Community Policing, Violence Prevention: Critical to Police-Community Unity
It is a privilege to be appointed to serve the Bergen County Police Chiefs Association again this year as liaison for community policing and violence prevention.
This will be my eighteenth consecutive year in this role, appointed each year for one year, by the chief who is president of the association, for eighteen consecutive years.
It is my 21st year as a member of the association.
Here are some insights as to my responsibilities of service in this role from my remarks at an Oct. 17, 2019 meeting.
Violence Prevention: Securing Our Public Spaces and Schools
The current president of the BCPCA is Chief Thomas Shine of the Old Tappan, NJ Police Department. Chief Shine, along with his executive board, is tasked with carrying the torch of the associations mission statement:
MISSION STATEMENT: To secure a closer official and personal relationship among police officials in the County of Bergen; to secure unity of action in police matters; to elevate the standards of police institutions; to strive for advancement among all lines that pertain to the prevention and to the detection of crime and the promotion of police efficiency in general.
Bergen County Prosecutor / Chief Law Enforcement Officer
The Bergen County Prosecutor, Mark Musella, was in attendance. As noted on the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office (BCPO) website, "as Prosecutor, he is the chief law enforcement officer of Bergen County – the most populous county in New Jersey and home to nearly 1 million residents living in 70 municipalities. Prosecutor Musella oversees a staff of approximately 265 personnel at the BCPO, consisting of assistant prosecutors, detectives, and support staff. He also exercises supervisory authority over approximately 2,700 sworn law enforcement officers in 72 law enforcement agencies operating in Bergen County."
As the chairperson/liaison for the BCPCA committee of Community Policing and School Security for the past 18 years, I share remarks to attendees at monthly meetings.
As the chairperson/liaison for the BCPCA committee of Community Policing and School Security for the past 18 years, I share remarks to attendees at monthly meetings.
Also I have assisted as a keynote speaker at numerous conferences, and conducted training sessions for various school districts, as noted in the following link:
Transforming American Schools
The Chief of Police Magazine / Published Works Distributed
This month, I shared remarks from two of my newest published articles in The Chief of Police magazine, Volume XXXIV, Number 2. The articles were titled Mass Attacks in Public Spaces Demand America's Vigilance and Securing American Schools Demands the Preventive System.
Copies of the magazine, the official publication of the National Association of Chiefs of Police, were made available to all attendees.
Excerpts from the Articles:
Mass Attacks in Public Spaces Demand America's Vigilance
There are two significant reports by the United States Secret Service and the United States Department of Education. Both have been continually referenced in my school violence prevention assessments, articles, and keynotes since they were published in 2002.
Due to the courtesy of these agencies, I have distributed thousands of copies to law enforcement officials, educators and community leaders at my speaking venues.
The first report is titled "The Final Report And Findings Of The Safe School Initiative: Implications For The Prevention Of School Attacks In The United States."
The document deserves to be studied in its entirety but it highlights 10 key findings, which are as follows:
• Incidents of targeted violence at school rarely were sudden, impulsive acts.
• Prior to most incidents, other people knew about the attacker’s idea and/or plan to attack.
• Most attackers did not threaten their targets directly prior to advancing the attack.
• There is no accurate or useful “profile” of students who engaged in targeted school violence.
• Most attackers engaged in some behavior prior to the incident that caused others concern or indicated a need for help.
• Most attackers had difficulty coping with significant losses or personal failures. Moreover, many had considered or attempted suicide.
• Many attackers felt bullied, persecuted, or injured by others prior to the attack.
• Most attackers had access to and had used weapons prior to the attack.
• In many cases, other students were involved in some capacity.
• Despite prompt law enforcement responses, most shooting incidents were stopped by means other than law enforcement intervention.
It is important to note that although these findings were published in 2002, they are still a factor in attacks throughout America.
United States Secret Service / Second Report
The second report is titled "Threat Assessment In Schools: A Guide To Managing Threatening Situations And To Creating Safe School Climates."
This document also deserves to be studied in its entirety. But, for the sake of brevity, it highlights the 10 findings in the safe school initiative report and encourages fostering a culture of respect and breaking the “Code of Silence.”
This study also emphasizes that the primary purpose of a threat assessment is to prevent targeted violence.
Securing American Schools Demands the Preventive System
These are some of the principles of the preventive system of education, which is critical to reawakening the nation and must be cultivated in America’s schools:
• Teachers inspire admiration as they care for youth entrusted to their care.
• Teachers are respected as individuals with character, and motivate the same in their students.
• The edifice of the preventive system is character and its pillars, which include respect, responsibility, fairness, and citizenship.
• A vigilant presence is exercised to prevent inappropriate behavior and reward proper behavior.
• Improvements with behavior are motivated through kindness and respect rather than punishment.
• A collaborative and speedy intervention to warning signs takes place due to the educator’s presence and awareness.
• Educators influence through positive attitudes, professionalism, and approachability.
• Discipline can be as effective as an expression of disappointment or a reproachful look because the student admires the teacher and is loyal and respectful.
• Students are affirmed for their qualities and do not lose heart when mistakes are made.
• Students are encouraged to do what is right through the teacher’s patience, guidance, and understanding.
Copies of the magazine, the official publication of the National Association of Chiefs of Police, were made available to all attendees.
