In the months following the deaths of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., and Eric Garner in New York, some relationships between law enforcement and the public have been deteriorating rapidly.

Many feel as though police brutality is at an unnecessary high, and a profession that is supposed to provide safety is instead a source of terror. At the same time, law enforcement officers who follow the rules and care for those they protect feel misrepresented and disrespected.

In light of the national unrest over the issue, it is now more important than ever for Beaufort County residents and law enforcement officers to take another look and try to understand the other party’s point of view.

A fatal tragedy does not have to happen here.

The law enforcement agencies in the county have done an admirable job for the most part in reaching out to the public. The Washington Police Department and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office have participated in community outreach programs for the public to attend, not to mention the programs of the Police Activities League and more recently the “Stop & Shake” event hosted by the Belhaven Police Department.

These programs may seem small, but they go a long way toward improving relations with the public. Even the simple knowledge that the law enforcement agencies would be willing to hold these events is bound to help.

While some residents may consider this kind of event to not be worth his or her time to attend, in reality, it is incredibly beneficial.

In order to obtain a positive relationship with law enforcement, Beaufort County residents must be willing to step outside their comfort zones and go meet the officers behind the badges. And on the other side, the law enforcement agencies need to continue these outreach programs for the public.

More than likely, the public will find the officers to be just like them — an everyday man or woman trying to do a job and make a living. And the officers will find that most people respect their work and the law.

It’s a win-win situation. By creating a bond between the police and the public, Beaufort County will be a better, safer place to live.