Former FBI Director Comey: "US Police Must Respond Calmly to Criticism and Serve Citizens"

Published Op-Ed for US Police Facing Criticism
Listening to Critical Voices and Overcoming Cynicism
"The US Community Needs Better Police More Than Ever"

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Former FBI Director James Comey published a column advising the U.S. police, who have come under public criticism over the George Floyd case. He urged the police to listen to the voices of criticism, find ways to improve, and seek paths to overcome cynicism.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

On the 8th (local time), Comey wrote in a Washington Post (WP) op-ed, addressing police officers who do not know how to respond to the critical public opinion from American citizens. Comey was also the figure dismissed after conflicts with U.S. President Donald Trump over the investigation into the 'Russia scandal.'

He said, "I understand the frustration caused by the difficulties of police work itself and the reality that citizens do not appreciate it, which makes you want to criticize the work," adding, "Although the police are not the fundamental cause of a series of incidents, they are still being criticized, the context disappears, and judgments are made based on a few incidents rather than comprehensive data."

In the U.S., the death of Black man Floyd due to excessive police force has become a social controversy. This case has brought issues such as Black-white racial discrimination and improper police arrest practices to the forefront. In this process, U.S. police have been labeled as 'targets for reform' and have come under criticism.

Comey pointed out, "Police officers are caught in a perfect storm where each individual difficulty overlaps," adding, "These overlapping factors are making police pay attention to problems they have never experienced before." The series of situations he mentioned include fear of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), economic difficulties, activation of video equipment installed to monitor inappropriate police behavior, political polarization, low crime rates, and terrible national leadership.

Comey also expressed concern about police officers viewing themselves as 'warriors' standing amid the chaos of the battlefield. He said, "Police are not those who wage war, but those who serve the community." He further noted, "If crime is left rampant again, citizens might come to appreciate the police again, but that is the worst mindset for those who serve."

Comey said, "Police may not receive enough gratitude for their dedication, but so what?" adding, "You didn’t become police officers to receive applause." He continued, "You took on this difficult job to contribute to the world. Please keep that spirit. The community needs good police more than ever."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.