The author was a police investigator for the Detroit Police Department for 35 years. Prior to that, he worked for Michigan State Police. He retired in 2020. His column is in response to the National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) endorsing Donald Trump. The fraternal organization has a membership of more than 355,000.
By Ira Todd
Ira Todd
With all due respect to law enforcement agencies across the country, it is profoundly disheartening to witness the National Fraternal Order of Police endorsing a convicted felon over a dedicated public servant who has spent years serving her community, attending law school, and upholding justice as a prosecutor.
In my four decades in law enforcement, I’ve seen the painful consequences of racism and corruption, but I never imagined we’d reach a point where a criminal—one who openly embraces White Supremacy and unethical conduct—would be preferred over a law-abiding citizen who embodies integrity and service.
This is a betrayal of everything law enforcement is meant to stand for and a tragic reminder of the deep-rooted racism that still plagues our institutions. We must demand better, for the sake of justice and equality.
If a felony disqualifies someone from serving in law enforcement, why would you endorse someone who has convictions and several pending indictments?
The FOP has shown its true colors and it is not blue.
