Reawakening the Nation - A Special Report: 21st Century Policing: Issues and Response
The focus was policing and security concerns
in America, and the responses necessary to address these issues.
In this article, the issues and responses will be
addressed. It is my hope these
reflections will encourage our nation’s protectors and provide a
roadmap to assist them.
The path forward I believe, is only possible by inspiring a
culture of ethics, altruism, vigilance and dedication to community and country.
Dedication to America
Before continuing, I am compelled to share experiences my
wife and I had visiting both World War II American military cemeteries in
Italy.
We visited these sacred grounds to honor Americans who
offered the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.
Respecting our military, and reverence for those who lost
their lives in service of our freedom, is an indisputable principle for the
reawakening of our nation.
This respect is also one of the nine Principles of American Policing.
Reflections of these visits are memorialized in the journal
I maintained during our travels as follows:
June 21, 2023:
Florence American WWII Cemetery
“In the afternoon, we traveled from Florence, Italy to the
Florence American WWII Cemetery, 7 ½ miles south in Impruneta to honor American
hero’s.
“On these sacred grounds lie 4,393 Americans.
“As we walked the hallowed grounds, we felt
mystically connected with them, profoundly grateful for America, and profoundly aware of the price of freedom.”
July 1, 2023:
Sicily-Rome American Cemetery
“We then walked 25 minutes from the station to the cemetery, obligated as Americans to visit both resting places for our World War
II heroes.
“These visitations were enriching spiritual experiences that will be forever
engraved into our souls.
“Here in Nettuno is the sacred burial ground of 7,858
Americans. Also, in the on-site chapel a staggering additional 3,095 names engraved
into stone. These are the missing in action, lost at sea, or buried at sea.
“In my next article for The Chief of Police I will
memorialize this experience. Honoring American military sacrifices is critical
for law enforcement and all privileged to call America their home. It is my solemn responsibility to uphold this principle.”
Return to America
After traveling Italy for one month (June 13 – July 14,
2023) and then China (July 14 – October 30, 2023) we returned to America to
reside in Irvine, California through February 26, 2024.
While in California, I was involved with numerous law
enforcement concerns there. But, also in constant communication with New
Jersey and New York law enforcement.
In California, I was privileged to be the guest speaker which is memorialized in my on-line news titled The Sentinel as follows:
21st-Century
Policing: Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center Presentation
“The presentation titled 21st-Century Policing: Safeguarding our Communities occurred at the Saddle Brook Church in Lake Forest, California.
It was presented to members of the Orange County
Intelligence Assessment Center.
“Attendees represented law enforcement agencies throughout
California. They work in partnership on issues including domestic terrorism,
civil unrest, violence prevention, criminal risks, and threat assessment.
“During the presentation, my topics included the following:
· American – Chinese Law Enforcement Comparisons
· Law Enforcement Safety, Morale, and Emotional
Survival
· Community / Neighborhood Policing Concepts.
· Building Partnerships through Encounters
· Law enforcement / Community Bridges of Trust
· School Violence, Workplace Violence, Community
Violence: Issues, and Response
· America’s Active Shooter Crisis
“Attendees included
the following:
· Los Angeles Police Department
· Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department
· San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department
· Riverside County Sheriff’s Department
· Orange County Sheriff’s Department
· NYPD
· FBI
· County of Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department
· San Diego County Sheriff’s Department
· United States Air Marshals
· San Diego Police Department
· Anaheim Police Department
· Orange County Probation Department
· UCLA Police Department
· University of California Irvine Police
Department
· Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Reserve
“It was my honor to address these law enforcement officials
dedicated to protecting and serving our communities. They truly represent the best
of all of us.
“Additional initiatives in California are underway because of today's event, and it
will be my privilege to support all dedicated to public safety.”
