An Open Letter to my Local Chief of Police...

An Open Letter to my Local Chief of Police

I am reaching out to you, as a citizen, to ask for your help during a difficult time in our country.

I am going to ask you to set an example for a scared and hurting community. Show us a police force that listens to, and protects, its people.

I don't think I'm the only small town, USA resident who was emotionally stricken by the news last week of the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. My friends and I have expressed feeling sick, anxious, and sobbing in the arms of our loved ones all week as we processed and dealt with the tragedy that unfolded in the news. I watched the press conferences in horror and disbelief. Finding out that the police were called before the perpetrator arrived at the school and that they were on the scene the entire time shook me to my core.

Now, I don't doubt that the police officers in our community would rush into our schools and save our kids; that's why I am simply asking you to show your support and really think of the community at this time. Make yourself available to them and check in with everyone. Think of how you can support them. Make them feel safe. Show up in public places, to answer questions, and educate the community..

Some of my ideas are

-Host Q & A sessions or City Hall events. Hear from residents.

-Offer gun cleaning and maintenance events where you educate firearms owners, and socialize.

-Offer self-defense sessions for free in the park. Do them at different times so lots of people can attend.

-Talk to schools, talk to parents, and even talk to businesses about public awareness, emergency plans and defense against public enemies.

-Set up a booth at a local grocery store and poll residents.

--I'm sure you will have much better ideas than me...

But I hope you also ask the community.

I am asking you to use all your resources right now to find out what the community needs, and then support them as best you can. Teach us. Stand up for us, and protect us. Please.

And if I could be so bold as to ask even more of you... I would also ask that you send some remark, no matter how brief, to at least one public servant in Uvalde. Whether it be the Chief of Police, the Mayor, the survivor's office, or the school, I hope you offer a few words on behalf of our community. That's something you can do for the whole country, if you feel so compelled.

Personally, I can't live with the idea of being helpless against these things.

It's scary when public places aren't safe anymore... but I think with real information and preparation, people will feel ready and empowered to be free Americans who can stand together and defend the innocent, as a community, if something like this were to ever happen..

I know our community is not a cowering one, and so I look forward to your response.

Truly and Sincerely,

Alison Maglaughlin