The FBI: Honor, Leadership, Protecting America

As the United States of America—with allies against militant extremists—strikes targets in Iraq and Syria, all in America must remain vigilant here in our homeland.

Vigilance is critical to protecting America as the current state of affairs includes extremists calling for attacks against civilians and soft targets. Security concerns are intensified and all who love America, freedom, democracy, and liberty must collaborate to safeguard the nation.

Citizens and law enforcement all must have our eyes wide open to potential dangers that threaten innocent people and our way of life. We must never take for granted the privileges of a dinner out, a trip to visit loved ones, or a day with coworkers—life can change in a heartbeat. An abundance of caution is the order of the day—suspicious activities must immediately be reported to authorities. We must expect the unexpected and remain vigilant.

Apathy, indifference, or negligence with respect to current events is not acceptable. Acts of terror are preventable. Innocent lives, as well as the morale of America are at stake. There is no room for failure, for even one act of terror can be catastrophic and every life is sacred. The world has changed and all of us must have a terrorism awareness and prevention mindset.

As the darkness of evil intentions unfolds, America must remain vigilant, collaborative, and courageous.

The FBI: Protecting America
The top priority of the FBI is protecting America from terrorist attacks. This mission is only possible through collaboration with law enforcement partners nationally and worldwide.

Extremist networks, lone wolfs, and terrorist sympathizers can be neutralized and dismantled through the investigative and intelligence resources of the FBI. But this is only possible with public-private collaboration.

As documented on the FBI website, the scope of FBI operations and collaborative efforts includes:
•Joint Terrorism Task Forces
•National Counterterrorism Center
•Public Internet Tip Line
•Terrorist Explosives Device Analytical Center
•Terrorist Screening Center
•Weapons of Mass Destruction
•Strategic Command Center
•Terrorist Financing Operations Section
•Terrorism Fly Team

FBI Model: Leadership Retreat
In my travels throughout America since 1999, I have highlighted leadership, vigilance, and collaboration as central to my mission of character development, violence prevention, and crisis planning.

These principles have been shared at hundreds of presentations and with many published works and FBI initiatives.

But in my opinion, the seriousness of what these principles signify has never been so important as at this very moment in America’s history.

On Sept. 17, I was privileged to conduct a keynote for the FBI Newark Division Management Retreat. This retreat was made possible through the leadership of the division’s Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford.

Aside from the remarkable motivational and educational aspects of the event, this retreat is a model not only for other FBI divisions but also for all law enforcement agencies as it builds leadership, morale, and partnerships.

During my keynote speech, “The FBI: Honor, Leadership, America,” I used the metaphor of a catastrophic head-on collision train wreck to punctuate the nation’s crisis of leadership and culture of violence. As highlighted with a graphic slide presentation, this violence includes not only domestic, school, and workplace violence, but also acts of terror as demonstrated by the 9/11 and Boston Marathon attacks.

My keynote followed a patriotic leadership presentation by Lt. Gen. Robert L. Caslen Jr., superintendent of West Point. Caslen highlighted that the “Duty, Honor, Country” motto of the United States Military Academy was applicable to all because throughout the nation, even in the military, there is a crisis of leadership. I complemented Caslen’s thoughts by encouraging the FBI to live the principles of “Honor, Leadership, America.”

The FBI and all dedicated to protecting America must be appreciated and their efforts supported. Each of us must work collaboratively and continually enhance our own level of vigilance to protect our homeland and reawaken the nation.

Testimonial
Dear Vincent, It is with the warmest regards that I express my thanks for your support of the Newark Division's Management Conference. Your participation in the Management Conference on September 17, 2014 was a true pleasure. You provided insights to help Newark Division supervisors to develop and challenge themselves as employees and as leaders within the FBI. Your observations were particularly insightful due to your highly decorated career and your intimate knowledge of our staff.
Aaron T. Ford, Special Agent in Charge

Note Well
As originally published in Vincent's weekly column titled "Reawaken the Nation" for the Epoch Times on Friday, Sept. 26, 2014.

