Is profiling no longer a bad thing?

I am amazed that community leaders choose to target gun owners based on the type of legal firearm they possess. I was not allowed to target individuals as a police officer. The term “profiling,” in law enforcement vernacular, is given negative context.

The principle of identifying criminal conduct is justified. But now, we see unrestricted profiling by community and legislative leaders projected as a justifiable way to respond to insane acts of individuals.

They seek to restrict or eliminate legal firearms possession, and act to make otherwise lawful individuals into criminals They choose to violate individual freedoms. These actions constitute the use of profiling in its worst context.

As a retired law enforcement officer, I recognize that this type of response is inappropriate, and based entirely on an ideological agenda. It constitutes a violation of personal freedoms and guaranteed protections. This action leads to citizen unrest, and will ultimately boil down to police/citizen conflicts in our communities.

It is important that citizens and police maintain cohesion of trust and professional respect.

The recently formed Retired Law Enforcement Officers Alliance (www.retiredleo.com) is an organization founded to allow retired officers in Oregon communities to work with citizen groups, community leaders and public administrators addressing concerns of trust and responsibility. Retired LEO’s are urged to join!

Laws exist and, when used, statistically reduce the overall rates and impact of violence. Making criminals out of law-abiding citizens misses the intended target.

Target the criminal act — follow with strict prosecution.

Doug Hoffman, executive director, Retired Law Enforcement Officers Alliance-Oregon

Roseburg