FBI New York Office: Leadership, Honor, Protecting America

As requested by the FBI, on Thursday, May 28, 2015, I conducted a presentation titled "The FBI: Honor, Leadership, Protecting America" for their New York Field Office Leadership Development Series.

This presentation was a continuation of years of presentations for the FBI including the following:

The FBI: Honor, Leadership, Protecting America / September 17, 2014 Management Leadership Retreat Keynote

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.

Testimonials
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

Dear Mr. Bove-

Hope you are doing well? My name is Supervisory Special Agent Dina Thompson. I supervise the Training Unit for the New York Office of the FBI.  You were highly recommended by my Boss who heard you speak and thought you would make a great addition to our Leadership Development Series. I have been made aware that you have received the prestigious FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award, and delivered many keynote addresses at other FBI offices. I’m writing to you today to see if you are available, to present on the topic of leadership for approximately 30-45 minutes at the NY Field Office?

Best regards,

SSA Dina Thompson, Training, FBI, NYO [For FBI Leadership Presentation, May 28, 2015

Photo, May 28, 2015 Capt. James McSorley, PAPD Academy, Vincent J. Bove, SSA  Dina Thompson (left to right)

 

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

Vincent J. Bove presentations for the FBI have included the following:

* FBI Academy Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar (LEEDS) graduation keynote at Princeton University titled American Leadership's Call in an Age of Crisis
* FBI Counterintelligence Squad keynote at Fort Dix Military Base titled America's Transforming Leadership Principles
* FBI Supervisors keynote at Fort Monmouth Military Base titled American Leadership Principles in an Age of Corruption
* FBI/NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force keynote titled America's Call to Leadership in an Age of Scandal
* FBI Newark Field Office Annual Professional Development Conference keynote titled Everyday Heroes Serving the Nation
* FBI Citizens Academy Graduation keynote titled Ambassadors of Community Transformation
* FBI Newark Field Office Leadership Retreat keynote titled The FBI: Honor, Leadership, Protecting America
* FBI New York Office Leadership Development Series presentation titled The FBI: Honor, Leadership, Protecting America /
* FBI Director's Community Leadership Award recipient remarks titled Leadership: Critical to Transforming America

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)

Police-Community Crisis: Rise to the Occasion

On May 20, 2015, Officer Kerrie Orozco, a beloved member of the Omaha Police Department, was shot and killed while trying to serve a felony warrant.

Every fallen officer’s death is tragic, but Officer Orozco's is particularly heartbreaking. She was scheduled to begin maternity leave the following day to care for her daughter Olivia Ruth, born prematurely in February.

“Officer Kerrie Orozco gave her life for all of us in her service to the Omaha Police Department. She will be missed and remembered as a loving wife, mother, daughter, and dedicated police officer,” said the Omaha mayor in a statement.

Officer Kerrie Orozco reminds us of the courage, sacrifice, and the facing of danger of all who protect and serve our communities. As of May 26, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund reports a 6% increase in total fatalities over the same time last year.

Polishing the Shield

Over 900,000 dedicated law enforcement officials perform countless acts of respect, courtesy, and bravery each day throughout America, and these dedicated professionals deserve honor. Yet, there are issues emerging that crystalize necessary police reforms.

On October 2, 2014, Commissioner Bill Bratton was crystal clear to over 800 NYPD executives that abusive cops are “poisoning the well” during a one-day retreat.

These remarks were shared with the NYPD leadership before they were shown a disturbing video montage of violence by cops against suspects and innocent community members.

Bratton remarked there are “some officers in the department, unfortunately, who should not be here.” His demand for zero tolerance deserves the support of every dedicated police officer against anyone who would tarnish the noble police shield by, as he forthrightly stated, “brutality, corruption, racism, and incompetence.”

Complementing Bratton’s honest appraisal, another poison to any law enforcement official or agency is apathy. This is why I stress altruism in my training initiatives as an antidote and something critical to be held in the heart of every healthy police officer and agency.

