Our police officers deserve a big thank you

The Cedar Rapids Police Department has taken some rough knocks in the news lately with isolated disciplinary situations, but CRPD is really a top-notch group of officers, a true brotherhood and cadre of men and women dedicated to protecting the city and performing their jobs with the utmost professionalism.

You have a problem with the law? Don't take it out on them. They are only enforcing what a Tyler Olson or Kraig Paulsen sends their way from the state Legislature.

On average, more than 58,000 law enforcement officers are assaulted each year, about 16,000 injuries a year. Fridays are the worst day for officers; more officers in the last 10 years have been killed in the line of duty on a Friday than any other day of the week, and the hours between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. are the worst for them.

Officers do a thankless job. We know where the problems are in this city and where, if unchecked, those problems would grow and fester beyond control. They do their level best to control situations in difficult economic times and disintegrating social constraints.

Rather than be inclined to lump all officers together, be cognizant of what these people do to work hard for you. They are ensuring the laws of the state are kept, and they are putting their lives on the line every day for you.

Just as any man or woman in the military does.

Be thankful for Cedar Rapids police, Linn County Sheriffs deputies and the Iowa State Patrol.

Cort Stapleton

Cedar Rapids