Opioid Addiction: America’s Public Health Crisis

As a teenager growing up in the Bronx in the 1960’s, the realities of the drug culture were rampant.

Tragically, the get-high society was so widespread, that hearing of a drug-overdose, or drug-influenced fatality, was commonplace.

Everything old is new again. The alarming reality in contemporary America is that a drug culture, fueled by the opioid crisis, is not only alive but deadly.

Opioids: A Crisis Intensifies

The tragic headlines of this morning’s news have prompted the writing of this article. In New Jersey, my home state, the opioid crisis was crystalized in a story headlined “All 1,901 people killed by opioids in N.J. last year, mapped.”

Statistics cited in the article point to a meteoric rise of deaths in New Jersey involving heroin and fentanyl.

The published report cites that since 2013, heroin deaths have more than doubled. Also, fentanyl-related deaths, have had a shocking 2,000 percent increase during this same time-span.

This tragedy in New Jersey is a microcosm of America’s national drug crisis.

CDC: America’s Grim Opioid Statistics

The most recent statistics posted on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) paint a grim picture of the opioid crisis in America.

According to the CDC, “the majority of drug overdose deaths (more than six out of ten) involve an opioid. Since 1999, the number of overdose deaths involving opioids (including prescription opioids and heroin) quadrupled. From 2000 to 2015, more than half a million people died from drug overdoses. 91 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose.”

The headlines, blasted across America each day, confirm the tragedy of the CDC statistics. These headlines, from just a recent review, include the following:

* Opioid Crisis Drives a Grim Business in West Virginia: Body Transport
* State of Addiction: Confronting Indiana’s Opioid Crisis
* ‘The Pills Are Everywhere’: How the Opioid Crisis Claims Its Youngest Victims
* Georgia’s Health Care Reform Task Force works to combat opioid crisis
* Study: Opioid crisis cuts US life expectancy rates
* Lawmakers Told Opioid Crisis ‘A Public Health Catastrophe’
* The Opioid Crisis Is Taking a Toll on the American Labor Force
* Drug Deaths in America Are Rising Faster Than Ever
* New York’s opioid crisis crops up in one cemetery, where 11 young addicts’ graves stand bunched together

Building Police-Community Collaboration

During my Sept. 21, 2017 remarks to the Bergen County Police Chiefs Association (BCPCA), I addressed America’s opioid crisis.

The crisis that is impacting communities nationwide was underscored to 100 attendees including police chiefs, the FBI, psychologists, and community leaders.

Copies of my article titled “America’s Drug Crisis Demands Police-Community Unity” from the Apr. 13, 2017 edition of the Epoch Times were distributed.

The article emphasizes that America’s drug pandemic demands an iron-clad collaboration of police and community members to remedy the crisis. It also commends the BCPCA and their collaborative initiative with the Bergen County Prosecutor. This initiative allows addicts to turn in their drugs at strategically located police stations in the county. In turn, they enter into a recovery program without facing criminal charges.

Final Reflections

Aside from complementing the BCPCA for their collaborative effort to address the opioid crisis, I encouraged them to intensify their efforts in the schools.

If America is to make any progress with our opioid crisis, we must educate and motivate our youth. They can be empowered to be ethical protectors in their schools and communities. Our young people are critical to turning the tide with this crisis. We must encourage our youth and give them the resources they need.

My remarks to the BCPCA concluded with the following statement, which I believe is applicable across America:

“Complementing your commendable collaboration to address the opioid crisis, intensify your efforts to reach the youth through the schools. Through character empowerment programs and opioid awareness initiatives, efforts to safeguard lives from this deadly crisis will be enhanced and positive results achieved.”

America’s youth deserve our example, encouragement, and empowerment to cultivate tools critical to protecting themselves and society.

We must do more to stop the scourge of our opioid crisis. Let us have the fortitude to intensify the virtues alive in the hearts of our youth: character, courage, and community.

Related Coverage:

America’s Deadly Drug Crisis Demands Moral Courage

America’s 21st Century Student: Character, Courage, Community

America’s Opioid Crisis: The Heart of the Solution

America’s Schools: Security, Character, Academics

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Vincent is author of 250 articles, including his weekly column titled “Reawakening the Nation” for the Epoch Times; 35 countries, 21 languages, and growing. As a national speaker, he has addressed audiences nationwide on issues critical to America including ethical leadership, violence prevention, and crisis planning.


