'Overtasked and way underpaid,' law enforcement officers need praise

Editor:

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In the past few weeks, we have seen and read about crime increasing in and around the state. Home invasions have gotten way out of control, as have robbery, carjacking and murder.

Our police and sheriff departments are overtasked and way underpaid. We have some of the best people who have a desire to serve and protect our community, and many times they have to sacrifice time with their spouse or children to work a second job just to help make ends meet.

Their job is different from a 9-to-5 job. Most of us can relax a little at work, but as a law enforcement officers they are primed and ready to go the whole time they are working. Letting their guard down is not an option. But when is a law enforcement officer not working?

We should be proud and thankful for the men and women who put on the shield and proudly uphold the laws of our great city, county, state and nation.

It makes me upset each time I see an off-duty law enforcement officer working a second job - not because they are trying to make ends meet, but because we do not pay them enough. ...

City, county and state officials can find ways to spend our money, and when something is important we as taxpayers usually have no problem backing it. We always hear about raising teacher pay (and they need it, too); but it is about time a voice is raised for those that protect us.

Let us raise the pay for our fine men and women who wear the shield to protect us.

Next time you see law enforcement officers thank them. Do not take them for granted; we need them and we should take care of them.

Jacob Williams

Martinez