LETTER: A better label for police: Call them peace and safety officers

To Ozaukee Press:

Until I looked it up, I had no idea that POLICE is actually an acronym for Public Officer for Legal Investigations and Criminal Emergencies.  

We all know that labels matter, especially in the world of politics and perceptions. Companies often go to great lengths to label their initiatives in a way to promote their marketing goals. And people often change their names for various reasons.  So labels matter. They are far more powerful than one might imagine.

In some sectors the word “police” has become toxic as it brings to mind many of the things that are wrong with our justice system. The murder of George Floyd is but one shameful example.

 It’s time to change the label we put on these officers. Their real job is to promote peace and safety in our neighborhoods.  It’s time to put this goal in the forefront and call police peace and safety officers.   

 John S. Strauss
Campton Hills, Ill.