My advice to police officers on handling criticism

Still, the best cops will find a way to keep the window open. Because there is a lot that needs improvement in policing. The things I see: Bad cops just moving to a new department; cultures of lying in many places; overuse of SWAT; low pay; bad leadership; de-escalation seen as weakness; and poor fitness, which makes all encounters ratchet quickly to weapons and other tools. I’m sure your list is longer.

I’m concerned about a culture that has emerged among some cops suggesting they are warriors standing as the last line of defense in a battle between order and chaos. I see the “sheep dog” tattoos and stickers suggesting the job is to protect us from wolves; I see the bumper stickers on off-duty cars of “The Punisher” comic book hero, who brings miscreants to violent justice. You aren’t fighting a war; you are serving a community.

I understand the sense of unfairness that good cops feel about being grouped with the worst among you — and being assigned responsibility for problems you can’t solve. Law enforcement has improved dramatically in the past five years in its use of force in general; then come four Minneapolis police officers, and their videotaped actions help undo in a moment any perception of progress.