Photos
1. FBI SWAT team member (Courtesy FBI)
2. FBI Evidence Response Team Vehicle (Courtesy FBI)
3. FBI weapons training (Courtesy FBI)
4. Vincent J. Bove receiving award from Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford of the Newark Division on Sept. 17, 2014. Bove was the keynote speaker at the division’s leadership retreat. (Photo Courtesy FBI)
5. Vincent J. Bove receiving the FBI Community Leadership Award for his violence prevention initiatives on Oct. 30, 2007. Afterwards, Bove addressed over 200 FBI and law enforcement officials. Bove is accompanied by his guests-local, county, and federal law enforcement officials. (Courtesy Vincent J. Bove Publishing)
6.Vincent J. Bove delivering his keynote "The FBI: Honor, Leadership, America" during the Sept. 17 FBI Management Conference. (Courtesy FBI)

NYPD Culture Shift: Enhancing Community Partnerships

The culture is about to change for the NYPD, but first we must take time to commend acts of officer heroism.

The following example headlines—representing a few incidents among countless ones that never receive press coverage—give perspective and remind us of the courage, dedication, and professionalism of ethical protectors who wear the NYPD badge:

• Sept. 14—Video shows NYPD rescue of stranded jet skier from a small island off Staten Island’s east shore
• Sept. 12—NYPD protects teen from committing suicide off Brooklyn Bridge
• Sept. 7—NYPD Harbor Unit rescues teen stranded on rocks off Coney Island
• Sept. 7—Officers witness Brooklyn shooting, arrest suspect
• Sept. 5—NYPD helicopter rescues man who had heart attack
• Aug. 26—NYPD officer rescues Bronx baby girl with CPR
• Aug. 25—2 NYPD officers come to rescue of baby not breathing in Brooklyn
• Jul. 30—NYPD detective wounded in West Village shootout with accused child molester

Aside from these heroics, the inherent challenges to NYPD officers also deserve appreciation. These headlines remind us of the dangers our police officers face each day:

• Sept. 11—NYPD cop in serious condition after responding to fire
• Sept. 11—NYPD, Port Authority honor members lost in 9/11 attacks
• Sept. 3—NYPD sergeant mourned after dying from 9/11-related cancer
• Aug. 31—NYPD officer grazed by bullet in shooting
• Aug. 30—3 NYPD officers hurt by thrown objects from rooftop
• Aug. 3—Assaults on the NYPD are on the rise
• Apr. 9—NYPD officer dies after Coney Island arson
• Jul. 28—2 U.S. marshals, NYPD detective shot in West Village

NYPD Commissioner’s Vision
On Sept. 8, NYPD Commissioner William J. Bratton appeared before New York City Council. Bratton, in his completely transparent trademark style, acknowledged the need for a fundamental transformation with the NYPD.

The commissioner stated the NYPD is “committed to constitutional and respectful policing.” Bratton also emphasized that the NYPD must change from “an overarching focus on police activity, as measured in the number of stops, summonses, and arrests, to an emphasis on problem solving in the community.”

Bratton continued with plans to re-educate all 35,000 officers with negotiating skills, leadership techniques, Sir Robert Peel’s policing principles, diversity, crime prevention, and building respect with the community.

Bratton will begin with a pilot program that includes use-of-force training. This is a direct response to the Staten Island tragedy of an unarmed man selling loose cigarettes who died while being taken into custody. The man’s death was ruled a homicide by the medical examiner.

An officer’s training in the academy at the beginning of one’s career must never stand alone. Effective training requires ongoing programs, testing, and evaluations throughout a career.

In my opinion, credible and effective training must also include expertise from numerous disciplines outside law enforcement, certifications, and accreditation of precincts and units based on stringent requirements.

NYPD: Rise to the Occasion
As an educator who has conducted ethics, leadership, and policing presentations for law enforcement nationwide, I commend Bratton for his dedication to transformational change of the world’s most renowned police department. The commissioner’s vision to change NYPD culture from an overshadowing, statistically driven department to an ethically oriented and community-focused one is praiseworthy. It is the right step at the perfect time in the right direction.

Dedication to this police-people collaboration deserves full-force dedication of all members of the NYPD and community.

The ethical dimension of law enforcement is critical and must be the heart of every police officer. The NYPD will be organizationally transformative with building trust in communities when ethical development, accountability, and transparency are the heart of training initiatives.

The results of the NYPD vision will be a high performance department that cultivates integrity, integrates public safety with citizen rights; enhances crime prevention, diversity, and mutual trust; and showcases the NYPD as a police-community model for reawakening the nation.

