![]() In addition, the Consensus Policy states: The Consensus Policy makes it clear that it is the policy of law enforcement agencies to value and preserve human life and that they should develop policies and training practices that focus on de-escalation and the application of force only when necessary. Adoption of National Consensus Use of Force PolicyĪll police agencies should adopt the National Consensus Use of Force Policy (Consensus Policy) developed by a broad coalition of law enforcement leadership and labor organizations, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), and others. These changes would impact both the culture of policing and the laws and regulations that govern police operations. To that end, there are several steps that law enforcement agencies, community leaders, and elected officials should be engaged in. Collectively, we must be willing to listen and discuss the realities of policing, identify meaningful solutions, and understand that police officers have literally dedicated their lives to protecting their communities. Although agencies are working to train officers in crisis intervention or mental health first aid, this does not take the place of proper medical treatment.Īt the same time, while policing is the focus, community members and elected officials must realize they play a crucial role in moving constructive efforts forward. The lack of access to mental health services means that the police are often the only ones left to call. Over the years, reductions in federal, state, and local budgets have slashed funding for mental health support, homelessness, untreated substance abuse and recovery services, offender reentry programs, educational and vocational training, and programs that promote economic improvement.īy default, police agencies have been required to fill the voids created by these funding cuts. Change will require both dedicated resources and an enduring commitment from police leaders, community members, and elected officials.Īdditionally, it is important to recognize that the issues in our criminal justice system extend well beyond the behavior of police. They are committed to working tirelessly to earn and keep the trust of communities. Police leaders are embracing the concerns and criticism and reexamining their policies and approaches. Agencies have worked hard to increase transparency, revise policies to enhance procedural justice, recruit and hire officers who reflect the communities they serve, reduce use-of-force incidents, and focus on eliminating police cultures that prevent officers from holding each other accountable.ĭespite these advances, there is more work ahead. Police leaders have acknowledged-and some have even apologized for-the misdeeds of the past and have sought out community partners to build a better future. So, the challenge confronting our communities and our agencies is how to effectively move forward together to build a shared understanding and identify common solutions to better protect our communities.Īlthough it may be difficult to recognize right now, policing has made significant advancements in recent years. As a result, many officers often find it difficult to bridge this gap and connect with their communities. Many officers who do not share this common heritage struggle to comprehend the reasons behind this historic mistrust. Unsurprisingly, this history has created a generational, almost inherited gulf of mistrust between many communities of color and their law enforcement agencies. In the past, the laws adopted by our society have required police officers to perform many unpalatable tasks, such as ensuring legalized discrimination or even denying the basic rights of citizenship to many of our fellow Americans. Historically, there have been times when police officers, because of the laws enacted by federal, state, and local governments, have been the face of oppression to far too many of our fellow citizens. Of course, the events of 2020 are not the only factors that have led to this estrangement between police officers and their communities. ![]() Unfortunately, these protests have, in far too many communities, further widened the gap between police agencies and their communities. High-profile use-of-force incidents led to days of protests civil unrest and, tragically, further violence, destruction, and death. The year 2020 was clearly an extremely challenging time for communities and law enforcement agencies throughout the United States.
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