Personal Pondering the Derek Chauvin Verdict

 

Not that my opinion matters to anyone else, nor that it will change anything, but I have this urge to clarify for myself my convictions when so much confusion is swirling around. Furthermore, I have no interest in getting embroiled in pointless debate that only damages relationships. Therefore, I am posting this in my Writing Workshop blog and will only link to social media if something significant prompts it.

 I want to be clear that I respect and support law enforcement and the essential role they play in society. I also want to be equally clear that I believe police can and should be held accountable for civil and criminal misconduct.

 I believe all people need accountability. In my own experience with clergy colleagues, I have witnessed, and I must say been wounded myself, the tragedies and damage when leaders of churches and religious organizations do not have authentic accountability. Police are no exception to this universal human reality.

 I was not on the jury for the Derek Chauvin trial and did not receive all of the evidence and instruction they did. Thus, though I have a sense of justice here, I will refrain from either affirming or second guessing their verdict. However, almost instantly what was, and should have only been, a legal matter became politicized. A number of pundits and politicians have vociferously objected to the verdict as an attack on all police that weakens all law enforcement. Though I haven’t seen it directly and overtly stated, I get the strong impression that they do not believe police should ever be held accountable for civil or criminal misconduct. I am left pondering what boundary would have to be crossed for police to face consequences for misconduct.