As we enter the holiday season and the end of 2021, we can’t help but reflect on the past year and hopefully begin to think about what we want to accomplish for the new year.
2021 continued to provide challenges for not only law enforcement but other professions as well. The economy is in question, COVID vaccination mandates are popular and actions of our government “leaders” can provide hours of argument.
The Phoenix Police Department is seeing an all-time low number of personnel, and if you listen to the rumors, it just seems that no one is happy working here, and it would make sense. Dealing with all of this, coupled with whatever we have going on personally, can take a toll on our attitude.
If you are one to consider the negative, remember to also think of all the good you have accomplished for the community we serve. If you are of the opinion that “it doesn’t matter, no one cares,” you are wrong. Your professionalism and dedication have been recognized time and time again by people in the community who do care and want to see positive changes for the men and women of our Department. In the last two years, PLEA has helped develop several citizen groups, business partners and individuals who see through the anti-police rhetoric and recognize that incompetent City leaders are solely responsible for the deteriorating personnel numbers within the Phoenix Police Department. These people support you because of varying reasons, but often, it is because of a firsthand interaction with a Phoenix police officer or detective. That type of interaction matters most. Speeches and rants only get us so far, but actions will always speak louder than words.
If you are one to consider the negative, remember to also think of all the good you have accomplished for the community we serve.
At the time of this writing, PLEA is making positive headway with the City for a personnel retention plan, and we also have proposals for recruitment. PLEA will always be the first to strive for improvements for our members and our Department.
While it is so easy to focus on adverse aspects of our career and the unknown future state of our Department, take solace knowing that you do have support from not only the law enforcement community here in the Valley but from a grateful Phoenix community that is slowly making positive changes. We are going to improve, but it will take time.
It goes without saying, but be sure to take the time to appreciate what matters most, your family. Don’t ever get so caught up in the nonsense that you forget to focus on what is truly important.
The PLEA Board wishes you and your family a safe and happy holiday season.