Regarding the Op-Ed piece, “‘I have done nothing to cause feelings of guilt’: A veteran officer speaks out,” (July 26), let me start by noting my appreciation for Sgt. Babcock’s life of service in law enforcement. I greatly respect all those called to serve and who daily place their lives in harm's way. I further believe that his career of professional and ethical behavior is exemplified by the vast majority of fellow police professionals, be they local, regional, or national. Furthermore, I detest those who use the excuse of George Floyd’s murder to justify further violence.

What Babcock’s commentary fails to acknowledge is the systemic failure of certain police departments, which allow, and sometimes foster a blatant racist culture to perpetuate. Babcock rightfully condemns the Minneapolis police officer who pressed his knee on Floyd’s throat for those horrific eight minutes. What Babcock deftly omits is condemning the wonton failure of a civilized response from any of the other three officers, who stood silent while Mr. Floyd’s life was being snuffed out. Those police officers are now rightfully facing charges of aiding and abetting 2nd-degree murder. I believe these three other officers are proof of the systemic nature of what we have to overcome in treating all fairly and without prejudice.

Richard Stern

Stonington