Editor's Point of View : George Beck, Ph.D.

There should be no doubt about where we stand on one of the most pressing issues of our day. It’s on our cover. We are not afraid to speak, and speak loudly, for what’s right. Throughout our country, many gay officers serve with honor but, at times, face difficult situations at work because of how they identify. Harassment in law enforcement based on sexual identity, or for any other reason, is unacceptable.  Officers with that kind of hate must find a way of overcoming it and be the best officer for our communities or find a different line of work. The stakes are too high.

 Blue Magazine thanks City of Miami Police Sgt. Tommy Reyes for sharing his story in our exclusive and uncensored interview. Sgt. Reyes’ “coming out” has helped many other officers feel at peace with who they are as officers serving and protecting our communities. We are all human beings with the right to live openly and with dignity.

As I write this, clueless agitators in New York City are lashing out against the police for “over-policing” in the subways. Meanwhile, in the courts, bail reform is placing victims and society at great risk.  Criminals are given hugs and kisses for their bad behavior. Mets baseball tickets are handed out for pinky-promises lawbreakers to entice them to appear in court. Really? There are laws set up to correct irresponsible behavior like failing to appear in court. Enforcing the law sends a clear message that wanton disregard of the law is not acceptable. A free ticket to a Mets game sends an entirely different message. It’s pathetic that people who call themselves intelligent act and think this way. It’s a slap in the face to victims and law-abiding residents. New York City and many areas in our country are upside down.  We’ve reached a point where the cops are perceived as the bad guys, the criminal’s victims, while real victims and law-abiding residents do not matter to lawmakers and politicians who offer the criminals cover.

 Blue Suicide is spiraling out of control. Social media law enforcement groups are a powerful source of information because they allow us to discuss incidents that are either not reported or underreported in the media. Every few days, like clockwork, we hear of an officer committing Blue Suicide. This is unacceptable. Blue Magazine and our sister organization Moment of Silence are continuing the fight. We encourage all active and retired officers to attend our upcoming Blue Suicide event at the Village Inn (Wayne, NJ) on March 19, 2020. Let’s work together to fight Blue Suicide. We hope to see you all there!

 Once again, this issue is packed with excellent articles written by the best law enforcement voices on the local and national stage. Our writers are fearless. They speak up when many others will not.  Why? Because fear is a powerful emotion that can control lives, limit potential and pervert justice. My hope for 2020 is that officers across the country step up and push back against all injustices. Blue Magazine is your voice. If you are compelled to tell your story, reach out. We have a team of writers and editors available to help you.