In Baltimore, Police Department Commissioner Anthony Batts said in an interview, “we are part of the problem, the community needs to hear that. The community needs to hear us that we haven’t been part of the solution, and now we have to evolve. Now we have to change.”

Cleveland Settlement: Unbiased Policing

On May 26, Cleveland reached a settlement with the Department of Justice based on police abuses including shooting people who posed no threat, punching and kicking unarmed people, and excessive and retaliatory use of Tasers.

The official settlement requires improvements of the Cleveland Police Department that includes the following training and development issues:

•community engagement and building trust
•community and problem-oriented policing
•bias-free policing
•use of force
•crisis intervention
•searches and seizure
•accountability
•officer assistance and support
•supervision and police body camera’s

U.S. Attorney Steven Dettelbach of the Northern District of Ohio said this agreement, “will not only serve as a roadmap for reform in Cleveland but as a national model for any police department ready to escort a great city to the forefront of the 21st Century.”

Rise to the Occasion

This is a defining moment for police reform in America and the training of ethical protectors.

As addressed in my previous column titled “NYPD Mission: Cultivating 35,000 Ethical Protectors,” I stressed that ethics was the principle critical to all law enforcement. Specifically, ethics is the law of right conduct and must be paramount in law enforcement’s mission to protect and serve.

Ethical training initiatives must be world class for police because of their moral responsibility to our communities. Our police deserve every tool necessary to uphold the Constitution in a society that at times holds ethical values in contempt.

Final Reflections

America, the eyes of the world are upon us. The clarion call is for police-community collaboration with moral courage, character, and compassion as our heartbeats.

The police and the community must be fully committed to a unity of effort as this is the pathway to reawakening the nation.

Note Well:

Linkedin: Vincent J. Bove Consulting, Speaker Services, Publishing

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As authored for Vincent’s weekly column titled “Reawakening the Nation” for the Epoch Times, 35 countries, 21 languages and growing.


Photos

1. Omaha Police Officer Kerrie Orozo tribute. (Courtesy Omaha Police Department)
2. Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony Batts. (Courtesy Baltimore Police Department)
3. Cleveland Police recruits. (Courtesy Cleveland Police Department)

Transforming American Policing: A Defining Moment

American policing is now at a defining moment and the eyes of the world are upon us.

It would be naïve, irresponsible, and disingenuous to portray policing in America as infallable especially due to recent police-community division in places including Staten Island, Baltimore, Ferguson, Cleveland, and North Charleston.

But while these issues demand transparency, dialogue, and resolve, we must take time to appreciate dedicated police officers. Our police are community members, and in collaboration with law-abiding citizens, critical to security and safety.

Amtrak Derailment Disaster

The heroic response of police along with first responders to the Amtrak disaster is an inspiring testimony of courage, compassion, and character.

As people screamed for help from the chaotic train derailment that claimed eight lives and injured over 200 in Philadelphia on May 12, the bravery of police and first responders was inspirational.

They cut through fences in the dark of night, entered decimated train cars to assist hundreds of passengers with first-aid, evacuations, and administering tourniquets.

It’s My Job

One heroic response included Lyndhurst, New Jersey off-duty Officer Michael Keane who was a passenger. Ironically, Keane was heading home from the 300-mile bicycle Police Unity Tour during National Police Week in Washington, D.C., honoring fallen officers.

Steven Pissamano, the father of another Lyndhurst cop, also on the train returning from the same event stated “I want to tell [Keane] thank you. He saved our lives and he saved many other people’s lives, disregarding his own, because he went back into that train and started helping people.”

Humbly evading praise, Officer Keane simply stated, “It’s my job, that’s what I was put on this planet to do.”

Although the derailment will be a flashpoint on America’s need for enhancing infrastructure, one issue is irrefutable, appreciating those who protect and serve, individuals who risk their lives for us.

