Where Are We Going?

There’s a new publication our that every police officer in America should read — and understand what’s at stake. “Police in America: 2054” contains 27 essays from police leaders and researchers speculating on what policing in America will look like thirty years from today — 2054. (Yes, I would have liked to add my “two-cents” as well.}

Nevertheless, there is a lot in here that should be fodder for some energetic round-table discussions.

Here’s a few tidbits quotes and themes…

— The need to professionalize — Prof. David Kennedy.

— Three futures: dystopian, utopian, and realistic (take your pick) — Michael Scott.

— Two pieces of advice from Bruce Lee: 1) Your job will never love you back, 2) If you haven’t your found passion after 5 years in your work, quit!

— Be catalysts to form “a more perfect union” (what we should be) — Mo McGough.

— Laurie Robinson reminds us of the 2015 Task Force Report on Policing. Haven’t read it? You need to.

— For leaders: “Your inheritance (of a police department does not have to be your legacy!” — RaShell Brackney.

— Cedric Alexander wrote about the importance of “reimagining and reforming” and being true “guardians.”

— Robin Engel reminds us that we are not “failing, but we also are not thriving” and added continuous improvement and becoming a learning organization as goals and “legitimacy-based policing.”

— Tom Tyler wrote about that which is “reasonable and permissible,” along with more of his concept of Procedural Justice.

— “We we are is what we call ourselves” highlighting being a “police officer” versus “law enforcement officer” and the importance of how we train.

These are the points that stuck with me after my first read. I am sure there will be more to come. In the meantime, read and discuss this important document.