Happy Halloween with the NYPD

Last night was Halloween and Halloween in New York City is a thing to behold. I am sure that the adults have a lot more fun than the kids, particularly those adults who are downtown in the West Village participating in the parade, carousing and picture-taking that takes place in the packed streets.

At one point in the evening, there was introduced into the good-natured crowds bands of roving youths dressed in similar colors shouting gang-related slogans and throwing up signs. Hrumph. Why were teenagers (who have school tomorrow, where were their parents?) bringing their identity-crisis-laden calls for belonging and attention out amongst the adults causing drama? And why were they threatening violence in the middle of the crowded streets? My friends and I looked around for a sign that order would be maintained. We had seen plenty of police earlier that evening. Where were they now? Could they please come and scatter this group? Later, another group of guys on Seventh Avenue almost came to blows. Again our reaction was the same: “Where are the police? Let’s go stand by the police and be safe.” As the police broke up the fight without incident, we said to each other, “Why do these people have to mess up everybody’s fun? I am so glad the police were around.” Let me make myself absolutely clear: the people I was with are black. This. Never. Happens.

But wouldn’t it be nice if it did?

This is how I want to feel about the police--warm, welcoming, grateful for the protection--the same way I feel about the military. I see our nation’s military standing in harm’s way for me and whether or not I agree with the conflict, I am always grateful that they are standing on the wall, to borrow a phrase from the cinema, because goodness knows I have no intention of getting anywhere near that wall. It would be so nice if all the people of New Orleans could feel protected by their police department. It would be so nice if Amadou Diallo and Abner Louima were not lurking in the recent memory of the NYPD. However, those memories are still fresh and unfortunately, I am sure future incidents will spoil today’s warm afterglow of protection and assistance. At least I know that non-prejudicial policing can happen. In a crowded, uber-diverse metropolis, on a night of suspicion, delight and mayhem, citizens and the police got it right—together. Happy Halloween.