Reawakening the Nation
As printed in Vincent's weekly column titled "Reawakening the Nation" in the Epoch Times on Friday, Sept. 19, 2014.

Photos
1.NYPD at Penn Station on Aug. 20, 2014. (Vincent J. Bove)
2.NYPD at the New York Stock Exchange on Sept. 10, 2014. (Vincent J. Bove)
3.NYPD in Times Square on Aug. 23, 2014. (Vincent J. Bove)
4.NYPD on patrol in Central Park on Aug. 30, 2014. (Vincent J. Bove)
5.NYPD at Lincoln Center on Aug. 30, 2014. (Vincent J. Bove)

America’s Leadership Crisis: Reigniting Our Character

America must pause and honestly assess our leadership crisis.

Throughout every facet of society—corporate, government, sports, entertainment, and even faith-based communities—we see alarming stories of scandal and corruption.

America is privileged to have democracy, prosperity, and cherished freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights.

But, character must be the center of our privileges and freedoms. Character must be the heartbeat of the nation.

We must heed the words attributed to Thomas Jefferson, one of our Founding Fathers:

“Yes, we did produce a near perfect republic. But will they keep it? Or will they, in the enjoyment of plenty, lose the memory of freedom? Material abundance without character is the path of destruction.”

“The decline and fall of the Roman Empire” has become an iconic phrase. Many attribute the fall to the decline of morals, values, and character.

America must learn from the demise of the Roman Empire and not allow history to repeat itself. Our nation must rise to heights of greatness with character as our foundation.

Recent Scandals
On Sept. 4, a jury returned guilty verdicts against former Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell and former first lady Maureen G. McDonnell.

Robert McDonnell was convicted of 11 of 13 counts and Maureen McDonnell was convicted of 9 of 13 counts. These included honest services wire fraud, obtaining property under color of official right, and obstruction of an official proceeding.

“Robert McDonnell and his wife turned public service into a money-making enterprise, abusing the commonwealth’s highest office to benefit a Virginia businessman in exchange for more than $170,000 in gifts and loans,” said assistant Attorney General Caldwell.

In the sports world, a time of reckoning scorched the NFL after release of two separate videotapes of Baltimore Ravens star Ray Rice.

In the first video, Rice manhandles his fiancée by pulling her limp, unconscious body off an Atlantic City elevator.

In the second video, Rice viciously knocks her unconscious in the elevator with a full force punch to the head.

The scandal is not only related to Rice’s sickening and callous crime but it also demands accountability from the NFL commissioner and a prosecutor.

These are only two recent examples of the crisis of character taking place throughout the nation.

The sports scandal follows years of NFL player arrests. These include domestic violence, aggravated assault, resisting arrest, DWI, disorderly conduct, unlawful possession of a firearm, burglary, drug possession, and murder. By now one would think that “zero tolerance” is more than a catch phrase.

Public corruption has been a serious problem and a fundamental threat to America’s security and way of life. It includes bribery, witness tampering, illegal kickbacks, extortion, fraud, conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and election crimes.

Abraham Lincoln: Model of Character

America has been temporarily derailed from the character we are destined for.

It has taken generations for us to get to this point and it will take time to get back on track.

This is why character education must be paramount in our schools. The heart of the nation must be resuscitated by character. We must give hope to our future through our youth.

Character must be reignited in America and we must do so in every facet of society, especially through our schools and colleges.

Abraham Lincoln is the pre-eminent representative of America’s character.

As one studies Lincoln’s actions, speeches, and writings, as well as personal accounts from those who knew him, inspiration is ignited for the nation.

Lincoln is the paragon of a great American, one who made the decision to serve with full realization that decisions must always be grounded without reservation with character and in moral responsibility.

Photo
Janay Rice (L) and her husband, Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice, speak to the media during a news conference in Owings Mills, Md., on May 2, 2014. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

Blog is Vincent's column titled "Reawakening the Nation" from the Friday, Sept. 12, 2014 edition of the Epoch Times.

Honor 9/11: Solemnity, Vigilance, America

As the nation pauses on Patriot Day, Thursday, September 11, 2014—the thirteenth anniversary of the day that changed America forever—it is necessary to honor the fallen, their loved ones, and the heroes who served and continue to serve and to do so eternally. The remembrance of 9/11 also compels us to transform the nation.

