Editor:
Re: RCMP pulls Burnaby school liaison video, NOW news
I am very concerned that a Burnaby RCMP video featuring officers welcoming students back to school was criticized by a parent "in light of ongoing international protests against police brutality sparked by the death of George Floyd."
I recall a time before there were school liaison police officers in schools. In all the time I worked in emergency as a nurse, I will never forget one query of a doctor to parents of a very young teen who was a patient as he was a victim of assault that occurred at his school.
"Who is trying to kill your son?" The school staff were unable to prevent the violence that occurred. This is just one example of activity a school liaison police officer can address. There are also activities they undertake that are proactive and include learning for a safer future for each student and so many others.
Those of us who are nurses, paramedics, firefighters and others working in areas related to personal and public safety are often acknowledged for our work.
I rarely hear of those working in policing being recognized for the positive impacts of their work. There are "bad apples" in all professions, jobs and segments of society and our world. We cannot judge all based on the actions of one/some.
We all have a responsibility in the safety of ourselves and others, and for our lives and the lives of others being the best they can be.
Diane Gillis, Burnaby
