JUNEAU, Wis. — A Wisconsin sheriff says the University of Wisconsin Police Department’s decision to ban “Thin Blue Line” imagery “sends the wrong message to citizens and law enforcement.”
The move by UWPD Chief Kristen Roman follows criticism on social media of a “Thin Blue Line” flag displayed at the police department’s office. The flag, which resembles a U.S. flag but has a blue stripe, is considered a sign of police solidarity, but has also been criticized as a symbol of white supremacy.
Dodge County Sheriff Dale J. Schmidt shared a column on the matter Sunday evening. In it, he said the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office “will never bow to the whims or false narrative of extremists who hate law enforcement.”
“Recently a new spin has emerged which has painted the ‘Thin Blue Line’ flag as advancing ‘hateful ideologies’ being pushed by ‘extremists’ and as a result we must reject the flag altogether,” Schmidt wrote. “I counter that argument by asking, should we abandon our American Flag because other ‘extremists’ are using it to promote their misguided ‘hateful ideologies’ as well? This is an absurd thought and it is infuriating.”
In a statement shared last week, Roman said law enforcement officers have a responsibility to weigh community concerns and fears against professional investment in the symbol. In the wake of the riots at the U.S. Capitol where “Thin Blue Line” flags were seen flying alongside Confederate flags and other white supremacist symbols, Roman said the balance has tipped.
“Attempts I’ve made to point to distinctions and true meaning as well as denounce acts committed under the thin blue line banner nationally continue to fall short in ways I can’t simply ignore,” Roman wrote. “The balance has tipped, and we must consider the cost of clinging to a symbol that is undeniably and inextricably linked to actions and beliefs antithetical to UWPD’s values. “
Read Sheriff Schmidt’s entire statement below:
“Over the last couple of years, the “Thin Blue Line” flag has become very popular. For those of you who are not aware, the “Thin Blue Lie” refers to the concept of the police as the line which keeps society from descending into violent chaos. Recently a new spin has emerged which has painted the “Thin Blue Line” flag as advancing “hateful ideologies” being pushed by “extremists” and as a result we must reject the flag altogether. I counter that argument by asking, should we abandon our American Flag because other “extremists” are using it to promote their misguided “hateful ideologies” as well? This is an absurd thought and it is infuriating. I am aware of 2 law enforcement executives in Wisconsin who have decided to ban the flag in their agencies. To me, this sends the wrong message to citizens and law enforcement.
“The ‘Thin Blue Line’ flag has been a symbol of support for law enforcement by a very large number of United States citizens. Those who display it typically support law and order. They support waiting for all facts before casting judgment on any incident. They support law enforcement officers knowing that the vast majority are good people who genuinely want to make their community a better place. They understand that contrary to the false narrative of the media, law enforcement is overwhelmingly color blind as it relates to the law. They also understand that if you break the law, there are consequences regardless of the color of your skin.
“The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office will never bow to the whims or false narrative of extremists who hate law enforcement. I am proud of the work my staff does every day. I am proud our citizens support the work we do. I am proud we have a symbol in that of the ‘Thin Blue Line’ flag that is positive and unifying even though those who hate law and order and law enforcement are hateful toward the flag. To me, the ‘Thin Blue Line’ flag represents that we in law enforcement are the last line of defense for law and order and we will stand up for what is right in the face of adversity. We will stand up for the Constitution of the United States and everything the American Flag represents.
“I wear a ‘Thin Blue Line’ flag pin on my uniform every day. I have authorized ‘Thin Blue Line’ flags to be displayed on all Dodge County Sheriff’s Office squad cars. I have a ‘Thin Blue Line’ flag flying below my American Flag on my front lawn. I encourage all citizens and law enforcement to feel free to display the ‘Thin Blue Line’ flag with pride because supporting and being a part of law enforcement is nothing to be ashamed of. It is one of the world’s oldest and most noble professions and I am proud to stand side by side with so many outstanding men and women who put on the uniform because they have one thing in mind, serving and protecting the citizens of our great nation.
“Of course, everyone has the right to their own opinion on this matter, and I respect everyone’s constitutional right to their freedom of speech. However, no one has the right to trample on anyone else’s right to free speech if they choose to display the ‘Thin Blue Line’ flag and support our brave men and women in law enforcement. I will defend that constitutional right to support law enforcement, just as any other right that has been afforded to the citizens of our great nation. Thank you for supporting us and thank you for allowing us to work hard toward making Dodge County a safe and enjoyable place to live, work, and visit.”
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