I sense that today many people in our communities are waiting for their police leaders to stand up and declare their commitment to the sanctity of life and and to articulate the specific actions they are willing to take in improving training, policy, and oversight to make this commitment a reality.

Since the events in Ferguson, Missouri in 2015, I have searched for police leaders who were willing to publicly make this commitment. It takes courage.

In my experience, this is the only way that trust can be built and maintained. For trust in police is necessary in order for citizens to support and cooperate with their police.

All of this, control in use of force, lawful conduct, showing respect, and having the ability to deeply listen to others is necessary to have an effective police function in a free, diverse and democratic society.