Bridging the Gap: A Personal Reflection on Justice, Policing, and Humanity

This post is deeply personal and close to my heart. It’s about my nephew, someone who, like many people in my life, has become family not by blood but by love. Recently, he was downtown on Fremont Street celebrating a significant milestone: 12 years of freedom from the justice system. Those who know me know how important my connections are, and how my family is built on lifelong bonds.

Having spent four years working with Metro, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the psychological challenges police officers face and how they think in high-pressure situations. At the same time, I also understand the mindset of someone who’s been locked away for years. These two worlds often clash, and unless we can bridge the gap between them, we will continue to witness tragic misunderstandings—both for those who have been incarcerated and for the police officers who serve to protect.

That brings me to the story. My nephew was enjoying a night out, celebrating his freedom, when he made a decision that would have far-reaching consequences. He accepted a drink from someone handing out free beer. After being away from the world for 12 years, he didn’t think much of it. Unfortunately, instead of officers approaching the situation calmly to educate him, around 20 of them arrived on the scene.

Now, I want to be clear: I have family and friends in law enforcement, and I deeply appreciate the work they do to keep us safe. But sometimes, I can’t help but question the process. Why did it take 20 officers to handle one man who simply made an ill-informed choice? Why wasn’t there more emphasis on educating and de-escalating the situation?

It’s hard to understand these moments unless you’ve lived through them. As a lawful gun owner, I personally grapple with the fear of what could happen if I ever had to defend myself. The weight of knowing that if someone overpowered me, my life—or someone else’s—could be at risk is ever-present. I made the decision to protect myself after being violated as a single woman, and I stand by that decision. But with that choice comes a tremendous responsibility and an awareness of how fragile life can be in such situations.

Criminals will, unfortunately, continue to commit crimes. Police officers will continue to protect and serve. But in my nephew’s case, was it truly necessary to puncture his kidney and knock him unconscious by slamming his head into a pole? This excessive use of force—especially by 20 officers—felt extreme.

This situation serves as a powerful reminder to all of us: think before you act. Whether you’re a civilian or an officer, our actions can have lasting consequences. We need to foster more understanding, build bridges between communities, and move toward a world where force is not the default response.

My heart goes out to everyone impacted by these moments of disconnect between justice and humanity. I urge us all to reflect on how we can bridge these gaps and bring about meaningful change. We can’t afford to have more misunderstood individuals—whether they’re citizens or police officers. Only by creating space for empathy, education, and thoughtful action can we hope to prevent future tragedies.

By sharing this reflection, I hope to spark conversations that lead to better understanding between communities, law enforcement, and individuals who are trying to rebuild their lives. Let’s think before we act and aim to be part of the solution.

Please leave this field empty

Don’t miss these tips!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.