Thinking about Policing and the Current Pressure Points: Some Ideas!

In my twenty-four years in policing as a sworn officer and chief, followed by an additional twenty-five plus years in higher education, I have some personal observations that I want to share. I refer to the existing polarized state of police and community hyperbole. The new mantra of “breaking news” does not wait until the facts are known before judgment is cast. Yes, some of it is bias and subject to special interests, but to the majority of us, policing has a distinct and essential place in society to keep the peace and to knock down crime and criminality. An important aspect sometimes lost is the absolute need to engage in police and community partnerships centered on collaborative quality of life efforts. The police are not separate from the community, and neither is the community different from the police. Stop acting as if that is true! This post will undoubtedly bring retort as everything seems to do so these days. There are six steps to be taken to improve police and community conditions, with those who want a harmonious society and not turmoil for selfish reasons. The following aspects, when strengthened, can make a difference, at least to my beliefs and experience

Recognition of Our Civilian Emergency and First Responders for Their Service

We honor our military and so should it be. The military services engage with those whose compulsion to kill or control others is stronger than a civilized approach to differences. They work in all weather, all conditions, facing not only human enemies of civilized society, but the threat of harm from technology, weapons, and other violence. They work nights, holidays and in weather others avoid. They are away from loved ones, those feelings never diminishing, because of duty responsibilities. Civilian emergency service workers also have a daily concern for their safety and survival, while enduring action that could lead to injury, disability, and death. Where others fear to tread, they overcome, persist and often rush to danger, as they are the civilian warrior class we cannot do without

Eight Hours in the Shadow of a Police Officer

Comments on police and community interaction often follow an incident resulting in a protest march, demands for the removal of a public office holder, for police to be arrested and other proposed actions. The focus is singularly on police and not the similar behavior of individuals who initiated the confrontation in the opening minutes of interaction. The hue and cry are not about finding sustainable solutions to long-standing problems; it is seeking some quick fix, the sustainability of which is elusive. There is always a larger story than what the media fixates on, and in ignoring it, a disservice is a result. For every encounter with adverse outcomes, the police have confronted someone or a group from the community with whom they are seeking interaction. The behavior of individuals also contributes to the results of the encounter and they must be included in the overall examination. Hindsight, including a variety of agendas, emotions, the inevitable “what it?” questions and many other variables fail to bring clarity to the event before the investigation is complete. The resolution is not possible. The combination of many contributing factors often directs what happens during the call for service

When the View of Change is Myopic

Excerpt from author\u27s book, “Issues in Policing and Requisite Challenges” (2016), ISBN-13: 978-1540375841, first published in LinkedIn

What to Believe About Police? : When Hype and Illusion Replace Our Willingness to Self-Analyze

Blaming police, public safety, first responders, corrections and other federal, state, county, and municipal agencies is often a deflection of attention from facts. Why, is it to persuade and seek support for a particular position and less about solutions? Police officers are held accountable when facts and evidence emerge. Lawful protocol and procedure come into play, not emotion and unsubstantiated accusation. Is that not exactly what you and I would also demand

Strengthening Resilience of Our Police and First Responders

Excerpt from author\u27s book, “Issues in Policing and Requisite Challenges” (2016), ISBN-13: 978-1540375841, first published in LinkedIn

A Kaleidoscope View of Urban and Rural Policing: How Misunderstanding and Uncaring May Impact on Police Officers

Excerpt from author\u27s book, “Issues in Policing and Requisite Challenges” (2016), ISBN-13: 978-1540375841, first published in LinkedIn

From the Center Outward! Implementation Model of Sustainable Community Capacity Building

Implementation Model of Sustainable Community Capacity Building Steps: Collaborate Believe Motivate Organize Develop Capacity Implement Evaluat

A Guide to Planning and Implementing Instruction for Adults

Prepared by Richard C. Lumb, College at Brockport emeritus faculty member. Copyright @ Wilton, Maine, PSPP&R, LLC, Richard Lumb, Ph.D.https://digitalcommons.brockport.edu/bookshelf/1389/thumbnail.jp

The Irrationality of the Continuum of Violence

Excerpt from author\u27s book, “Issues in Policing and Requisite Challenges” (2016), ISBN-13: 978-1540375841, first published in LinkedIn