In the aftermath of the murders of five policeman in Dallas and three in Baton Rouge, President Barack Obama sent an open letter to law enforcement on July 18, offering words of support.
Apart from recognizing the merits and difficulties of police work, Obama also reiterated a call for unity—a hallmark of his recent speeches, many of which have dealt with tragedies.
“I’ve spent a lot of time with law enforcement over the past couple of weeks. I know that you take each of these tragedies personally, and that each is as devastating as a loss in the family,” Obama wrote. “Some are trying to use this moment to divide police and the communities you serve. I reject those efforts, for they do not reflect the reality of our Nation.”
The letter didn’t contain any criticism of police, a digression from Obama’s usual approach of including concerns of racial bias when addressing law enforcement. Even in his speech at the memorial service for the five officers gunned down in Dallas, Obama included a brief criticism of police.
The letter, instead, hinted at a possible increase in resources for police.
“As you continue to serve us in this tumultuous hour, we again recognize that we can no longer ask you to solve issues we refuse to address as a society,” it reads. “We should give you the resources you need to do your job, including our full-throated support. We must give you the tools you need to build and strengthen the bonds of trust with those you serve, and our best efforts to address the underlying challenges that contribute to crime and unrest.”
Obama also praised officers professionalism while facing the protests against racially biased policing.
“Even when some protest you, you protect them. What is more professional than that? What is more patriotic? What is a prouder example of our most basic freedoms—to speech, to assembly, to life, and to liberty?” he wrote.
The Fraternal Order of Police, the nation’s largest law enforcement fraternal organization, responded positively to the letter.
