Opinion

Stahl: Knowledge more powerful than fear

Aug 16, 2016

By Chief Steve Stahl

As the Chief of Police and a resident of the City of Maricopa, I am proud of the men and women of your police department. I am equally proud of the residents in our young city. Like you, I follow the national and international news on a regular basis. Following these events allows me to research factual information, learn from them and help our community in taking practical, preventive measures.

One of many steps in taking preventive measures has been implementing the use of on body camera for all first responders. Our police department has become nationally accredited, we also partner with numerous groups and organizations in the City of Maricopa, Pinal County and the state. This includes the faith-based organizations, culturally diverse leaders of our community and especially, the future of our great city, the youth. I have started a Chief’s Civilian Advisory Board to make sure my involvement in the community is focused, direct and responsive.

One of the recent endeavors has been partnering with the NAACP to have “Let’s talk about it” meetings. To date, we have held two such sessions. The latest was held on Aug. 11 at the Copper Sky Multi-Generational Facility. During this session, one of the attendees asked “Why are we here?” This person prefaced the question with background that they had come from another state where perceived tension (fear) between citizens and law enforcement exists and they moved here because “here” we don’t have these problems. I believe this is a very relevant statement and one that everyone needs to hear, not just those in attendance at the meeting.

We are a community where many of our neighbors moved here for precisely the same reason as previously described. What they have seen or heard in their past communities may bring about fear. Certainly, what we hear in the media may bring about fear. Some of the information may not be factual, especially when comparing what is happening in other areas of the country to our community. Fear is not factual but is emotional; and emotions can be powerful. Professionals urge us to communicate and courageously listen to similar and differing viewpoints followed by providing civil solutions to challenges. In short, the Maricopa Police Department knows knowledge is power but has little value unless it can be easily accessed and put into practice. Therefore, we are committed to being here and making every contact excellent.

I believe we were there because the men and women of the Maricopa Police Department want to work with our partners. We were there because our partnerships choose to get in front of this fear and address it through discourse. We were there because Police Officers feel fear as well. Family members of Police Officers feel fear for their loved one as they leave for work every day. Maricopa Police Officers are here because we are loyal to protecting the constitutional liberties of all people. All of us live, work, and play in the same great community we care about.

Fear may be powerful, but knowledge is more powerful. One can apply knowledge to overcome fear or even promote change. It can change the national dialogue from fear to kindness and compassion.

I challenge you to continue the civil dialogue we are having right now. I challenge you to include your children in this dialogue by bringing them to these events. Let us show you all through our behavior, “why we are here”. On behalf of the men and women of this great Police Department, I thank you all for your on-going support.

Steve Stahl is the chief of the Maricopa Police Department.