Photos

1. File photo of Oxycodone pain pills. (John Moore/Getty Images)
2. CDC (Courtesy CDC)

With Honor and Leadership the US Army Protects America

As detailed on the official U.S. Army website, “the Army, as one of the three military departments (Army, Navy, and Air Force) reporting to the Department of Defense, is composed of two distinct and equally important components: the active component and the reserve components. These reserve components are the United States Army Reserve and the Army National Guard.”

The heart of the mission of the U.S. Army is “to fight and win our Nation’s wars by providing prompt, sustained land dominance across the full range of military operations and spectrum of conflict in support of combatant commanders.”

Captain William D. Swenson: Medal of Honor Recipient

Since the U.S. Army story is one of great magnitude spanning America’s entire history, perhaps the best way to crystalize through a story.

This story is of Captain William D. Swenson, a Medal of Honor recipient. He was inducted into the Pentagon Hall of Heroes on Oct. 16, 2016 after serving one tour in Iraq and two tours in Afghanistan.

The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest medal for valor in combat and it is bestowed sparingly only to the bravest of the brave.

The complete details of Captain Swenson’s gallantry can be gleaned from the Medal of Honor pages of the U.S. Army website. Yet, these words by the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army memorialize Captain Swenson’s valor:

“Captain Swenson embodies the essence of a Soldier and represents what every man and woman who dons this uniform strives to be: an individual who has earned the trust of all with whom they associate; one who possesses a humility and selflessness that we all respect; one who embraces esprit de corps and routinely demonstrates a dedication to his profession that epitomizes the ethos of the American Soldier. In the face of imminent danger, he never quit. He always put his mission first. He never accepted defeat. And above all else, he never left his fallen comrades. Just as he was there for them that day, his friends, his band of brothers are here for him today.”

The story of Captain Swenson epitomizes the heroism of those honoring America through sacrifices. It is essential that this hero, and all have responded to the call of valor are eternally honored.

Honor America’s Fallen

We would be remiss, especially in the shadows of the anniversary of 9/11, to not pause to honor the fallen.

According to the Military Times (MT), the toll of those who have offered the ultimate sacrifice in conflicts including Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraq Freedom, and Operation New Dawn demands our reverence.

Although these statistics may not be totally accurate, they give insight to America’s sacrifices. The most current statistics according to the MT database is 6,897 fatalities, of which 4,980 were members of the U.S. Army.

United States Military Academy: Inspiring Character

The heart of training for commissioned leaders of the U.S. Army takes place at the United States Military Academy (USMA), commonly referred to as West Point.

As detailed in my article titled “West Point Cadets: Honor, Leadership, America”, published in the Apr. 22, 2016 edition of the Epoch Times, the USMA has been “developing, motivating, and inspiring America’s leaders of character for 200 years.”

Although West Point is internationally renowned for its academic, military, patriotic, and fitness programs, the heart of its educational pedagogy is character.

The West Point Mission is “To educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the Nation as an officer in the United States Army.”

It has been my honor to be involved with numerous character development initiatives at West Point for the past ten years.

These have included three years as a speaker, mentor, and senior leader for their National Conference on Ethics in America.

Other initiatives included my speaking engagements with Lt. General Robert L. Caslen Jr., superintendent of the USMA. These involved our presentations for an FBI management retreat as well as for “The Inaugural New Jersey Conference: Character, Ethics, Leadership.” This filled to capacity conference for over 250 law enforcement officials was hosted by The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey on May 12, 2014.

Every initiative I have been privileged to participate in has always inspired a renewed appreciation for the U.S. Army, and all dedicated to serving in America’s armed forces.

Final Reflections

America is deservingly proclaimed as “the land of the free and home of the brave.”

This proclamation is possible only because of all who honorably serve the nation in the U.S. Army and all our armed forces.

Our nation must eternally honor their sacrifices, dedication, and valor.

These patriots, as exemplified through the mission of the U.S. Army, are the ethical protectors of America’s freedom.