The victims from the World Trade Center, Flight 11, Flight 175, Flight 77, Flight 93 and the Pentagon will forever remind us of that fateful day. All across America—in our churches, synagogues, mosques, communities, homes and hearts—we must pray for the repose of their souls and for peace in the hearts of their families and friends. We must also remain vigilant and rededicate ourselves to the virtues inspired by the tragedy: patriotism, compassion and perseverance.

The anniversary of 9/11 also inspires the nation to honor the countless heroes who served victims and their loved ones. These heroes, many whom are unsung, represent the best in all of us and rose to the occasion from every imaginable profession, nationality, religion and ethnicity. America is forever grateful for these dedicated men and women and their tireless service to the community.

May we rise together from the trials and tragedy of that day and commit to a new era of renewal and triumph in our great land.

NFL Domestic Violence Scandal: Time for Action

Domestic violence is in the national spotlight due to the National Football League scandal.

In short, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell demonstrated a flagrant lack of judgment when he handed a star player a two-game suspension for a disturbing domestic violence incident. The incident was captured on video and showed the player manhandling his unconscious fiancée off an Atlantic City casino elevator.

The commissioner later modified the NFL policy after public outrage on the video that went viral.

Domestic Violence Statistics
Statistics found on the Partnership Against Domestic Violence website include these:

•Nearly 5.3 million incidents occur each year among U.S. women ages 18 and older. This violence results in nearly 2 million injuries and nearly 1,300 deaths.
•One in four women experience domestic violence in their lifetime.
•On average, more than three women a day are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends in the United States.
•15.5 million children in the United States live in families in which domestic violence occurred at least once in the past year. Seven million children live in families in which severe partner violence occurred.
•One in three teenagers report knowing a friend or peer who has been hit, punched, kicked, slapped, choked, or physically hurt by their partner.
One Life
With domestic violence initiatives, I always call for ethical courage. Society must do everything possible to prevent and assist all afflicted by the scourge of domestic violence.

If our awareness, planning, and action, as either an individual, corporation, law enforcement agency, or community organization, can save even one person from suffering, then we must do all we can to prevent a tragedy.

When it comes to even one life, we must do what is morally right, not what is convenient, politically expedient, publicity seeking, or cost-effective.

In simplest terms, we must learn to care for one another.

Domestic Violence at the Workplace
Aside from concerns in families and communities, domestic violence is also an issue at work. It involves behaviors that interfere with an individual’s ability to perform. Problems include harassing, repeated telephone calls, text messages, and emails, unauthorized appearances at work, restraining order violations, assaults, and even homicide.

Domestic violence not only endangers the abused employee but can also be an endangerment to the entire workforce.

These issues can also place a liability on employers who do not take reasonable measures to safeguard employees. Yet employers have more than a legal concern to prevent domestic violence. Each of us has a moral obligation to prevent and alleviate human suffering.

To this end, an objective assessment of the company’s culture (including policies, procedures, training, employee assistance, and professional development) must be a top priority. Training must be comprehensive and include ethics, the cycle of violence, policies, procedures, law enforcement issues, and warning signs.

Warning Signs
It is difficult to know what is happening in a coworker’s personal life, however these are some warning signs developed by www.helpguide.org:
•Frequent injuries with the excuse of accidents
•Frequent and sudden absences
•Fear of the partner
•References to the partner’s anger
•Personality changes, including social withdrawal
•Excessive fear of conflict
•Inordinate submissive behavior
•Isolation from others
•Insufficient financial resources due to the partner’s control
•Depression, low self-esteem, crying

Knowing and responding to warning signs is the first step in creating a supportive workplace with employees who care.

A Collaborative Response
A unity of effort is necessary for a safe workplace including the employer, employees, law enforcement, security, human resources, and employee assistance.

Victims of domestic violence often need our help. We must respond and give them hope. Sometimes this is best expressed through a simple question, “Are you safe at home?”

Each of us must have the courage to listen, care, and respond with ethical courage to the answer.

As published in Vincent's weekly "Reawakening the Nation" column in the Friday, Sept.5,2014 edition of the Epoch Times.

