THE SENTINEL: Paris Terror, New Yorkers, and Vigilance

The horrific attack in Paris is a wake-up call, a chilling reminder that terror can happen anytime and anyplace, and can have devastating consequences.

There is evil in the world expressed through radical extremists. At this very moment the next terrorist plan may be underway. We must be vigilant as New York City is always a potential target.

The NYPD and every 1 of over 8 million people calling New York home must unite because the world can be a very dangerous place.

Yet, terror is not inevitable but instead preventable when there is unity, leadership, and vigilance.

NYPD Slowdown

The NYPD slowdown is hopefully over and will not return. The eyes of the world are on New York—even terrorists with unconscionable intentions carefully watch our every move.

These are times that demand unity between the NYPD and all of the people of this beloved city. There is no room for failure and the 9/11 tragedy must be forever remembered.

A complete dedication to protect and serve by the NYPD in collaboration with all people is mission critical. Each New Yorker shares the responsibility to exercise leadership, vigilance, and collaboration with the police.

The sworn oath to protect and serve must remain ignited in the hearts of our police officers. There is no time for petty politics, power plays, inflammatory rhetoric, or manipulative slanders by anyone, especially those in leadership roles. Each and every person must humbly examine his or her conscience and cultivate peaceful co-existence. The health, safety, and welfare of millions of people depend on unity as does the very morale of America.

It is time to protect the city of New York and to proudly represent the honorable ethical principles of the police profession.

NYPD Officers: Rise to the occasion, stand tall, exude character, accountability, and moral courage by serving the people you have sworn to protect. Honor your badge, your city, your noble profession, your country. Your sacrifices are admirable and your dedication appreciated.

Citizens: Be the eyes and ears of the city. Be united with 35,000 police officers and encourage them through respect, civility, and dignity. The responsibility of protecting life, property, and information is upon all of us.

Keep your eyes and ears wide open and do something as immediately as you see something.

Safeguarding New York City
For many years, I have conducted “Leadership Principles: Crisis Planning, Community Partnerships, Violence Prevention” keynotes to safeguard New York City.

Attendees included NYPD rank and file, FDNY and security directors, and property managers, as well as representatives from other law enforcement agencies, including the FBI.

Initiatives focused on safeguarding facilities and infrastructure including:

• museums, libraries, cultural properties
• The New York Stock Exchange and financial institutions
• hospitals
• commercial and residential properties
• colleges, schools, and universities

As with my crisis management events nationwide—complemented by extensive published works including this weekly column—these initiatives serve to encourage professionals and provide the tools needed to protect society.

The heart of my work is to inspire ethical protectors who cherish American values and are fully dedicated to safeguarding lives, property, and information. The practical tools include physical, personnel, and procedural security that has ethics, vigilance, and collaboration as its foundation.

The lessons learned by attendees at these initiatives have principles fit to serve New York during these challenging times. These lessons apply not only to preventing terrorism but any acts of violence and mitigating consequences of natural disasters.

Final Reflection

In the early days of 1776, a great American patriot named Thomas Paine published a short document titled “Common Sense.” This masterpiece profoundly influenced the political landscape and altered American history because it touched patriots seeking freedom, independence, and liberty.

Paine stirred the conscience of America and influenced the changing of the world because he inspired unity.

“Common Sense” must be reignited through enhanced collaboration of the NYPD, citizens, and elected officials. New Yorkers must be fully committed to protecting our sacred freedoms and democracy, only possible through civility, humility, and valor.

Each of us who loves this great city must never turn our backs on one another. We must cultivate respect, reconciliation, and renewal to safeguard our cherished way of life and through our unity inspire the reawakening of the nation.