To the editor:

Much of my concern about investing our money into a new police headquarters would be alleviated if I was assured that our local police department was an ally in the movement to reverse the disturbing trend of police militarization that we have been seeing among police departments over the last 10 years.

Fortunately it seems like the Lawrence Police Department has avoided becoming a part of this trend. But I think the nation in general has become alarmed by what we have seen in Ferguson and elsewhere.

I think providing positive leadership in light of this disturbing trend is more important than ever — most of all from courageous police departments who are willing to publicly say, “This is not the way.” The oath of police is to protect and serve all citizens. It should never treat citizens as enemy combatants.

I am hoping our Lawrence police department can be one of these courageous voices. I believe they can. Lawrence has a history of being awesome. The recent interfaith vigil for Michael Brown was a reminder of that. I would like our police to be just as awesome. I would like our police department to publicly state that it will never accept military gear from the Pentagon. I would also like the Lawrence Police Department’s public support of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, which is a national coalition of law enforcement working to end the disastrous effects of the drug war.  

If you can do these things, you will have my support.