As the gathering storm intensifies with discord among nations, may all people of good will pray and work for peace.

Yet, let us also pray for members of the U.S. Army, and all who serve the nation. These patriots stand ready to exercise America’s sacrosanct right to protect ourselves and all people of moral decency.

In closing, I would like to honor members of my family who served America in the U.S. Army, as well as in the U.S. Military. 

These patriots included Joseph M. Rufino (Vietnam War), Mario James Rufino (World War II), Anthony Louis Mirando (Korean War), Felice Bove (World War II), Albert Liquorie (World War II), Michael Liquore (World War II), Joseph Cirrito (World War II), Biagio Gus Colletti (World War I), Vincent A. Bove (U. S. Navy / Korean War), Gori DeMarco (U. S. Navy / Korean War) and his sons Daren D. DeMarco and Jori DeMarco (U.S. Marines), Ralph Castaldi (National Guard and Army Reserves / Activated during Vietnam War), and Armond Longobardo (U.S. Army / Vietnam War). *  All denote U. S. Army unless otherwise noted. 

I would also like to recognize these six friends who served in the U.S. Military and are like brothers.  

Robert Kelly (New Jersey Air National Guard), Nicholas Breiner (New Jersey Air National Guard), Thomas A. Cignarella (U.S. Army / Korean War), Anthony Damiani (U.S. Army), Pat Fay (USMC / Vietnam War) and Daniel X. McCaffrey (U.S. Army) are the most loyal friends imaginable. 

Each of them is as family to me as any person could ever hope for.

Related Coverage:

Armed Forces: Honor, Leadership, Protecting America

America’s Veterans: Honoring Our Heroes

Life Lessons From the United States Military

Gold Star Families: Honoring Those Who Make the Ultimate Sacrifice

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

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

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Vincent is author of 250 articles, including his weekly column titled “Reawakening the Nation” for the Epoch Times; 35 countries, 21 languages, and growing. As a national speaker, he has addressed audiences nationwide on issues critical to America including ethical leadership, violence prevention, and crisis planning.

Photos

1. Paratroopers of 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, perform airborne operations at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 24, 2017. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Daniel Love)

2. President Barack Obama presents the Medal of Honor to former Army Capt. William D. Swenson, citing his extraordinary heroism in the Battle of Ganjgal, in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. (Photo Credit: Lisa Ferdinando via U.S. Army website)

3. Members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), participate in the graveside service for U.S. Army Sgt. Willie Rowe at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Aug. 8, 2017. Rowe was missing in action, Nov. 25, 1950, after an offensive to push North Koreans to the Yala River in the Ch'ongch'on River region. He was identified by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command Central Identification laboratory in May 2005. Rowe's remains were repatriated in Section 60 with full military honors. (U.S. Army photo by Elizabeth Fraser)

4. U.S. Army Major Ryan Boeka (L) and U.S. Army Major Aaron Miller (R) lead West Point Cadets through Empty Sky, the New Jersey 9/11 Memorial, in Liberty State Park, Jersey City, on April 14, 2016. (Vincent J. Bove)

5. 2nd Lt. Ty Roberts from the 35th Infantry Division, helps hand out school supplies and candy to children of the Khalileh Tribe during a community engagement event near the King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Centre, Aug. 18, 2017. The project was a cooperation between U.S. service members in Jordan and the Jordan Armed Forces -- Arab Army aimed at building strong relationships between the armed forces and local community members. (Photo by U.S. Army Capt. Margaret Ziffer)

6. Joseph M. Rufino, US Army. (Courtesy Margaret Settiducati)

Neighborhood Policing Illuminates NYPD Mission

It has been my privilege throughout my career to be involved with policing initiatives that forge iron-clad partnerships with the community .

These partnerships, standing on the pillars of trust, respect, ethics, and character, are the heart of public safety in American communities.

These pillars ensure transparency, accountability, and legitimacy for both the police and community members. They must be adhered to by all who privileged to call America home.

Building Police-Community Partnerships

In my article titled Principles of American Policing for the April 28, 2015 edition of the Epoch Times, the foundations of contemporary policing were memorialized.

The article highlighted that the first irrefutable principle of policing, inspired by Sir Robert Peel’s timeless nine principles, is that “being pro-police and pro-community is inseparable, indefatigable, and pre-eminent.”

