The Mercury News describes “The Blue Wall of Silence” as, “Good cops who see bad behavior by fellow officers, and say nothing.” Simply based on this definition, it is terrifyingly obvious how this phenomenon can—and provenly—has directly led to tragic and unacceptable acts of police brutality. The utmost role of a police officer in a community is to make their citizens feel safe. However, today, the police have felt more like the threat. 

We know that the only method towards tangible change is legislative reform on the federal, state and local levels within law enforcement. Although a loyalty among officers is not in the language of their training, this seemingly social behavior is systematic. We know that rhetoric pervades other areas of government beyond the police and can not only influence politics—but someone’s life. 

With the current structure, the police are prioritizing their public image instead of protecting the public. The “Blue Wall of Silence” stems from the workplace where police across the country have solidified a “police family” with unspoken and toxic expectations. However, the more this “police culture” persists, the more an officer’s pressure from their colleagues will determine their decision in the moment of a crisis. For example, if a police officer witnesses misconduct and reports it, they are subject to the fear of being fired or rejected by their colleagues for causing someone else’s termination. With the same intention in mind, police chiefs have failed to suspend or fire officers with lists of complaints.

This is why we see officers who have committed despicable offenses have a documented history. Even in the nationally-grieved case of George Floyd, the officer responsible for his death had eighteen previous complaints. And the two other officers present for his murder acted more as bystanders without intervening because of a systematic flaw. The lawyer of one of these bystanders is currently trying to acquit him because it is in police conduct that young recruits should follow the most experienced officer in a situation. However, it is microscopic rules like these that allow immeasurable injustices to occur. Officers willing to report misconduct and warn colleagues of a certain behavior are those who should be serving because security and equity is their first priority.

Communication is the only first step in solving an issue. “The Blue Wall of Silence” is the foundation of police brutality. It is even plausible to say that it is depriving officers of a constitutional right to freedom of speech. And, as a result, when asked in court, officers have admitted to lying under oath about others. 

Sign this petition so we can continue this conversation with those in power. It is the government’s purpose to be the Voice of the People, so let’s use our voice to help others and give them no other option but to listen. The more we let weeds overgrow, the more they strangle the garden. And sunlight is always the best disinfectant.