Letter to the Editor: Respect for law and order is not blind loyalty to a uniform
In recent years, public trust in institutions, including law enforcement, has been strained. People have every right to ask hard questions of the government. But no community is better off when disagreement turns into harassment, threats, or assaults on public servants.
Respect for law and order is not blind loyalty to a uniform. It is a shared commitment to civil behavior and accountability on both sides, so families can live, work, and raise children safely.
This shift in attitude should concern every one of us, because a society that loses respect for law and order cannot thrive. The stability, safety, and freedoms we enjoy in the United States are not accidents, they are the result of generations of men and women who have worked tirelessly to uphold the rule of law. There is undoubtedly a reason people from around the world continue to seek opportunity here. They recognize what we sometimes take for granted, that our nation, for all its imperfections, remains a place where safety, structure, and accountability make prosperity possible.
But maintaining that foundation requires all of us to do better. We must be better examples for our children, who watch closely how we treat one another and how we respond to authority. When our young people see adults mocking, taunting, or attacking those who serve their communities, it sends a message that disrespect is acceptable. The incident we witnessed this week in New York City, where police officers were pelted with snowballs while simply doing their jobs, is a stark reminder of how quickly civility can erode when we normalize hostility.
We also understand that some of this frustration is rooted in real experiences and real questions about how policing is done. Trust is not something we can demand; it is something we have to earn. That is why our department continues to prioritize training, professionalism, and accountability, and why we encourage residents to bring concerns forward through the proper channels so they can be addressed transparently and fairly. At the same time, there must be a clear line: criticism is protected, but harassment, threats, and violence against officers are not acceptable, and they do not make any community safer.
As police officers, we understand the tremendous responsibility our badge carries, and yes, we make mistakes, but it’s important to remember that behind every uniform is a human being. Officers are held to a higher standard, and rightfully so, but that doesn’t make us immune to the same challenges, pressures, and imperfections that every American faces. We have families who worry about us, mortgages, car loans and school loans to pay, and the same everyday responsibilities that shape the lives of the people we serve. Humanizing the badge isn’t about lowering expectations; instead, it is about recognizing that respect, understanding, and accountability must go both ways if we want safer communities and a stronger future for our children.
Law enforcement officers take an oath to protect the public, even when the public does not show them the same respect in return. But respect for the badge is not about elevating officers above others, it is about recognizing that without order, there can be no peace, no progress, and no future worthy of our children. I am proud of the men and women of the Kinston Police Department who continue to serve with professionalism and restraint, even in challenging times. Thankfully, we serve a community in Kinston and Lenoir County who overwhelmingly appreciates public service. I remain hopeful that, together, we can continue to rebuild a culture that values respect, responsibility, and the shared commitment to keeping our communities safe.
Respectfully yours,
Keith Goyette, Chief of Police
Kinston Police Department
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