The police tactics instructor drilled into our academy class, “Watch the hands! The hands are what kill!” That was in 1983. To this day, I watch people’s hands. It’s been second nature for over 40 years. As the following story testifies to, watching the hands has always been critical when dealing with someone who is committed to doing you harm.
On January 17, 1869, 30-year-old Pickens County (GA) Sheriff Isaac McCleaird and 25-year-old Deputy Joseph Brown received information that a fugitive, wanted for escaping from a Tennessee jail, was at a farm outside of Jasper. The law officers located the man, sitting at a table and shaving inside the farmhouse. Sheriff McCleaird entered the house, walked up behind the suspect, put his hand on the man’s shoulder, and told him he was under arrest. The fugitive reached into his boot, pulled out a pistol, and shot the Sheriff McCleaird in the chest. The sheriff died instantly.
Deputy Brown heard the shot and rushed into the room. He too was shot. The suspect escaped on Sheriff McCleaird’s horse. Deputy Brown succumbed to his wounds on January 28th, 1869. There’s no record the fugitive was ever brought to justice for the double murder. Both lawmen were Confederate Army veterans of the Civil War, and both were survived a wife and two children.[1]
“Watch the hands!” is taught in police academies across the nation. Yet, some officers, who are properly trained, let their guard down. And sometimes the lack of proper tactics ends with fatal results. While anyone can be caught off guard, it’s critical to always be aware of the situation you’re in and who might be a threat. This goes for law enforcement officers or citizens. Be aware of your surroundings and look for things that are out of place or just don’t seem right. Trust your instincts be ready to respond or to create distance between you and a potential threat.
Beyond a physical threat are threats to one’s spirit. These too need to be guarded. The Proverbs tell us, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow springs of life” (Prov. 4:23). Your heart condition is critical. How does one guard their heart? With a peace that comes only from God, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7). How does one obtain the “peace of God”? It’s right there in the verse, “in Christ Jesus.” By being “in Christ Jesus” one is at peace with God and experiences the peace of God.
The truth be told…
Late last year, the District Attorney for Travis County (Austin), TX suddenly dropped charges against 17 Austin police officers who were indicted on felony charges for crimes they allegedly committed while taking police actions during the 2020 riots. There are four officers who remain under indictment. For well over three years, these officers—and their families—lived under the threat of the officers losing their jobs and going to prison.
Officers across the country struggle with upholding the laws of the state in which they work and the US Constitution. At the same time, they are asked to appease politicians who seem to be on the side of the lawless. Most of us don’t work in a profession where we make potentially life-altering decisions on a daily basis. Law enforcement officers do, and it weighs on them emotionally and spiritually as they balance obeying the latest policy changes that’s been handed down and being true to the Constitution. Pray that they will have “the peace of God” as they work to ensure peace in society.
On the Road
Spring is near (at least on the calendar!) and the Strong Blue Line will be on the road next month. Sherry and I are off to Arkansas and Louisiana for both law enforcement and chaplain seminars. We’ll be in Mena, AR and Monroe, Alexandria, and Lafayette, LA, plus we might even slip into Mississippi for some work.
Pray for your police.
