40% of the LAPD. 39% of the NYPD. 41% of Miami’s PD. Police officers in this country are dying of COVID-19 more than even gunfire now, which used to be their #1 cause of death.
Despite this, huge percentages of police officers are refusing to get the vaccine OR wear masks, putting not only themselves, but also us at risk!
Many officers across the nation only have until mid-late October to get their vaccine. But many are also still standing their ground, forcing their cities to forgo vaccine requirements. Who else in this country gets this kind of special treatment? Definitely not Black people.
“From this point forward,” one San Diego officer posted, “we will never take the vaccine, be tested or wear another face diaper around our heads without our free will to make that choice.” But it’s not just about their safety, or “freedom” – OURS is on the line.
Especially since they overpolice us, officers get into close contact with us all the time! In Manhattan, for instance, officers enforced mask mandates in subway stations – but often weren’t even wearing masks themselves. This behavior exposes something beyond COVID-19 and the vaccine.
Police behave like they don’t have to follow rules like anyone else, and clearly show they don’t care about our communities’ wellbeing. And that’s a kind of power no one should have.