The scene of the recent mob protests in Baltimore was comfortably distant for most of us. The scenes of civil unrest unfolded on video screens since the actions were happening some 1,100 miles from our small corner of the world.

None of us knows exactly what caused the riots and what ultimately led to the untimely death of Freddie Gray, the man who died in police custody sparking the violence in the community.

But the violence by police and against police underscores a huge problem in our country — a disregard for the law of our land and a complete and utter disrespect for human life.

Last weekend, just 150 miles from Natchez — far closer to home than the big city of Baltimore — two young police officers were gunned down during a routine traffic stop.

Hattiesburg police officers Benjamin Deen and Liquori Tate will be remembered by friends, family and community as far more than police officers. But statistically, the men fall into disheartening company among their peers.

Statistics from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund indicate that on average a law enforcement officer is killed somewhere in the line of duty in the United States every 58 hours.

That’s a staggering statistic.

The number of deaths in the line of duty increased in 2014 over the prior year, by approximately 9 percent.

As a country, we must work to place more investment in our police officers — from training to actual pay.

Across the board, our nation pays police officers a fairly nominal wage, but expects super hero resolve and nerves of steel.

It’s a wonder, given how difficult we make it for officers, that anyone will actually sign up to serve in the first place.