In my opinion, these Principles of American Policing deserve not only reflection, but unwavering commitment to implementing programs, action plans, and certification initiatives for police and community members.

A Police-Community Model

The forging of pro-police and pro-community partnerships must be the framework of American values as it is critical to safeguarding our communities.

A mutual respect for police and community must begin in the family which is the foundation of society. Building respect must also be complemented by efforts in our schools (where a positive police presence is critical) and through all facets of community life.

When respect is the foundation, society benefits through dialogue, trust, and collaboration.

Associations dedicated to pro-police and pro-community ideals are critical to this collaboration. These associations serve as catalyst that deserve active participation.

One such association in New York City, deserves credit as an exemplary model for building police-community unity.

The First Precinct Financial Area Security Council is dedicated to forging law enforcement, private security, military, and community partnerships to safeguard New York City.

On Wednesday, Oct. 13, the council hosted an event that punctuated its dedication through an extraordinary NYPD presentation.

Neighborhood Policing

The guest speaker, Terence A. Monahan, NYPD’s Chief of Patrol, crystalized the benefits of Neighborhood Policing.

First, it is important to understand Chief Monahan’s responsibility as Chief of Patrol, and his bureau’s importance to the Neighborhood Policing program.

The Patrol Services Bureau is the most visible in the NYPD. This bureau, commanded by Chief Monahan, involves 17,000 uniformed NYPD officers in 77 precincts. These officers have a critical role to Neighborhood Policing, which according to Chief Monahan, “is the heartbeat of all of the work not only in the Patrol Bureau but with every member of the police department.”

Chief Monahan stressed that Neighborhood Policing increases police-community connectivity. The program helps city residents to know their cops personally. It allows residents to experience the cop’s humanity, compassion, and character. Yet, it never undermines the cop’s ability to command respect in challenging incidents. The program insures that the officer’s training, confidence, and investigative skills are inseparable from people skills, all of which are necessary for public safety.

Neighborhood policing empowers the cop with conflict resolution, problem-solving, and de-escalation skills. Yet, it also insures that the cop has moral courage, ethical principles, and an unwavering fortitude to protect and serve those entrusted to his care.

In graphic slides, Chief Monahan stressed that Neighborhood Policing is inseparable from the needs of the community. Officers are connected with community members, as supported by effective staff management. This management allows the officer’s rapport with the community, empowers decision making, and makes the officer accountable for reducing crime.

As detailed on the NYPD website, “Neighborhood policing is sufficiently staffed to permit off-radio time for the sector officers, so they are not exclusively assigned to answering calls. The off-radio time is used to engage with neighborhood residents, identify problems, and work toward solutions. Sector officers have 33 percent of their eight-hour tours, or about two hours and 20 minutes each day, devoted to community-based, proactive, and problem-solving activities.”

Neighborhood Policing: Officer Training

The training for officers as presented by Chief Monahan included the following:

• Criminal Investigative Course – this enables officers to identify dangers, build a case, and utilize precision policing. The uniformed officers are enabled to develop and foster a working partnership with detectives. This training differentiates Neighborhood Policing from Community Policing as it empowers officers with investigative skills and resources.
• Mediation Course – a four day program that empowers officers with listening, social interaction, and conflict resolution skills.
• Public Speaking – humanizes officers and gives them the confidence necessary for speaking engagements with the community.

Chief Monahan also stressed the importance of the NYPD Build the Block facet of Neighborhood Policing. Build the Block implements neighborhood safety meetings and strategies between officers and the people. The meetings identifies public safety issues and implements solutions.

NYPD Mission: Illuminating Success

According to the NYPD, their mission is “to enhance the quality of life in New York City by working in partnership with the community to enforce the law, preserve peace, reduce fear, and maintain order. The Department is committed to accomplishing its mission of protecting the lives and property of all citizens of New York City by treating every citizen with compassion, courtesy, professionalism, and respect, while efficiently rendering police services and enforcing the laws impartially, by fighting crime both through deterrence and the relentless pursuit of criminals.”

