Most families have that occupation that seems to be in their genes. It is found in almost every generation, on both sides, long lost cousins, in-laws and so on. For some, that family trade could be construction, doctors, chiefs or whatever other great careers there are. For my family, it so happens to be the police force.

Yes, I am very proud of my family's blue blood for more reasons than I could ever explain. With all the violence, hatred and racism circulating our country recently, a lot of people are judged and put down for standing by the side of the police, including myself.

This isn't to say that all officers are perfect, because we all know they aren't. And to be honest, everyone gets that pit in their stomach when they get pulled over, angry when they get a ticket for something that seems minuscule and outraged when the bad cops abuse their power. Especially being a college student, cops are no one's favorite sight at the front door of a frat party. It may seem like cops are out to get you or like all are just bullies that like to overstep their boundaries but people have to understand that a few bad apples cannot ruin the tree.

Can you imagine a country where officers were not present at all? Could you imagine highways where no laws are followed; no blinkers, no organization, no limits, some people going sixty-five, some going ninety probably even some hitting one-hundred fifty just because they can. Fatal accidents would happen every second, not only to the initial drivers but to the innocent people who were minding their own business, it could be your mom, dad, sister, husband. Could you imagine driving along side drunk drivers? Whose going to stop them from swerving into your car, killing you and your passenger and him driving off with no consequences just to do it again. Could you imagine someone breaking into your home holding you at gunpoint and knowing no one is coming to help you or a loved one choking in front of you with no responder on their way. A world without police would be accidents ending in the worst way and allow the scummiest of people to steal, hurt, kill all with no consequences, no justice and probably no regrets.

What about when terrorism occurs and there is no one to protect us. Over four hundred responders died during 9/11 in attempts to save other people and hundreds became ill or died following because of the hazardous conditions of the area. The Boston Marathon bombs went off and officers ran blindly into the haze, not away from it. They were there because that is their dedication to the oath they were sworn into. Because everyday officers wake up and leave their home unsure of what the day will bring. Every traffic stop is a risk, every call is a risk, every time they come to a residence, job or store they are prepared to risk their life. I don't know about you, but I don't know many other occupations that would risk their life everyday to protect and serve people they don't even know. Just like our soldiers, that kind of commitment is nothing short of honorable and courageous.

With all that being said, I am very aware of those officers that use their power to be reckless, cruel and backward. There are unforgivable, awful incidents occurring against people from all parts of the country. Just as there are officers that disregard their oath to serve and protect with honor and equality, using their power to bully and hurt, there are other people that commit the same crimes in their own fields. There are doctors that keep patients sick to continue to make money off their health bills and hold inhumane experiments on people. Just as in the 1970s when the US Public Health Service conducted the Tuskegee syphilis study on 399 sick people and withheld a known treatment for syphilis, penicillin, just to observe what happened to those with untreated syphilis. There are bankers and accountants that are scheming their customers' accounts and social securities and getting millions by tricking people as seen by Wells Fargo earlier this year. How many teachers and coaches are found to have sexually assaulted or psychically and emotionally abused their students. How many food industries such as Tyson, Wonder Bread and Nature's Own know they are feeding people synthetic chemicals and plastic calling it "dough conditioner" and "processed"; yet do it anyway. Criminals and bullies are harming people everywhere, in every occupation if you actually look. So yes some officers should not have their badge, just like some doctors should not have their license and some teachers should not have their certification.

My Grandfather is my role model. Not only did he serve his country in Vietnam, he served his state in West Orange and now is the Executive Director of the Police Unity Tour. Which is not only spreading across the country but now his team's efforts are spreading across the globe to India, Thailand and other countries who also want to honor and value the lives of officers lost in the line of duty. My Uncle, among many things, single-handedly brought a man back to life, my other uncle protects his hometown with loyalty and respect, my brother-in-law, cousin and so many others have all acted on duty to save, protect and ensure the safety of the people.

No one is perfect, everyone makes mistakes and we can only hope those mistakes are learned from and improved to create a better world. But to have that better world there must be understanding and accountability held on both ends of the spectrum. A man cannot argue injustice because he tried to rob a store, steal a car or sell crack to high schoolers and then scream inequality or corruption because he got caught. Just like officers that dismiss their training and panic or abuse their power, unable to reverse their actions also need to hold the accountability. That lack of accountability and throwing of blame is what created this blurred line and abuse of the judicial system we see all over headlines.

As seeing it from both sides, a college student- millennial and the granddaughter and niece of the bravest officers I know, I see the issues, I see the racism, violence, hatred all of it and it has to change. My only hope is that people begin to acknowledge and appreciate the good officers, the ones that administer CPR and save your friend's life at the scene of an accident. The ones that show up for a domestic violence call and rescue you from your abuser. The ones that handle shooters and terrorism in malls, schools and marathons. The ones who teach DARE programs to children in classrooms. The ones that pull over the drunk driver that was about to hit your child crossing the road.The ones that find the pedophiles, rapists, robbers, burglars, thieves and murderers. The ones that would risk their lives for you, your family and your friends at the drop of a hat, any day, anywhere, on duty or not. Good cops do great things everyday but it is not reported, filmed or debated on, because it is their career, it is what they are expected to do. What does make it on TV are the times officers do not fulfill their duties because it is not tolerated or forgiven.

This article is in hopes that people learn to separate the good from the bad, because there are good people and then there are bad people in the world. Even though there are some people in uniform whom don't deserve the respect of the badge, that does not belittle the achievements, courage and selflessness of the massive amounts of great ones. I am so proud to have officers in my family, it compliments the great men they already are. They use their education, experience, compassion and determination to make their community a better place. They continue to inspire and drive me and everyone around them to be a great and meaningful contribution to the world and I will always be grateful for their courage and selflessness.