Blue Line Corruption
A narrative poem of a former Police Officer who reviles the tragedy she experienced while working as a police officerβ¦
The first day I made an impression; then came
interrogation. Millions of questions from more than
one race. I was the victim of separation and hate; it is
true β misery does love company. Hear the questions
they asked me. βWhy do you want to be a police
officer?β
βWhy do you ask?β I replied. βIs it because Iβm
female?β Sexism and racism, I experienced the first
week. I know itβs rare for women to want to be the
police; at least thatβs what some men think. I
chuckled! A fool must have raised you; thatβs not how
gentlemen think. Show some chivalry, respect my
badge, welcome me with respect. I wore my badge,
bold and proud; disbelief filled their eyes. That very
moment I got bullied on the job. No matter my work
ethic, I was still rejected. They threw my reports
around and laughed at me out loud. Told false
testimonies to the chief, with intent to damage my
reputation. Behaved like teenage kids, spread phony
rumors about me without a telephone ring. Turned
the entire department against me. In roll call they
segregated me, would not let me take a seat. They
failed to discern it was God who hired me. I was an
officer among wolves, and I was the only sheep. Of
course, they felt threatened by me; they did not
understand how I can be wise as a snake and
harmless as a dove and refuse to be corrupt. Again,
βWhy do you want to be a police officer!β They dared to
know. Oh, my, they asked me, forced me to give a
reply. Gosh, did I mention they said they would
get me drunk? βHang around a little longer; sooner or
later you wonβt be sober.β When they realized they
couldnβt win me over, they were convinced that I was
undercover. Created new rules because of me, bossed
me around. Sergeants were arrogant and proud.
Commanded me to adhere to their rules or else I
would be written up for β whatβs that word? β
insubordination. Blamed everything on the rookie,
and had no one to vouch for me. They deceived the chief
and turned him against me. Terminated me with little
to no evidence; I was the victim of hearsay. Your
magistrate, may I speak sincerely? Rather hired or fired,
I will remain an officer, because I belong to the king;
ask David, he will tell you. Sorry, Saul, I intimidated
you all. I thought I took an oath just like yβall.