The success of this mission is illuminated by statistics from the 2017 Neighborhood Policing Commands. These are memorialized on the NYPD website and were cited by Chief Monahan as follows:

• Communities with neighborhood policing commands experienced 30 percent fewer shooting incidents in the first quarter of 2017 when compared to the same period in 2016. It is likely that 48 fewer shooting incidents in the area contributed to the 8.5 percent reduction in homicides there.
• For the first quarter of 2017, neighborhood policing commands experienced a reduction in the seven major felony offenses (murder and non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, felony assault, burglary, grand larceny and grand larceny of a motor vehicle) when compared to the first quarter of 2016. This means there were approximately 800 fewer major crimes committed in the neighborhood policing commands – and more people in these communities were protected from the pain and disruption caused by violent crime victimization.

Final Reflections

The NYPD deserves praise for its Neighborhood Policing program, an expression of its ethical responsibility to build police-community partnerships.

In a personal chat with Chief Monahan after his presentation, I commended him for his service to the people of New York and his commitment to Neighborhood Policing.

During our chat, he stressed the difference between Neighborhood Policing and Community Policing. Chief Monahan emphasized that Neighborhood Policing empowers officers with comprehensive crime-fighting, criminal investigation, and people skills that strengthen their connection with the community, and makes them personally accountable for reducing crime.

The NYPD with its Neighborhood Policing program is contributing to the Reawakening of the Nation.

The program is reducing crime in New York City, and serves as a model for enhancing pro-police and pro-community partnerships nationwide.

Related Coverage:

NYPD Leaders Exemplify Courtesy, Professionalism, Respect

Precision Policing: Respecting Our Citizens’ Dignity

NYPD Renaissance Cops: Safe and Fair Everywhere

NYPD Mission: Develop 35,000 Ethical Protectors

Note Well:

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

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

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Vincent is author of 250 articles, including his weekly column titled “Reawakening the Nation” for the Epoch Times; 35 countries, 21 languages, and growing. As a national speaker, he has addressed audiences nationwide on issues critical to America including ethical leadership, violence prevention, and crisis planning.

Photos

1. NYPD graduation, July 2, 2015. (Courtesy NYPD)
2. NYPD officers with community merchant. (Courtesy NYPD)
3. Chief Terence A. Monahan during promotion ceremony, One Police Plaza, New York, NY, Oct. 1, 2016. (Courtesy NYPD)
4. NYPD officer with children visiting Times Square, NYC, Aug. 23, 2014. (Vincent J. Bove)

Honoring 9/11: Compassion, Character, Community

As one travels throughout American communities, we are reminded of the tragic loss of life on 9/11 through plaques, monuments, and memorials.

These tributes are set in bronze, marble, and stone throughout our train stations, shopping malls, workplaces, and community centers.

They are sacramental reminders of lives gone too soon, whose memories must be eternally engraved into our hearts and souls.

America will perpetually honor those who perished on 9/11, and we must be passionately dedicated to transforming our nation, as a fitting tribute to their memory.

Eternal Remembrance

America will pause again on Patriot Day, Monday, Sept. 11, 2017 to reverently observe the sixteenth anniversary of 9/11.

This sacrosanct anniversary reminds us of a day that changed the soul of America forever.

It is a day to honor the fallen, their loved ones, and all the heroes who served and protected, and who continue to serve our nation.

The lost lives of our beloved families, friends, community members, and colleagues will not be in vain.

These victims from the World Trade Center, Flight 11, Flight 175, Flight 77, Flight 93, and the Pentagon will continue to keep the eternal flame of patriotism alive in our hearts.

America will be stronger and renewed through the fire of devotion burning in our hearts, homes, communities, workplaces, schools, churches, synagogues, and mosques.

In each of these places, America will pray for the repose of the souls of all who were lost on 9/11, and we will stand tall to honor our nation.

As we solemnly honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost on that fateful day, let us remain vigilant with protecting our communities and strengthening our homeland. Our vigilance is a tribute to all who perished, so their lives may not be in vain.

Honoring 9/11 Heroes

Each 9/11 commemoration is a time to pause and honor countless heroes who protected others and served victims through inestimable acts of selflessness, compassion, and mercy.

