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

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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 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)