and serving the public.

We African Americans know how it feels to be judged by the color of our skin. Likewise, we must remember not to judge all white people who choose to wear a police uniform. Those same well-intended white officers would agree that “bad apples” must be removed from police departments. In a perfect world, they should never be hired in the first place. If police departments don’t take a hard look in the mirror, we know what will happen.

Again, nothing can justify the killing of George Floyd. It should have never happened. I grieve for his family, as I grieve for anyone who has endured mistreatment that resulted in injury or death because of a law enforcement official’s abuse or racist views. We demand better. I also grieve for good and well-meaning officers who are hurting right now.

One afteroon in 1991, as riots raged in the wake of the videotaped beating of Rodney King by Los Angeles police, I was transporting an African American who was in custody for municipal charges to KCPD detention. He asked me: “How can you work for the white man?” I replied: “Would you prefer a police department with no employees who look like you or me?” He responded in silent thought.

I keep hoping and praying nothing like this occurs again. If we don’t improve from this, we will never be able to get along.

This story was originally published June 7, 2020 at 5:00 AM with the headline "I was a KC police officer for 29 years. I grieve for George Floyd — and the good cops."