Camden Progress: Community Policing Model

On Monday, May 18, President Obama praised positive developments taken place in Camden, New Jersey through community policing initiatives.

Although just a few years ago, Camden was considered dangerous beyond redemption according to the President, yet now it is a model of transformation due to the courage, compassion, and caring of their police.

Community policing initiatives in Camden have included doubling the size of its police force and cutting desk jobs. This allows officers to be more involved with the community, especially with students that includes basketball games, volunteering and reading programs.

Although, the city is a work in progress and issues beyond policing such as poverty, unemployment, broken families, race, drug abuse, health, and education need attention, community policing has had positive results including the following:

•Violent crime is down 24%
•Murders are down 47%
•Open-air drug markets are down 65%
•911 response calls have been reduced from 1 hour to 5 minutes

Final Reflections

It is the defining moment for policing in America.

Changes are rapidly taking place and community policing is the heart of this transformation.

Along with numerous policing changes, the White House by executive order, will also ban local police departments from acquiring some types of military-style equipment from federal agencies. These include tracked armored vehicles, weaponized aircraft, grenade launchers, certain high-caliber weapons, bayonets, and ammunition of .50 caliber, or higher.

The concern, as witnessed in Ferguson, is the potentially negative impact on police-community relations, if such equipment is used without proper training, arbitrarily, or inappropriately.

In my opinion, the equipment issue needs discerning dialogue, as these are violent times. Law enforcement needs not only community policing, but every tool and unit necessary to protect themselves and society.

Also, the “Final Report Of The President’s Task Force On 21st Century Policing” was released on May 18. It highlights pillars of building trust, fostering collaboration, technology-based community engagement, community policing, leadership training, as well as officer wellness and safety.

The report is a must read for all concerned with police-community relations as it is filled with recommendations to make America safer.

Although, these are challenging times for American policing, it is the opportunity for community policing to be the catalyst that inspires our reawakening the nation.

Note Well

Linkedin: Vincent J. Bove Consulting, Speaker Services, Publishing

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As authored for Vincent’s weekly column titled “Reawakening the Nation” for the Epoch Times, 35 countries, 21 languages and growing.

Photos
1. Community Policing Officer Jackelyn Burgos with Cleveland Public School children at conclusion of G.R.E.A.T. program (Photo Credit Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Police Department)
2. Camden County, New Jersey Police Officer with youth. (Courtesy COPS / USDOJ)
3. Cover Photo “Final Report Of The President’s Task Force On 21st Century Policing”

Police-Community Division: America Unite

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as National Police Week.

This week, between 25,000-40,000 law enforcement officers and supporters from throughout the world converge on Washington, DC to participate in events honoring colleagues who have offered the ultimate sacrifice.

Events will include a candlelight vigil and The National Peace Officer Memorial Service on the West Front of the United States Capital. These are sponsored by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and Concerns of Police Survivors to help families and co-workers deal with grief, coping, and rebuilding lives.

The May 15 Memorial Service began with about 120 survivors and supporters of law enforcement. Now, it attracts tens of thousands from police departments nationwide and internationally as well.

National Police Week is an outstanding police-community alliance, symbolizing a unity needed for America now more than ever.

FBI Releases Preliminary Statistics

Coinciding with National Police Week, the FBI released “2014 Preliminary Statistics for Law Enforcement Officers Killed in the Line of Duty” on May 11, 2015.

These statistics paint an alarming picture of the dangers law enforcement officers encounter as they protect and serve our communities.

The report shows that 51 law enforcement officers were feloniously killed in the line of duty in 2014. This is a staggering increase of almost 89 percent when compared to the 27 officers killed in 2013.

