Austin Sanders

Local law enforcement leaders need to move quickly to draw a clear distinction between the scenario-based deescalation training, street and community experience, transparency and accountability of our local officers. The actions of the newly recruited, masked federal ICE Agents jumping from unmarked minivans and crossover SUV’s will no doubt damage and destroy the reputations of our proud and professional officers. Our law enforcement officers who’ve been vetted, psychologically screened, highly trained will face new dangers as the public struggles with trust and accountability. In America, officers have authority granted to them by the governed. In Texas, officers have given their lives to the cause of protecting and serving. We need to contrast our requirements of the highest standards, dedication and sacrifice versus standing up a quickly trained, cheaply mustered surge organization that may permanently damage the trust and pride that most folks feel toward those who’ve chosen to wear the uniform.