My vision for NOBLE

My vision for NOBLE is to establish the organization as the preeminent law enforcement organization in the United States. NOBLE’s perspective on policing in America is unique in that we fashion ourselves as the conscience of law enforcement. We come from the communities that are being impacted by policing the most, and we are leaders of the policing industry charged with providing equitable police services for all our citizens. Our communities cannot be healthy if inequitable policing is allowed to exist. As we experience unprecedented instances of force being used unnecessarily by the police in America, NOBLE should be leading the national discussion on best practices in policing and leading by example.

In addition, my vision includes ensuring NOBLE’s future by ensuring the development of our Associate members. They are currently on the front lines of what is occurring with policing in America, and they are our future leaders. We must make every effort to place them, and NOBLE, in the best possible position to lead. We must provide our Associate members with career development and advancement training for those that are interested in doing so.

Lastly, my vision includes strengthening the business of NOBLE. As a 501c3, it is critically important that our business practices are without reproach. We will be transparent, we will continue to empower and support our board, and we will promote good communication throughout the organization.

Policing and Community Engagement

Community EngagementThe reality of policing is that no agency has the resources to accomplish everything they are called to do. Successful policing only occurs when the relationship between the community and their police agencies are strong. Cooperation, collaboration and communication between both sides are essential components to a healthy society, and they are only established through engagement. Police and communities must proactively develop strategies and mutually address the quality of life issues that are impactful to all. Moreover, through engagement, both sides will develop a full understanding of each other. The community will have a thorough understanding of what policing entails, and the police will be in a better position to assist their neighbors when they have a thorough understanding of how their municipalities developed.

Derek Chauvin verdict and the use of force

Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin

The verdict in the Chauvin murder trial was entirely appropriate. Derek Chauvin’s actions were completely contrary to training practices, use of force policies, and human decency. He was not acting within the color of the law. He did not adhere to his responsibility to provide care to the individuals he came into contact with. And he clearly did not respect the sanctity of life or humanity of George Floyd. Police officers must use only the amount of force necessary to effect an arrest. Anything beyond that is completely inappropriate and amounts to misconduct. In Derek Chauvin’s case, it amounted to murder. For further on my thoughts on the use of deadly physical force, please see the attached for my blog post on the subject.

Rochester and Policing

I am saddened to see that Rochester has been so prominently displayed for interactions between the police and our citizens. Similar to George Floyd, the Rochester Police Department was involved in a situation involving an individual in the midst of a mental health crisis which resulted his death. The gentlemen’s name was Daniel Prude. Another incident involved our officers handcuffing, pepper spraying, and forcing a nine-year-old girl into the back of a police vehicle, all while she repeatedly shouted that she wanted her dad. There are other incidents that we can discuss but suffice to say that Rochester is facing the same challenges that police across the country are experiencing. I am discouraged by the lack of humanity shown to Daniel Prude. I am discouraged by the NYS Division of Criminal Justices Services which authorizes tactics and practices that are physically problematic and dangerous. And I am disheartened by the lack of understanding and patience shown to the young woman who has been traumatized by our officers’ actions. How has all of this traumatized this entire community? I suspect it will be years before we can fully measure its impact. I recently assisted the city of Rochester in the preparation of their response to Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order 203 requiring all police departments in the state to submit a plan for police reform, and I co-chaired the Police working group of the Race and Structural Equity commission where we developed actionable recommendations for improving policing in our community. Please see the below links for both reports.

View Report of the Commission on Racial And Structural Equity (RASE)

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THE COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO
EXECUTIVE ORDER 203

Community Response to Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order 203