Additional details of the FBI statistics include the following:

•Eleven officers died from injuries inflicted as a result of answering disturbance calls, of which is included domestic disturbance
•Ten officers were killed while conducting traffic stops
•Eight were killed as a result of ambushes of which six fatalities were due to entrapment or premeditated situations and two due to unprovoked attacks
•Six officers were investigating suspicious persons or circumstances
•Five officers sustained fatal injuries while performing investigations
•Four were involved with tactical situations
•Three were involved with mental illness incidents
•One was killed on a drug-related matter and three others were killed attempting to make arrests

America’s law enforcement officers are in a dangerous and often thankless profession and the fatalities continue as witnessed with the recent reprehensible killings of NYPD Officer Brian Moore, 25, and Hattiesburg, Mississippi Officers Benjamin Deen, 34, and Liquori Tate, 24.

Building Police-Community Bridges

Tragically, America is experiencing a time of intense distrust between citizens and police due to incidents that have included Staten Island, in Baltimore, Cleveland, Ferguson, and North Charleston.

But we are all in this together. As outlined in my “Principles of American Policing,” a unity of effort is the only way as “being pro-police and pro-community are inseparable, indefatigable, and pre-eminent. Police must at all times remain fully committed to protecting and serving the public through character, ethics, and leadership. Police must be guided by a moral compass that honors the community, Constitution, and Bill of Rights.”

Yet, the word community must also be interchanged with the word police. Every community member also has responsibilities, duties, and obligations. Citizens must also live by a moral compass, code of ethics, and be law-abiding, respectful, and responsible.

Final Reflections

Community members have the right to expect police officers to be models of courtesy, professionalism, and respect. But police officers have the right to also expect citizens to be the same.

America is experiencing a culture of violence with both police officers and citizens experiencing senseless fatalities. Our police and citizens must build bridges as we are mission-critical partners in safeguarding the nation and protecting our communities.

American police officers: Stand tall and proud, and honor your noble profession with a heart of respect and unwavering dedication to protect and serve your communities.

American citizens: Build bridges with your police. Appreciate their efforts to protect your communities. Be fully dedicated to a unity of effort so that our neighborhoods have the security and safety they deserve.

Finally, only when law enforcement and citizens unite will we inspire our youth through school initiatives and truly ignite the fire of reawakening the nation.

Note Well
Linkedin: Vincent J. Bove Consulting, Speaker Services, Publishing

Join Vincent’s Linkedin Group: The Sentinel: Reawakening the Nation

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As authored for Vincent’s weekly column titled “Reawakening the Nation” for the Epoch Times, 35 countries, 21 languages and growing.

Photos
1. NYPD Community Affairs with youth, June 25, 2014. (Courtesy NYPD)
2. NYPD Officer Brian Moore tribute. (Courtesy NYPD)
3. Bureau of Portland Police Sgt. with citizen. (Photo Credit Johnny Huu Nguyen/Associated Press)
4. NYPD Officers in Times Square, Dec. 10, 2014. (Vincent J. Bove)

V-E Day: Courage, Honor, Sacrifice

As the world commemorates V-E Day (Victory in Europe Day) on May 8, we must pause and be eternally grateful for the courage, honor, and sacrifices that gave us freedom.

Honoring American Sacrifices

The World War II memorial in our nation's capital honors more than 16 million who served in the Armed Forces during the war, the more than 400,000 who died, and the millions who supported the war effort from the home front.

World War II is understood by many Americans to be the defining event of the 20th century and a decisive time in the history of civilization, therefore the memorial, opened to the public on April 29, 2004 honors the courage, commitment, and cohesiveness of the American people in defending not only our nation but peace, freedom, and liberty from tyranny throughout the world.

The World War II memorial stands as a symbol of the power of America when unity, moral strength, and freedom bond together to serve a just cause. President Franklin D. Roosevelt captured this spirit of America by stating,

"To cope with present dangers, the nation requires a toughness of moral and physical fiber, precisely the characteristics of a free people, a people devoted to the institutions they themselves have built."

FDR was able to rally American's around the flag and to inspire in them a deeply profound devotion to their nation.

