What would Martin Luther King, Jr. say today about policing?

As we celebrate the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr. as one of America’s most impactful leaders we ponder what he would say about the most pressing civil rights issues of the day. Policing in this country – what it is and what is should be – is clearly one of those issues.

What if we could talk today to Martin Luther King, Jr. today about policing? Would he say something like "I gave a speech in Washington, DC in 1963 about my dream for racial equality in America and I frequently dream about policing in America. We have made great advances in policing since I gave that speech, but we still have much to accomplish. I now think about how policing can deliver on its promise of justice for all.”

He might go on to say:

“I have a dream about American policing, where the cops are viewed as peace officers, not law enforcement officers.

I have a dream about policing in America where the police are embraced as noble guardians of the community. I have a dream where the police are comfortable enough in their position in the community and their purpose for existing within the community to promise that they will do everything in their power not to harm the same community they're paid to protect.

I have a dream where we get a handle on the violence that has devastated so many families. 

I dream of an America where children of color are not afraid to go to the police when they're lost, or they feel threatened. I dream of an America where families of color encourage their children to become police officers because of its inherent nobility.

I have a dream about policing's national coherence, where there is national agreement about the purpose of policing and how the police are supposed to act. So, the people in Selma, Alabama have the same expectations and experiences with police that people in Los Angeles or San Francisco or Omaha have. 

And I have a dream that the police in America have a core group of characteristics that speak to the true purpose of policing. Characteristics that span all communities, including that officers, deputies and troopers are effective, empathetic, and just. That they're unbiased. That they're transparent and accountable. That they are compassionate. That they're respectful and they recognize in their actions and words the sanctity of life and do everything possible not to harm the people they’re paid to protect.

That’s my dream for policing in America. That we will someday have peace officers – not law enforcement officers – and policing that works for everyone. No matter who they are, where they live, the size of their bank accounts or the color of their skin. Yes, I dream about peace officers and policing that is effective, empathetic, and just.”