Photo
Kacey Mason (C) delivers remarks with her mother Merry Jackson (L), 63, and her husband Dave Mason during a news conference announcing new domestic violence legislation at the U.S. Capitol on July 29, 2014. Merry Jackson was shot and seriously injured and her daughter, Lori Gellatly, 32, was killed when Gallatly’s estranged husband broke into the Jackson’s home and shot them both. The Masons are now caring for Gellatly’s 1-year-old twins. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Policing in America: Protect, Respect, Community

During a walk through Times Square on a recent Saturday evening, I was greatly impressed with expressions of respect and vigilance by members of the NYPD.

Assigned to the crossroads of the world, the NYPD serves not only New Yorkers but also visitors from throughout America and the world.

The NYPD officers also reflected diversity, one of the great treasures of American society. Diversity within the rank and file is priceless to police departments and the communities they protect and serve.

Staten Island Protest
Earlier on that Saturday, I followed coverage of NYPD officers assigned to the march of over 2,500 people through Staten Island to protest the death of a man being taken into police custody on July 17.

Despite the controversy of this tragedy, the service of the NYPD—as well as the orderliness of the protesters—was honorable. The event respected police–community dynamics highlighted by Sir Robert Peel, the father of modern policing:

“Police, at all times, should maintain a relationship with the public that gives reality to the historic tradition that the police are the public and the public are the police …”

During the protest, dozens of NYPD officers were present in soft-style uniforms consisting of polo shirts, pants, and baseball hats. Although some were also present in the traditional NYPD formal blue uniforms, there was no riot gear and there were no arrests.

America’s Violence Culture
America is experiencing challenging times due to incidents of violence in communities, schools, workplaces, military bases, and even places of worship.

Compounding horrific incidents such as Columbine and Newtown that have received international attention, headlines throughout the nation continually present an alarming commentary on violence. These are only some during the month of August:
•Aug. 25—LAPD Warns Public to Remain Vigilant After String of Shootings Kills 3
•Aug. 24—5 People Shot, 2 Killed While Going to Church, LAPD Seeks SUV Driver
•Aug. 25—Soldier Dead After Shooting Incident at Fort Lee, Army Says
•Aug. 24—Three People Shot Outside Spotsylvania Restaurant
•Aug. 23—Deadly Square: 43 People Shot in Miami’s Liberty Square in 2014
•Aug. 22—Newark Shooting: Fourth Homicide in as Many Days
•Aug. 18—21 Hurt, 2 Killed in Weekend Violence in NYC
•Aug. 18—7 Killed, 29 Wounded in Spate of Weekend Chicago Violence
•Aug. 17—4 Shot, 1 Dead in NJ Violence
•Aug. 2—3-Year-Old Girl Killed, 3 Others Shot in Philly

Police are also victims of violence. On Aug. 24, a Texas police chief was shot to death during a traffic stop that went awry.

Violence affects the people and the police. All of us must work together to turn the tide.

Protect, Respect, Community
For many years, I have been privileged to participate with numerous leadership initiatives with the United States Military Academy at West Point.

The three words of World War II Gen. Douglas MacArthur are the heart of West Point: “Duty, Honor, Country.” These are ideals for all who aspire to serve our nation as U.S. Army officers. These are also inspiring ideals for all who love America.

Our nation is experiencing critical times due to our violent culture and the civil unrest that recently took place in Ferguson. Violence in America may increase before it gets better, and additional civil unrest anywhere in the nation is always a possibility.

Therefore, we must appreciate police officers who are dedicated to protecting our communities and work together in a spirit of collaboration. The police cannot transform communities without the people and the people cannot do so without the police.

As “Duty, Honor, Country” inspires West Point, let us encourage and appreciate every police officer committed to a pressing need of American society, “Protect, Respect, Community.”

The police officer in collaboration with law-abiding citizens is pivotal to reawakening the nation. Let “Protect, Respect, Community” be the heart of their creed and also seared into the soul of each member of every community.

As published in Vincent's weekly column titled "Reawakening the Nation" for the Epoch Times Friday, Aug. 29, 2014 edition.

Photos
1. NYPD posing with children in Times Square, Aug.23, 2014 (Vincent J. Bove)
2. NYPD in Times Square, Aug. 23, 2014 (Vincent J. Bove)
3. NYPD assisting visitor in Times Square, Aug. 23, 2014 (Vincent J. Bove)