To the editor:

We’d like to offer our thanks to the officers in the Lawrence Police Department who have interacted in a supportive and positive manner.

Last year, our youngest got turned around on a one-way street. He is bi-racial and on the autism spectrum, so we have coached him on how to interact with law enforcement should he be pulled over. To our relief, officers responded with patience and kindness. We learned that the LPD includes some type of autism awareness in their training.

We also have a family friend who was the victim of a crime. Again, the officers responded with support and connected our loved one with helpful community resources.

Finally, we want to thank Officer Ty who was a school resource officer at Free State. He went out of his way to really know students, to listen, to help them problem solve, to connect troubled students with those who could help.

Yes, in each instance, the officers were just doing their job. But in an age where police misconduct and even criminal behavior is a stark reality, we want to express our gratitude to those officers who did what is right.

In no way do we wish to minimize the incredible damage done by institutionalized racism and fully recognize that many law enforcement agencies have enabled or covered up such heinous behavior. However, we remain grateful to those members of our community who have behaved with integrity and therefore gained our trust.

Carol and Tom Watgen,

Lawrence