must learn to live with each other, inspiring hope, dignity, and respect for one another. Our future is dependent on our willingness to embrace our differences—good or bad, rich or poor, black or white, mothers, fathers, sons and daughters—with pride and compassion, with trust and belief and with benevolent reverence. We have to learn to treat others the way we want them to treat us, to love them, and accept their love in return. The people we lock away will most likely get out someday. What happens then? What are we doing to prepare them and ourselves for their return? Prisons are the number one growth industry in America today, and that speaks volumes about the people occupying this nation.”
There was a knock at the door. Sheri peered in as she pushed her way through the portal. “Chief, you have a meeting at City Hall in about 30 minutes,” she said.
“Thank you,” he replied, but the door was already closing and Sheri had disappeared from sight. He raised himself from his chair and started across the room.
“I guess that’s my cue,” I said, standing. “I want to thank you for taking time to talk with me. You’ve given me a lot of good information. Unfortunately, the more answers I get, the more questions I have.”
The chief was rummaging through some files, apparently selecting the ones he needed for the meeting. He was putting his selections in his briefcase when he said, “It’s funny how that works. If you’d like, we can talk again. I’ll arrange for you to attend a couple of classes at the academy that may be of some benefit, and I think it would be good for you to talk with a couple of my friends, like Judge Archuleta and Superintendent Joe Thomas of the Department of Corrections, to get their perspectives. Here, let me get you their numbers.” He shifted his attention to another drawer. “I’ll give them a call to introduce you,” he said as he retrieved a couple of business cards from the drawer he was rummaging through.
“That’d be great. I’d really appreciate it,” I said. “I’m sure they’ll be able to help me understand the system better.”
He wrote down the numbers and handed them over. “I’ll give you a call in a couple of days, once I’ve set things up for the classes, okay?”
“All right,” I said. I shook his hand and started to leave. I paused momentarily, turning back to face him. “Chief, I want you to know how much I appreciate this.”
“Thanks, Alan. I’ve enjoyed talking with you, and I appreciate your listening. It’s refreshing to talk to someone interested enough in what the police do to take the time out of a busy schedule to learn more about it. You’re to be commended.”
I liked the idea of talking to the judge and the superintendent of prisons. I was feeling immensely gratified, yet somewhat overwhelmed. This was becoming quite a project. I stopped to speak momentarily with Sheri, and then left the office to begin a quiet, thoughtful drive home.
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