To The Editor:
During the last few weeks, many of us were observing the trial of a Wildwood police officer. Wow, wasn’t that something? A police officer, Sgt. David Romeo, is standing before his peers, under scrutiny for the excessive behavior he inflicted upon another human being. How is that so? I really don’t know. Is he the only one? No. Are there others yet to be named? I say yes.
Yes I know. Many want to attack this man. I will not. However, I will question his behavior. Was this behavior not addressed from others? I couldn’t say. We do know this. Some anyway. We all do things until we are caught. This happened at the wrong time for this officer. It so happens he was with other human beings who have righteous behaviors and ways when dealing with other human beings.
When they serve and protect, they need the required people skills. Many officers don’t have these skills. I’m not suggesting they can’t acquire them. That’s the problem. We teach law enforcement, good; but not people dynamics. Too many officers, the power of arms and other items of submission, have precedent over human dignity.
Police brutality is not just physical as was this case. There are probably cases of police officers guilty of verbal, mental, or emotional abuse as well. And on top of that, it will extend into their homes. Are these police officers any different because they serve and protect? No. They can be held to the same standards as any other employed person.
I have friends who are police officers. And guess what? Some are not just minorities. The location of many police officers is determined where they live. In this county, crime is slight. I’m not saying things are not going on around this area, just that crime is slight. If these same officers were moved to the city, many would quit. Why? The comfort level would be no more.
There are plenty of fine, dignified men and women who wear the badge. I respect them. But there are some officers, retired and employed, in this county who are equally as bad as Romeo. To the prosecutor’s office and the jury, job well done.
BRUCE BETHUNE
Whitesboro
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
