The men and women who make up the Selma City Council have a lot to govern.

They look after our roads, ordinances, condemned buildings and perhaps most importantly our police officers.

Law Enforcement Offices around the nation do not operate like other business. When most places can cut back on office items like paper, phone calls, etc., the police and sheriff’s departments have certain items – guns, ammo, car maintenance and many other related items – that they cannot cut.

Sometimes it is hard to understand the inter-workings of a police station. That is why it would be a good idea for the council members to volunteer at the police department.

The council members are very busy people, but it would benefit the city if they knew, really knew what the officers protecting our city are required to do.

Council members could volunteer just one day or night a month and that would provide more than enough information to make more educated votes.

Citizens of Selma should also look into the Volunteer In Police Services (VIPS) program. It is a way that we can all help police and the city while helping ourselves gain a new appreciation for the men and women in blue.