By Alex Gronke When tragedy hits, there's a tendency to quickly seek the positive in the despair. And it's hard not to notice that folks put political and personal differences aside when something as awful as the killing of four police officers strikes a community. I've heard lots of people involved in Oakland's public safety scene express this sentiment, or something similar, since Saturday's massacre.
There's hope that this will put to rest some of the conflicts that have vexed reform at OPD, that the unity will still be here even when the grief is less raw. The three police officers that I've spoken to since Saturday have not mentioned this aspect of the killing, or expressed a hope that anything good will come from the killings. There's gratitude for the outpouring of sympathy, but there's also a sense that Oakland police officers want to be with their own families, friends, and colleagues now. The attention of the world's media makes them uncomfortable. One police officer said she just wants things to return to normal as soon as possible.
They won't. There's no doubting that OPD will be marked by this tragedy for a long time. This isn't the time to talk politics, but the killings will have an impact on who is chosen for the next chief, and on the future of the department.
From The OakBook
It’s easy to understand the vast interest in this case. But if you’re feeling overwhlemed by all the information out there, and just want to know how to contribute to the families of the officers or want to send your condolences, we suggest referring to the following links:
The New York Times: Oakland Seeking Answers in Police Killings
The Oakland Tribune: Street Shrines for Slain Oakland Officers Draw Crowds, Debate
San Jose Mercury News: Cop Killer was Depressed About Heading Back to Prison, Family Says
The San Francisco Chronicle: Doomed SWAT Seargants Didn’t Expect an AK-47
Posted by Alex Gronke on 03/24/09
