About Mississippi Walk for Law Enforcement

In the words of Beau Phillips himself...

The "WHY" behind the "Mississippi Walk for Law Enforcement" has been something I've been thinking about for years. I haven't always had the title for this event, but the thought of helping raise awareness for law enforcement salaries has been with me since 1998.

As a former police officer, I can recall numerous times I would leave the department after a 12 hour shift, change clothes and go to another job to work security for the school system or another business. Everyone in America today can relate to tough economic times and working more than one job. This 'walk' for law enforcement is my attempt to help the law enforcement community during these tough times.

Politics and budgets always seems to drive the train, regarding salaries for law enforcement. Just like the oath an officer pledges at the beginning of their career, it's also the responsibility of our leaders to make sure the people protecting us while we sleep, are also taken care of. There seems to be a common thread between the officers I've worked with and the countless others I've become friends with throughout America.

While working for Glock, I've had the privilege to spend quality time with State Troopers, Police Officers, Sheriff Deputies and Federal Agents throughout a large portion of the central United States. The ability to work in a field I love and being given the opportunity to have a voice is something I'm most grateful for.

Most 'civilians' will never see the side of an officer that seems to drive them to put the uniform on, and continually bear the brunt of "society's (for lack of a better term) 10%." Law enforcement officers will nod in agreement as they read this, in complete understanding. The "10%" is the segment of our society, that may simply lose focus for a brief moment and in a fit of rage or depression, act differently and totally out of character. The large remainder of that "10%" is of the criminal nature and I think we can all understand their goals and intentions, no matter what the court declares. The criminal has a hardened heart and intends to continually pursue that lifestyle until incarceration or revelation.

If "John Q. Public," having no law enforcement background, spent a little quality time with an officer in a social setting such as a family BBQ, they would realize the person before them is wired just a little differently than most citizens in the United States. It takes a special person to launch themselves into danger, to protect others, fully knowing they are putting their lives at risk. What amount of money would you put on a price tag for your loved one each day as they leave to go work in their chosen profession, outside the law enforcement community? The subject of officer safety is taught in our academies, mentioned in pre-shift briefs and hinted at by loved ones as the officer leaves for work each day.

The salaries and hourly wage law enforcement officers make in the United States is far too low for the line of work and 'expertise' required.

I've never encountered one person in the thousands of people serving in the law enforcement community, that said they became an officer to become wealthy. The subject of intentions always seems to end with "I wanted to have the opportunity to make a difference."

As a society of tax-paying citizens, we have expectations. Examples of our expectations are for the traffic signals to work during rush hour. To simply 'flick' a switch in your home and know the lights will come on. I would like for those analogies to stay with you as you compare those mundane tasks with the nervous feelings you would have when you hear an unfamiliar noise in your garage or home, and called '911' at 2am. Whether you live in a rural area of the county or 1 mile from your local Police Station, you feel confident and 'know' that a law enforcement officer will come to your aid. The expectations all citizens have are the ability to reach out to their law enforcement community for help.

Mississippi is the leader in paying its law enforcement officers the least amount in salaries and hourly wages, for risking their lives each day to put on the uniform. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, in a May 2008 report, the only 'territory' that pays their law enforcement officers less is Puerto Rico.

Bureau of Labor and Statistics

While traveling during 2009, I met an officer I'll call "Pete." Pete told me he made approximately, $25,000 per year in salary, but loved being a "cop." We discussed how difficult it was to make ends meet and raise a family on such a low income. He said he did lawn care and a little carpentry work, on the side, to make more money.

No official statement has been issued, but the rumor-mill in the Mississippi law enforcement community has raised some serious concerns. Budgets have been cut again, and some State and Municipal Agencies may not have a recruit (new officer) academy due to budget cut-backs. If we simply look at this tragedy from a numbers perspective, and subtract 50 retiring Highway Patrolman from the current ranks (a number I am using for the sake of discussion), yet do not replace them, public safety will be in lessened.

Please don't forget that we, as normal citizens, can make mistakes in our professions many times, hit delete and re-do. If a law enforcement officer makes a mistake, someone could lose their life, and more often than not, it could be their own.

Please consider contacting your Mayor's office, State Representative, Senator, Congressman and Governor...every email, phone call and letter will help.

And if you feel so led, please donate directly to the cause by clicking on the "Donate" button, to the left, and donating money to go towards Law Enforcement.

Mississippi State Legislature