Imagination

I have always thought the problem with American policing is a of imagination.

After George Floyd’s murder in Minneapolis and “Black Lives Matter” protests across the country calls to reform (and even abolish police) agencies would be met by police leaders offering to engage in public dialogue about how a free, diverse, and democratic society should be policed; that is, being open to reimagination.

Alas, that never happened. When a person or a field of endeavor can’t imagine a way out of a dilemma, the default position is most always to defend, deflect, and deny.

I hope and pray it is not too late for this to happen — to creatively imagine a new possibility, a new way of policing.

Police in America can be improved. But it won’t be easy in today’s political climate. Nevertheless, I suggest the seeds for this improvement are sown among the 1,500 posts on this blog site.

I spent over 30 years in policing. I do know what I am talking about. I have led successful and lasting police change with my colleagues and supportive community leaders. Other leaders can, too.

But improvement must always first begin inside a person with an idea, a re-imagination, then within an organization and, finally, in a community.

To do that requires the very best of leadership skills — courageous and persistent servant leaders who are committed to our nation’s values, our way of life, and to the growth and success of those whom they are privileged to lead.

Good luck and Godspeed!