The Imagine Memorial © Carol Bergman 2026
Empathy is not a moral luxury; it is a precondition of freedom.
-Timothy Snyder, Substack, 2/21/26
Do you prefer quiet days or active days?
Does your heart pound as you approach strangers? What was the most stressful situation you have ever been in?
Have you ever fired your gun at a person? Killed someone? Wanted to kill someone? Do you use the word perp or perpetrator when you are talking about your day to friends and family?
What are your thoughts as you take off your uniform? How do you feel when you are not in uniform? Are you still a law enforcement officer when you are off duty and out of uniform? Please explain.
Do you take public transportation or drive your own car home? If you are in your car do you turn on the radio? If so, do you listen to news or music on the radio? What is your favorite music? Do you sing along to your favorite tunes? Do you like to dance? If so, are you a good dancer?
What do you like to read? What do you read to your kids before they go to sleep?
Do you like to cook? Do you like to eat? Do you invite friends over for pot luck dinners? Are all your friends law enforcement officers?
Are you married? Do you enjoy making love with/and to/ your wife? Have you ever been unfaithful to your wife or, before your wife, to a girlfriend? Are you rough or tender in bed?
Do you have kids? If so, what do you tell your kids about personal safety in school and on the street?
Do you have any pets? Did you have any pets before you had kids? Did you have pets when you were a kid?
What do you watch on TV? Are you religious? Have you traveled anywhere outside the United States? What about inside the United States?
If so, how do you feel when you don't understand the language or local culture, national or international? Do you shut down or do you try to communicate? Are you curious or judgmental?
Describe yourself and your personality: How do you think others see you? Do you like to be liked? Admired? Are you solitary or gregarious? Do you have friends from different backgrounds? Do you see yourself as a public servant? A protector?
What have you done well? What are you grateful for? What would you like to improve about your work life and personal life? Do the two relate one to the other? Would your parents be proud of you?