( CNN ) -- Three days ago , I decided to write an open letter to black protesters because I could n't stay silent any longer . Since the death of Michael Brown , America has been in an intense debate over how law enforcement operates in communities of color . I am an African-American police officer -- a term that seems like an oxymoron these days -- and like thousands of other black men and women who wear blue , I exist in two worlds . The open letter , published by theGrio , was an attempt to offer solutions . I wrote about how proud I am to see young black men and women mobilize and rally for a cause but that too many in their movement overgeneralize and paint all law enforcement as corrupt . I explained how , contrary to what is often portrayed , the vast majority of cops aspire to be peacekeepers and that our good work often goes unnoticed . Finally , I offered what I believe could be achievable solutions to improve the relationship between law enforcement and the communities of color we serve . I wrote , referring to the protesters : . `` What they fail to understand is that I 'm from the community and just one degree of separation from living in their world . My twin brother and I took different paths in life . He developed a dependency on drugs and spiraled into a life of crime that led to his incarceration . This is why making arrests is still a very difficult part of my job . Like 99 percent of those in law enforcement , I did not get into this profession to disrupt or end lives ; rather , I want to save the lives of so many people -- like my brother . `` Most police officers do this job because they love the communities they serve . We chose to be in a profession where every day you get to make a difference , whether it 's saving a child from an unhealthy home , coming to the aid of a domestic violence victim , finding shelter for the homeless or getting a reckless drunken driver off the road . `` Contrary to what many believe , we do not hope to have violent run-ins . It is actually what I dread the most . '' In the piece , I decided not to give my full name . I did n't know what type of reaction or backlash to expect . For me , submitting this was not without risk . I feared being ostracized in the profession I chose , especially by the community I was born into and love . As expected , the post did receive a number of negative comments , which I wo n't give attention to because solutions rarely come from negativity . One thing that was abundantly clear from reading the reactions was how much television and movies have overtaken reality . There was an all too common perception that within every agency , there is a rogue , a power-hungry officer who would violate any policy in his attempt to destroy the black community . One commenter said it best , `` Bigoted bad guys do n't just stick out like in movies twirling their mustaches and looking evil . '' A few asked why I chose to single out black protesters when those involved in the movement are from all races . To that I say , while this is a national discussion , I believe the solutions are primarily local . I spoke to those who are part of our black communities and encouraged them to form relationships with local law enforcement and work with them to recruit more diverse police officers . I was pleasantly surprised by how many of the readers welcomed this encouragement . These are some of the voices from our community that the media often fails to represent . `` As an African American teacher in the American public school system , I can identify with his words . I know what it is like to do a thankless job and to be misunderstood and undervalued both when my professional uniform is on and off . A huge shift would come if people of color decided to take jobs in law enforcement and teaching . '' `` Bro , I was proud that a black man and officer spoke up about it . It needed to be said . It was the truth of how African Americans act and respond in these situations . '' But nothing was more gratifying than to hear the words of encouragement I received from fellow black officers representing various police departments throughout the country . They were relieved that someone had given them a voice . To hear their appreciation was emotionally rewarding . While people are protesting and searching for answers , I just hope they also consider there are police officers who are the living embodiment of the very solutions they seek . Join us on Facebook.com/CNNOpinion .
A black police officer says he lives in two worlds . He shares hopes , aspirations of African American community and values of police . Protesters should know there are cops who are seeking to solve community problems , he says .