These heroes, all who are known by the eyes of heaven, will certainly be rewarded there by their sacrifices, as they represent the heart of America. Those who served on 9/11 and afterwards with acts of kindness, sacrifice, and generosity represent the best of all of us.

Our nation will forever honor all who perished on 9/11, and all who served, as well as those who continue to serve including our military. Those tirelessly dedicated to serving our communities, colleagues, and country deserve our greatest respect.

Honoring the 9/11 fallen, we must dedicate ourselves to peace in communities across America.

Our efforts must be practical with developing violence prevention initiatives especially through enhancing police-community collaboration.

Yet, our efforts must also be profoundly spiritual, worshiping as community, and praying from our hearts.

We must stand above the anguish of hearts broken by violence, and fill our lives with deeds of faith, hope, and charity.

Each person lost on 9/11 was a life gone too soon.

The 9/11 fallen includes over 400 emergency workers who were killed on the day of the attack.

These heroes include the following:

• 343 firefighters (including a chaplain and two paramedics) representing the New York City Fire Department (FDNY)
• 37 police officers of the Port Authority Police Department (PAPD)
• 23 police officers of New York City Police Department (NYPD)
• 8 emergency medical technicians and paramedics

Although 9/11 changed our mindset with security, one thing will remain forever, our esteem for all who protect and serve, especially those who have offered the ultimate sacrifice in serving others.

One of these first responders was a Franciscan priest, Father Mychal F. Judge, killed by fallen debris while ministering to a fallen firefighter.

Father Judge, from St. Francis of Assisi Church on West 31st Street in Manhattan, was a chaplain for the FDNY.

A photo of Father Judge, being carried away from the rubble on 9/11 by firefighters, police officers, and first responders, remains one of the tragedies most iconic photos.

Final Reflections

During the solemn remembrances of 9/11 in communities, workplaces, houses of worship, and schools throughout America, let us cling to hope as we honor the fallen.

America must have hope and continue to stand tall as a nation of character, compassion, and courage.

These virtues represent the heart of America, and will lead us to our rightful destiny as a light of goodness for the world.

Photos

1. Plaque honoring 9/11 victims from Short Hills, NJ at town's train station, Sept. 11, 2017. (Vincent J. Bove)

2. FDNY honoring the 343 fallen New York City Firefighters during the Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 12, 2011. The event commemorated the 10th anniversary of the attacks of 9/11, 2011. (Vincent J. Bove)

3. A man standing amid rubble, calling out asking if anyone needs help, following the collapse of the first World Trade Center tower in New York, on Sept. 11, 2011. (Doug Kanter/AFP/Getty Images)

4. Father Mychal Judge - name on Panel S-18 of the National September 11 Memorial’s South Pool, NYC. (Photo Credit: Stephansoner)

Note Well:

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

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

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Vincent is author of 250 articles, including his weekly column titled “Reawakening the Nation” for the Epoch Times; 35 countries, 21 languages, and growing. As a national speaker, he has addressed audiences nationwide on issues critical to America including ethical leadership, violence prevention, and crisis planning.

Best Time To Be a Cop in America

Policing is critical to American society and must perpetually stand on the pillars of ethics, trust, collaboration, and moral courage.

When these principles are honored, police-community unity is forged, and America’s way of life is protected from discord, lawlessness, and turmoil.

Yet, one would be oblivious, irresponsible, and naïve to miss the challenges policing in America is experiencing.

The spotlight on policing illuminates the critical need for trust. Society will thrive when trust is the catalyst for police-community partnerships.

Effective policing in America is mission critical for a harmonious society. Strengthening this noble profession through police-community unity must be a priority for America.

Our country deserves a commitment to police-community collaboration underscored by principles of trust, accountability, and transparency. These qualities are essential not only by law enforcement professionals but by every member of our communities.

Restoring Trust, Building Community

In my article titled America Policing: Restoring Trust, Building Community, for the Oct. 20, 2016 edition of the Epoch Times, I addressed police-community controversies.

In the article, I underscored these issues as a “clarion call to renew, restore, and rejuvenate police-community unity.”

The indisputable reality of negative repercussions of police-community controversies was also addressed.

The article argued that “any breakdown of trust between community and police demands an urgent, unwavering, and complete dedication to remedy the problem.” Building trust and enhancing human contact with respect as its foundation was crystalized as a priority.