The World War II memorial became part of the National Park System on November 1, 2004. Previously, it was part of the American Battle Monuments Commission which operates 24 permanent U.S. cemeteries and 25 memorial structures in 15 countries throughout the world.

Photo
Times Square celebration on V-E Day, May 8, 1945. (Photo Credit: Corbis)

NYPD Officer Brian Moore: American Hero

Tragically, flags fly at half-staff once again in New York City, this time to honor the passing of NYPD Officer Brian Moore, an American hero.

All of New York City must mourn, along with Officer Moore’s family, the NYPD, law enforcement brothers and sisters everywhere, and all who love America. The flags that fly at half-staff must be present in our hearts and souls.

Sentiments of devotion including cards, candles, and flowers are being left to honor Officer Brian Moore at the 105th Precinct where mourning bunting solemnly hangs at the entrance. The flame from each candle must ignite compassion in our hearts and inspire us to pause, reflect, and pray.

Another tragic death of a police officer must not be in vain, but serve as a clarion call not only to all New Yorkers but all Americans. America must appreciate the service of dedicated men and women protecting our communities in a dangerous profession deserving of honor.

These are challenging times, as we see unfold a culture of violence compounded by contemptuous anti-police sentiments. America’s police are guardians of safety and the lifelines of security in our communities. Respect, courtesy, and appreciation for all who protect and serve must be enhanced.

America’s Great Loss

Unfortunately, NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton is becoming all too familiar with officers making the ultimate sacrifice.

Bratton described Officer Moore as “an extraordinary young man…a great loss to his family, a great loss to his department, a great loss to this profession, and a great loss to this city.”

Complementing the eloquence, respect and compassion of Commissioner Bratton, the courage, honor, and service of this fine young officer represents the best of our country and is also a great loss to America.

Hero NYPD Officer Brian Moore

Officer Brian Moore was 25 years old and appointed as an NYPD officer in July, 2010. He was a lifelong resident of the Massapequa, Long Island, community.

Both his father and uncle were retired NYPD sergeants and he has a cousin also on the force.

Moore was an exceptional professional with a promising career. Although an officer for less than 5 years, Officer Moore had over 150 arrests and received numerous service awards.

His death comes just months after the deaths of NYPD officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos. These men, along with Officer Moore, are also heroes lost too soon while protecting and serving the people of New York City.

Appreciating Our Police

The challenges for those safeguarding America’s communities through law enforcement are very arduous and deserve the appreciation of all who benefit from their sacrifices.

Every citizen should be truly grateful for their service and do everything humanly possible to express appreciation through acts of encouragement, thoughtfulness, service, and respect.

According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, on average, one law enforcement officer is killed in the line-of-duty somewhere in the United States every 58 hours. Since the first known line-of-duty death in 1791, over 20,000 law enforcement officers have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Currently, over 900,000 law enforcement officers serve communities across America to battle over 1 million violent crimes each year.

Aside from fatalities, over the last decade, there is an average of nearly 60,000 assaults against police officers, resulting in 16,000 injuries each year.

For the NYPD, the danger is sobering as the department has lost more officers in the line-of-duty than any other, with over 700 fatalities.

As of May, 2015, there have already been 37 police fatalities nationwide with 9 of these as firearms-related.

Final Reflections
As Officer Brian Moore is laid to rest, his passing must ignite a fire of compassion, respect, and appreciation in the hearts of all privileged to call New York City and America their home.

It is time to forever honor Officer Brian Moore and all law enforcement officers across this great land who make us proud through their sacred oath to protect and serve.

Note Well

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acebook: Vincent J. Bove Consulting, Speaker Services, Publishing

As authored for Vincent’s weekly column titled “Reawakening the Nation” for the Epoch Times, 35 countries, 21 languages and growing.

Photos
1. NYPD Officer Brian Moore (Courtesy NYPD)
2. NYPD Mourning Patch (Courtesy NYPD)