Excerpts from the Articles:
Mass Attacks in Public Spaces Demand America's Vigilance
Due to the courtesy of these agencies, I have distributed thousands of copies to law enforcement officials, educators and community leaders at my speaking venues.
The first report is titled "The Final Report And Findings Of The Safe School Initiative: Implications For The Prevention Of School Attacks In The United States."
The document deserves to be studied in its entirety but it highlights 10 key findings, which are as follows:
• Incidents of targeted violence at school rarely were sudden, impulsive acts.
• Prior to most incidents, other people knew about the attacker’s idea and/or plan to attack.
• Most attackers did not threaten their targets directly prior to advancing the attack.
• There is no accurate or useful “profile” of students who engaged in targeted school violence.
• Most attackers engaged in some behavior prior to the incident that caused others concern or indicated a need for help.
• Most attackers had difficulty coping with significant losses or personal failures. Moreover, many had considered or attempted suicide.
• Many attackers felt bullied, persecuted, or injured by others prior to the attack.
• Most attackers had access to and had used weapons prior to the attack.
• In many cases, other students were involved in some capacity.
• Despite prompt law enforcement responses, most shooting incidents were stopped by means other than law enforcement intervention.
It is important to note that although these findings were published in 2002, they are still a factor in attacks throughout America.
United States Secret Service / Second Report
The second report is titled "Threat Assessment In Schools: A Guide To Managing Threatening Situations And To Creating Safe School Climates."
This document also deserves to be studied in its entirety. But, for the sake of brevity, it highlights the 10 findings in the safe school initiative report and encourages fostering a culture of respect and breaking the “Code of Silence.”
This study also emphasizes that the primary purpose of a threat assessment is to prevent targeted violence.
Securing American Schools Demands the Preventive System
These are some of the principles of the preventive system of education, which is critical to reawakening the nation and must be cultivated in America’s schools:
• Teachers are respected as individuals with character, and motivate the same in their students.
• The edifice of the preventive system is character and its pillars, which include respect, responsibility, fairness, and citizenship.
• A vigilant presence is exercised to prevent inappropriate behavior and reward proper behavior.
• Improvements with behavior are motivated through kindness and respect rather than punishment.
• A collaborative and speedy intervention to warning signs takes place due to the educator’s presence and awareness.
• Educators influence through positive attitudes, professionalism, and approachability.
• Discipline can be as effective as an expression of disappointment or a reproachful look because the student admires the teacher and is loyal and respectful.
• Students are affirmed for their qualities and do not lose heart when mistakes are made.
• Students are encouraged to do what is right through the teacher’s patience, guidance, and understanding.
Final Reflections
We must all serve as catalysts to protect our workplaces,
schools, communities, public spaces, and houses of worship.
Public safety demands visionary leadership as well as vigilance,
and collaboration.
Security demands proactive threat assessments comprehensive
ongoing enhancements, continual training and certifications, effective response
to warning signs, and building partnerships with law enforcement, private
security professionals, and every member of the community.
Note Well:
Vincent’s Newest Book: Reawakening America, a finalist for 2019 as security book of the year for ASIS International.
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 275 articles, including his previous book, Listen To Their Cries. As a national speaker, he has addressed audiences nationwide on issues critical to America including ethical leadership, violence prevention, and crisis planning.
Testimonials
Dec. 8, 2020, BCPCA President
"As president of this association, I can say without hesitation that your insight and reflection has proven valuable to all of the law enforcement leaders you have reached. .. Your dedication to this profession has been steadfast and rightfully acknowledged by the Director of the FBI by way of the 2007 FBI Director's Community Leadership Award."
Jan. 31, 2018, BCPCA President
"We also appreciate all you do regarding school security, including school security conferences, professional development keynotes at various school districts, conducting board certified security vulnerability assessments for districts in Bergen County, presentations at school assemblies with your program Be a Person of Character: Change the World, and the development of last year's program 21st Century Policing: America's Ethical Protectors, a partnership with the BCPCA, BCSO, and the BCPO."
Nov. 28, 2016, Bergen County Prosecutor
"On behalf of the men and women of the Prosecutor's Office and Bergen County law enforcement, I would like to thank you for your leadership and efforts in addressing what is one of the most significant challenges facing law enforcement today." (Regarding 21st Century Policing: America's Ethical Protectors development & Keynote)
Photos:
1. Vincent J. Bove speaking the members of the BCPCA, Oct. 17, 2019. (Courtesy Vincent J. Bove Publishing, Photo by Chief Robert Francavilla)
2. NYPD at Radio City Music Hall, NYC, NY, Apr. 27, 2013 (Vincent J. Bove)
3. Students from Union City Public Schools during Vincent J. Bove character training day, Union City, NJ, Feb. 27, 2009. (Vincent J. Bove)
1. Vincent J. Bove speaking the members of the BCPCA, Oct. 17, 2019. (Courtesy Vincent J. Bove Publishing, Photo by Chief Robert Francavilla)
2. NYPD at Radio City Music Hall, NYC, NY, Apr. 27, 2013 (Vincent J. Bove)
3. Students from Union City Public Schools during Vincent J. Bove character training day, Union City, NJ, Feb. 27, 2009. (Vincent J. Bove)
Labels: Collaborative Policing, Community Policing, Events, Law Enforcement, Leadership, Policing, Presentations, Private Security, Public Private Partnerships
posted by Vincent J. Bove, CPP at 4:51 PM
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