Additionally, the article asserted that respect, critical to policing, “must always be complemented by improving use of force standards, enhanced training and certification initiatives, transparency and accountability, and a renaissance of ethical values in policing and throughout all of society.”

Belleville Police Promotion: A Shining Moment

On Thursday, Aug. 31, I had the privilege of attending the Belleville Police Department promotion ceremony at their headquarters in New Jersey.

During the ceremony, a newly promoted captain, Nicholas G. Breiner, represented the ideals of law enforcement. This was expressed in the introduction of his well-decorated career and through his profoundly inspirational remarks.

In short, Captain Breiner’s illustrious career includes over twenty-five years of progressively responsible security, law enforcement, and military accomplishments. He scored first in the state of New Jersey for the captain’s exam prior to his promotion.

Captain Breiner served as the Commander of the Professional Standards & Training Bureau for the Belleville Police. This role led to the Belleville Police Departments accreditation by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) on March 9, 2017. The accreditation involved his service as the subject matter expert on departmental policies and procedures, and working with officers and supervisors to increase the efficiency of their organization.

Aside from law enforcement, he is also serves a member of the military, serving as a Major as well as Director of Operations for the 204th Intelligence Squadron of the New Jersey Air National Guard.

He holds a BA in political science from Rutgers University and a MA in Human Resources Training and Development from Seton Hall University.

Captain Breiner is a graduate of executive education from the Harvard-Kennedy School of Government. He holds numerous certifications including the Accredited Command Executive, and the ASIS International board certifications of Certified Protection Professional, Professional Certified Investigator, and Physical Security Professional.

After honestly addressing contemporary policing challenges of mistrust in communities, Captain Breiner inspired his audience stating that this was the “best time to be a cop in America.”

He first graciously acknowledged family, friends, and guests. Then, he called upon the future leaders of policing to understand the privilege of their profession. He urged them to lead by example, serve selflessly, and build bridges of trust with the people they serve.

His remarks to a standing room only audience, crystalized police professionalism, dignity, and respect. Breiner stressed that this is a time for police officials to let courage, innovation, dedication, and building bridges of trust stand as the hallmarks of their service.

Aside from his promotion, his Belleville colleagues who were promoted were Lieutenant Edward Zimmerman, Lieutenant Joseph Trabucco, and Sergeant Nicholas Kondreck. Since Captain Breiner is always about others rather than himself, their promotions deserve recognition as he would have it.

Final Reflections

These are indisputably challenging times for policing in America. Yet, as masterfully articulated by Captain Breiner, it certainly is the “best time to be a cop in America” because it is time to build trust in our communities.

In conclusion, I would humbly refer readers to my article titled Principles of American Policing, published in the May 1, 2015 edition of the Epoch Times.

The first principle states that “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 that is total and wholehearted. Police must be guided by a moral compass that honors the community, Constitution, and Bill of Rights.”

America will be on the path to reawakening the nation when this principle, so alive at the Belleville Police Department ceremony, also becomes a reality in communities across our nation.

Related Coverage:

Policing Requires Ethical Protectors

The State of Policing in the United States: Issues and Response

21st Century America Requires Police–Community Unity

Note Well:

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

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

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

Vincent is author of 250 articles, including his weekly column titled “Reawakening the Nation” for the Epoch Times; 35 countries, 21 languages, and growing. As a national speaker, he has addressed audiences nationwide on issues critical to America including ethical leadership, violence prevention, and crisis planning.

Photos

1. NYPD Officer assisting Times Square visitor, NYC, Aug. 23, 2014. (Vincent J. Bove)

2. L to R: Belleville Police Lieutenant Nicholas G. Breiner (now Captain), NJSACOP Representative Henry Delgado, Belleville Deputy Chief Gerard Corbo, and Belleville Chief Mark Minichini, Mar.9, 2017. (Courtesy Belleville PD)

3. Captain Nicholas G. Breiner speaking to the audience, Belleville Police Department, NJ, Aug. 31, 2017. (Vincent J. Bove)

4. A child speaks with police officers at the Livingston N.J. Police Department National Night Out, Aug. 7, 2013. (Vincent J. Bove)