Police Chief in Uniform Told to Leave Gun Outside Ikea

[Gman]

I think what is being missed here is the old idea of cops as a community protector. It might feel good to bash on Ikea but I find it a shame that your "neighborhood cop" is no longer in our collective minds. Responses like what are seen on many (but not all) of these posts promotes the us-vs-them attitude that both sides (cop and civilian) seem to be moving towards.

It doesn't help the divide that the police chief is satisfied that he and his officers can have their guns inside the store when they're not on duty. He doesn't at all seem to be concerned about 'the community' being able to defend themselves.

I don't even think that College Park, Maryland is within the service area of Takoma Park....but it's all in the D.C. area so it's probably beyond hope for some sanity anyway.

Police departments all over the country seem to be militarizing. How does that help with the 'neighborhood cop' impression of years gone by?