Police: Mutual respect leads to great outcome

Recently I was accosted by a policeman as I was working in a community. Being black, I felt some nervousness as he approached. He was very polite to me and my girlfriend. Greeted me by calling me “Sir.”

Our encounter didn’t last more than five minutes. His reason for wanting to talk with me was that someone had reported an individual roaming the neighborhood. I offered to show my IDs and credentials to the officer but he politely wave them off.

He thanked me for being so understanding . I said to him that I truly respect what he and his fellow officers do for the community and that I keep them in my prayers (just like my family and friends).

As we parted, he shook my hand. Thank you again Chief TJ Rodriguez of Steilacoom.

This story was originally published September 19, 2017 at 5:01 PM with the headline "Police: Mutual respect leads to great outcome."