Local sheriff weighs in on tensions between officers, communities

Vernon County Sheriff says violent situations harm reputation across the country

VERNON COUNTY, Wis. (WKBT) — Some residents and officers worry about the increased tension between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Vernon County Sheriff John Spears says it is important for officers and residents to work through those tensions.

“There’s a very, very small percentage of law enforcement that maybe does not do their job the way they should. But the majority of men and women in law enforcement are dedicated, they serve their communities, they’re proud public servants, and they’re out there doing what they’re supposed to do, and they are definitely a part of the community,” said Sheriff Spears.

Spears also says situations like the one in Des Moines only worsen policing relations across the country.