Not What But How

 Far too often we hear it said that authority figures, those who are responsible to carry out rules and laws, are "overstepping their boundaries". Most of the time, the accusations are not true. Of course, we all make errors and no one likes to be caught doing something wrong or offensive but the facts remain and to uphold a lawful society, someone has to do the "job" of making sure the laws or rules are followed. And while it is true, the "how" of the way the authority person does the job, is crucial in the eyes of citizens who, yes, committed the offenses knowing it and should be instructed in making amends or receiving due punishment. The law enforcing individual also has  PR standards in carrying out their work. It is wrong to inflict temper or bullying tactics to law or rule breakers. That creates a flaw in what is true  justice. Justice needs a blindfold so that everyone charged with an offense is treated fairly without prejudice according to the letter of the law. What deed the offender may have done may instill anger and disgust, often horror and, therefore, true understanding of the offense in the arresting or prohibiting person, requires a calm head and a steady but humane hand. In our legal system, unlike others that charge guilt before trial, invites the need to prove their innocence, ours is that you are innocent until proven guilty. However, it is also the work of the authority figure to withhold someone who is a danger to society and needs to be contained for the safety of all people and/or property. Those involved with doing the job of maintaining the law or rules, does so, not in a personal tone, but as one who has been trained to do, and should know, the  the rules and regulations of how to carry out that responsibility in the best interests of all society members including those of the perpretator in question. Violent, insulting or inhumane acts against others is never the right tactic. Ways of stopping violent behaviour of criminals must take place, naturally, but only that which is laid out in the mandate of their position.  Bad mouthing, rudeness, harm, indignities and so on are not theirs to use, difficult as it may be when an offensive person appears to have done much worse. Control is the key and mutual respect, the door to justice.