A Little Compassion Goes a Long Way—Cops, Please Use Common Sense

Let’s talk real today. One thing that’s been on my heart—and it comes up often—is the way some police officers interact with the elderly or people who clearly need a little more grace. And I say this with love, with truth, and with the boldness God gave me: common sense and compassion should never be left behind when you put on that badge. Let me break it down. We’ve all seen or heard stories where an older man or woman was stopped by police, and things got unnecessarily tense. But ask yourself this: what if that was your mother? Your grandfather? Your favorite auntie who raised you when no one else did? Would you bark orders at them? Would you handcuff them like they’re a threat when they’re barely strong enough to carry a grocery bag? See people. Not just their actions. See the struggle behind the face. We live in a time where so many of our elders are silently battling things most folks can’t even imagine. Diabetes, Parkinson’s, arthritis, memory issues, anxiety, cancer, lupus, chronic migraines—the list goes on. Some of them wear adult diapers and struggle with holding in their need to use the bathroom. Others are taking medications that affect their mood, reaction time, or comprehension. And yes, some are forgetful, delicate, and slower than what’s considered “normal.” But they’re human. Just like you. Just like me. So why not approach them like you would your own parents? When you pull someone over, especially someone older, remember this: they’re not just a driver. They’re someone’s loved one. Someone who has lived through decades of hardship, maybe even war. Someone who could be having the worst day of their life. Someone who might not even understand what’s happening in that moment. And your compassion could be the difference between calming them down or pushing them over the edge. I’m not saying every officer is heartless. I know there are plenty who serve with honor, patience, and deep respect. But I’m also not going to stay silent about those who forget the power and weight that come with wearing that uniform. We need you to remember that true strength is found in gentleness, not just control. True leadership comes from understanding, not intimidation. And real justice begins with humanity, not just law. Compassion is not weakness—it’s wisdom in motion. The world’s already hard enough. Let’s not make it colder than it needs to be. We can—and must—do better. Let’s start treating the elderly, the vulnerable, and the struggling the way we’d want our own to be treated. With dignity. With patience. With heart. Because if we lose that? We lose everything that makes us human. Until next time, With love and conviction, Maria D.C. Santiago Blogger, Writer, Voice for the Voiceless © 2025 Santiago D.C. Maria. All Rights Reserved #CompassionMatters #ServeWithHeart #RespectTheElderly #JusticeWithWisdom #PoliceAndCommunity #CommonSensePolicing #HumanityFirst #ElderRights #TruthInUniform #VoicesUnite