How two bitter enemies became friends

A police officer in Milwaukee and a man who spent years in and out of jail have formed an unlikely relationship. It's a story that shows how a little trust can turn an enemy into an ally. Steve Hartman reports.

[yorkshire_tea_innit]

"The cycle stops with me" is one of the most heroic things a person can say (and do) imo.

[yticivam]

Whoever setup that meeting needs a medal.

[onthefence]

Just imagine how many "street guys" just want or need rather, a job and/or a good friend..

[kxmode]

"if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink" (Romans 12:20)

[jrock]

As a black man this makes me proud of my black brother, I hope this brotha will continue to grow

[DarianCaplinger]

This reminds me of one of my story's from when I was a young patrol officer. I had arrested a guy I'll name Greg, who was about 15 years older than me. He was driving on a suspended license, and with the conviction of the arrest I made, he would become a felon. I arrested Greg for the charge, drove him 20 minutes to the county jail facility, and started the process of booking him in. Sure enough, he had two prior convictions for driving while license suspended or revoked.

As I looked through Greg's conviction list (all traffic related), I asked him about those prior convictions, and why he didn't have a valid license. It turned out, and I was able to later confirm it, Greg was originally suspended for driving a car belonging to a friend which had no insurance coverage. Greg had struggled for a long time to keep his employment so he could keep his family in a home and with food, and was eventually able to save just enough money to purchase a cheap car. He got insurance for it, but before he could get his license reinstated, he was stopped for a minor traffic violation and was charged for driving on a suspended license.

When I asked him why he had been driving, he said he was on his way to work. His second conviction for the same charge stemmed from the same thing. It had never occurred to him, nor offered by the courts to try to plea to a lesser offense so he could avoid the points on his license and try to get legal. Then he had the unfortunate luck to meet me. Every cop has their own special skill. Some can sniff out drivers with drugs in their car from a mile away. Some can sense a driver with an active warrant. Me? I had the uncanny ability to find people with licenses that were either non-existent, suspended or revoked. I was diligent in my work, and made sure to take the appropriate actions with all of them, including Greg. However, listening to him tell me he was facing the possibility of becoming a felon, simply because he was driving to or from work just didn't sit right with me.

I had to book him in, however once I was done, I told the jail I was releasing him on his own recognizance. I then drove him back to town, and took him to lunch. When his court date came, I did not show up. When I was contacted by the prosecutor's office, I told them the case should be dismissed. Eventually it was, and Greg was not forced to pay any court costs. He was subsequently able to get his license reinstated and put that chapter behind him. Afterward, we met lunch a few more times, but I will never forget how I almost caused Greg to have a felony record, simply for driving to work to support his family. A little compassion can go a long way. After that incident, I was still known to perform more traffic stops than all my fellow officers combined, however I gave twice as many warnings than I did tickets. I'm retired now, but I'll never forget Greg and the impact he had on me.

[autry]

"the cycle stops with me" So powerful! That moved me right there!

[vanessaheslop]

This is beautiful. My parole officer literally believed in me. Due to that, and his support I didn’t violate one time and haven’t ever been in trouble since my first and only conviction. I did 2 1/2 years and the cycle stopped with me too. ❤️❤️❤️

[RoboCxck]

I really like this, I’m an x-con I’ve done most of my 20’s in a cell my wife is also and she has actually done more time than I have. But we have both turned our lives around. We have careers now and both of us bring in 6 figures.. which I never in my life thought would have been possible. If you would have told me my life was going to be this way 10 .. or even 5 years ago I wouldn’t have believed it! I love stories like this! I also have a family member in law enforcement he actually just became an officer about 2 years ago during my transformation back into society. So that also kind of snuck the love and respect for our police force into my heart which I never thought I would have either. People change, people grow, you just have to believe! ❤️

[frankrodriguez]

Theres an old saying....
" To get rid of ur him your you destroy ur inherite a family of enemies "
Peace to all....

[chrisk.]

I NEED MORE STORIES LIKE THIS TO RESTORE FAITH IN HUMANITY

[PerrenialMillennial]

The fact that he now works under that same guy and they are both friends is brilliant.

[fasteddie]

This man (the warehouse manager) has humility, gratitude, perseverance, perspective. What a truly great and inspiring story. Thank you for sharing this. This is what we need to see more of in our country.

[alsenar]

That's how the system should work in general. Helping people to find a new way and not just locking them up for a few years.

[ultraqwickmusic]

''Jacob got arrested so many times you can watch him grow in his mugshot"- if that's not a roast i don't know what is...this reporter is hilarious lmao

[MrTastyCarp]

I like all these heartfelt videos being recommended in these tough times.

[kayomholt-montague]

I just love real-life stories like this. It just goes to show you that once you get to know somebody and all of their sides, you can make good friends. It is the uncertainty and fear of not knowing someone who is different from you that causes a lot of hatred like this.

And the cop/parole officer can easily get into a rut, where he is simply playing a role and tuning out the humanity of a person.

[professionalbiologist]

"Love your Enemies and do good to them that hate you..." -Jesus Christ.

Reason: They end up like this.

[cspasm]

I've never been more proud to be a law enforcement officer. I wish more officer would remember why we do what we do. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful story.

[elnorajefferson]

This a beautiful story, all people can change,    I think they can.