'Social media is our biggest enemy'
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Murphy – Meet Adam May, a local man who chose law enforcement over the military and has family members in both careers.
Before he chose his current field, May had been a land surveyor for several years in Georgia. That changed when the housing market crashed in 2008 and he needed a new career.
A police officer is an authorized member of a law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining public order, protecting life and property, enforcing laws and investigating crimes.
It's often a difficult job, seldom appreciated and peppered with criticism.
"Almost no one wants us there, everybody dislikes us until they need us," said May, who's been a law enforcement officer for 16 years and has spent the last 13 years with the Murphy Police Department.
A cop's day is never the same and changes daily with different circumstances.
"We can have a day where we don't have any calls or just a larceny or vehicle accident. Later that day or the next day we could have an assault, domestic violence, road rage or shots fired," he said.
It's sobering to realize that a law enforcement officer whose job is to protect citizens, may not be protected himself. There is no guarantee they will return home safe after their shift, if at all. The job of a law enforcement officer comes with daily risks of serious bodily injury or death.
Why anyone would choose to do such a job was summed up by May, who said, "I think most of us, myself included, just want and like to help people."
Being a cop does not mean one is void of fear. Law enforcement officers are human and they do experience fear.
"People deal with stress or bad situations differently but most of the time you have to set all of that aside and deal with the task at hand or stop the threat at that moment," he said.
One of his scariest days involved an incident with a suspicious vehicle.
"When I drove by I turned around to investigate. There were two people passed out. Both came to and I had to go hands-on with them to keep control. Backup got there and I had trafficking amounts of controlled substance on the people as well as locating a firearm that was in their proximity and control," May said.
It was later discovered that the weapon they had in their possession was used in a double homicide.
May has been fortunate to have never suffered serious injury doing his job, however, he has suffered cuts, bruises, sprains and muscle pulls.
Whether you disagree with the reason an officer has pulled you over or with what you're being charged with, maintaining a cool demeanor and cooperative behavior goes a long way.
On the side of the road is not the place to argue.
"If we stop you and ask to see a license or ask you to answer questions, being cooperative and honest is your best friend," he said. "We've got a job to do and refusing to cooperate can be impeding and obstructing us in our duties. One can argue later in court but not on the side of the road."
What May wishes folks knew, "Social media is our biggest enemy. There's a lot of misinformation online; people only show half-truths. You may see an incident where somebody's dealing with someone and it may have been peaceful until they go to arrest someone and have to go hands-on, then all you see on the video is the hands-on," he said.
"Really and truly, we just want to do our jobs and get through the day. We are the front line of defense for the homeland. It might be the worst day of your life but just bear with us, we've got a job to do and we've got questions and steps that we've got to take." he said.
In 10 years, "Oh man, I'm doing good to just make it through the day," he said with laughter. "I'd like to still be in law enforcement. Outside of law enforcement, I think I inspire to be a beach bum."