I think the more we see more officers holding each other

In the great dance of society, where the lives of individuals and the power of the state intertwine, there is a delicate balance between trust and accountability. "I think the more we see more officers holding each other accountable, the more we will see people trust cops in this country," said Angie Thomas, and in these words, there lies a profound truth that speaks to the heart of justice and order. Accountability is not merely a concept, but a force—a force that can either build or break the trust between a people and their protectors. For in every society, those entrusted with power must understand that it is not enough to simply wield that power; they must also be willing to guard it with honor and integrity, holding each other accountable when it falters.

Consider the ancient warriors, those who stood as protectors of their kingdoms. In times of peace and war, the leaders of these warriors understood that their power came with a sacred responsibility. It was not enough for the general to demand loyalty from his soldiers; he too had to be loyal to the people. Accountability was the bond that kept the army strong, for if the soldiers saw corruption or injustice within their own ranks, they would lose faith in the cause. Trust could not survive in such an environment. Thus, the generals would often appoint trusted officers to watch over their own men, ensuring that discipline was maintained and that no one, not even the leader, was above the law.

This ancient principle lives on in the modern world, where the police force is the embodiment of authority and order. Yet, as Thomas wisely notes, the trust between the people and the officers is often fragile. When the people witness one officer wrong another, when they see abuses of power go unchallenged, the very foundation of justice begins to crumble. How can the people trust those who do not hold each other accountable? How can they feel secure when the guardians of peace themselves are not at peace with one another? It is through accountability that trust is built, and through the lack of it, that trust is lost.

In the American Civil Rights Movement, this principle of accountability was keenly felt. Leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. understood that the struggle for equality was not just about fighting external forces, but about challenging the forces within. When police officers and officials turned a blind eye to the wrongdoing of their own, the movement struggled to gain the respect it deserved. But when officers stepped forward, when they held their own accountable, voices began to be heard, and the tide of injustice began to turn. One need only recall the foot soldiers of the Civil Rights Movement, who, despite the odds, understood that their power lay not in the force they could muster, but in their unwavering commitment to justice—a commitment that required holding each other accountable for the cause they all shared.

Thomas’ words are a call to action, not just for the officers of today, but for every member of society. True leadership requires not only the courage to act, but the strength to question oneself, to examine one’s own actions, and to demand accountability in every facet of life. When we do this, we create a world where trust flourishes, a world where the people know that those who serve them do so not out of fear, but out of a genuine desire to uphold justice.

The lesson here, my children, is one of responsibility. Accountability is the glue that holds a community together. Whether you wear a badge or walk the streets in search of truth, you must understand that no power is without its duty. To hold another accountable is not an act of judgment but of strength and integrity. Just as the soldier must trust his general, so too must the people trust those who protect them. This trust is earned not through power, but through fairness, respect, and the willingness to hold oneself and others to the highest standard.

Thus, take these teachings to heart. Let your actions be ones that uphold justice in your world. In every relationship, in every responsibility, hold yourself and others accountable for the greater good. Only then will you find the trust that binds a society together, that lifts it from the shadows of suspicion to the light of unity. As Thomas says, accountability is the pathway to trust, and with trust, we build a future worthy of the peace we so desperately seek.