Law Enforcement and
Private Security Issues
· 7 indicted in attack on 2 NYPD officers in Times
Square, Five of the defendants, who had previously been arrested, face felony
charges, officials said. NBC News
· 2 Minn. police officers, 1 medic killed during
domestic call identified, ems1.com
· Inside the ‘pressure cooker’: 4 deaths in 24
hours open up conversation about suicides by police, CNN
· Police Suicides: Awareness, Prevention, Action,
The Sentinel
· Safeguarding America’s Protectors: A Community
Responsibility, The Chief of Police
· In Memoriam: America’s Fallen Officers, The
Chief of Police
· Former Head of FBI Counterintelligence Sentenced
to Prison for Concealing Business Deals, share.newsbreak.com
· Maine mass shooting: 18 dead and 13 injured in
US city of Lewiston, BBC News
· Kansas City shooting: One dead and 21 injured
near Super Bowl parade, BBC News
· Almost 5,000 people have died in U.S. gun
violence so far in 2024, The shootings have reignited debate about gun violence
in America, ABC News
· "Mass killers practice at home": How
domestic violence and mass shootings are linked, CBS News
· 4 Students Shot Outside Atlanta High School, The
New York Times
· Butler County Sheriff addresses what he learned
at conference [America’s infrastructure and Cyber-Security deficiencies],
youtube.com
· Safeguarding America’s Protectors: A Community
Responsibility, The Chief of Police
· A new Homeland Security guide aims to help
houses of worship protect themselves, apnews
· Exclusive Report: Instructors at Bergen County
Academy Removed, New Recruit Class Suspended, share.newsbreak.com
· Private Police Training Promoted
Unconstitutional Tactics, Demeaned Women and Minorities, NJ.gov
· Police Trainers Used Sexist Language and Glorified Violence, Videos Show. Street Cop Training, a private police training company, encouraged the use of unconstitutional tactics, a report by New Jersey’s comptroller says, The New York Times
· NJ Police lieutenant arrested for stealing
cocaine, fentanyl form evidence room: “Brazen disregard of the law,’ New York Post
· Controversial police training firm files for
bankruptcy, blames New Jersey Investigations, newjerseymonitor.com
· Wall Township Police Sergeant Charged with
Stealing More than $75K from Local PBA, Office of the Monmouth County
Prosecutor
· N.J. police sergeant facing more charges after
allegedly stealing $75K from PBA, officials say, nj.com
· Misconduct Claims at Bergen County Police
Academy under investigation, classes suspended, northjersey.com
· Hate Crimes against Asians jumped 107% in
California in ‘an epidemic of hate,’ Los Angeles Times
· 21st Century Policing Demands Ethical
Leadership, The Chief of Police
· Justice Department Released Report on its
Critical Incident Review of the Response to the Mass Shooting at Robb
Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, U.S. Department of Justice
· School Violence Warning Signs through the Prism
of Uvalde’s Tragedy, The Sentinel
· SPECIAL REPORT: School Violence: Toxic
Personalities, Warning Signs, Countermeasures AMERICA’S SCHOOL VIOLENCE CRISIS,
The Chief of Police
· Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik shoots
himself inside Clifton restaurant, northjersey.com
· New Jersey Sheriff Richard Berdnik fatally
shoots himself in restaurant after officers charged, share.newsbreak.com
· 21st Century Policing Demands Ethical
Leadership, The Chief of Police
· Passaic Sheriff’s Office brought $10m in
security items from firm targeted by FBI, northjersey.com
· Human Trafficking Concerns related to the Super
Bowl, (America’s Human Trafficking Scourge Demands Moral Leadership, The
Sentinel)
· After 3 years and $1.5M, cops in N.J. racism scandal
could face discipline, nj.com
· Watch: Cops Forced To Restrain ‘Drunk” NJ Police
Chief At Tense Crash Scene, nj1015.com
· NJ Police Chief retires early after drunken
Kerfuffle with his own cop who slammed him on car hood: mayor, New York Post
·
21st Century Policing: Orange County
Intelligence Center Presentation, The Sentinel
America’s Crisis
Officer Safety/Emotional Survival, Ethics, Mass Shootings: A Response
Addressing these issues, the following insights, documented proactively from extensive published works and presentations, beckon a wakeup call to America.
It is hopeful that after reflection, and review
of the articles noted below, a renewed resolve and action plans will be
inspired and implemented:
Police Suicides:
Awareness, Prevention, Action
“Aside from resources for assistance within agencies such as
the NYPD, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) at 1 800-273-8255,
provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention
and crisis resources, best practices, and enhancing awareness.
“As detailed on the NSPL website, these are some warning
signs that may help to determine if one is at risk for suicide. These warning
signs, 'especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a
painful event, loss, or change' demands that someone seek help:
•
Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
•
Looking for a way to kill themselves, like
searching online or buying a gun
•
Talking about feeling hopeless or having no
reason to live
•
Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable
pain
•
Talking about being a burden to others
•
Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
•
Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
•
Sleeping too little or too much
•
Withdrawing or isolating themselves
•
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
•
Extreme mood swings
Prevent a Tragedy:
See Something, Say Something
“Each life is sacred and deserving of respect, support, and
encouragement.
“The maxim 'if you see something say something' is
applicable not only to crime prevention, but to protecting the lives of all who serve, and all experiencing emotional trauma.
“We must continually have our eyes wide open to warning
signs of suicide, and the moral courage to respond to prevent tragedies.”
REAWAKENING THE NATION:
Safeguarding America’s Protectors: A Community Responsibility
“We must also be forever mindful of their families and
support them with unwavering compassion, respect, and dignity.
“America is the 'land of the free and home of the brave' because of the sacrifices of law enforcement and armed forces. Let us
eternally honor them and forever hold their families, friends, and colleagues in our prayers.”
Regarding the extensive media coverage on the assault of NYPD
officers, I immediately released the following statement to law enforcement and
on social media:
Statement on the January 27, 2024 Assault
of NYPD Officers in Times Square
Reawakening America, LLC
Vincent J. Bove
"Contemptuous: ten violent
criminals assault NYPD officers – pummeling and viciously kicking their faces.
"After their arrests they
are immediately released, only to publicly insult all dedicated to moral
decency with arrogance.
"Releasing them is the
indisputable proof of the failure of the Bail Reform Law of New York.
"This incident demands
moral outrage by law enforcement and the public, and immediate action to change
the law to mandate consequences for criminality.
"Protecting our communities
is a shared responsibility. The police
and the community must be one and inseparable.
"We must be fully dedicated
without compromise to protecting one another.
"Problems ignite whenever
our unity of effort is compromised and we do not stand united against
depravity.”
REAWAKENING THE NATION:
21st Century American Policing Demands Ethical Leadership
“Therefore, the program 21st Century Policing: America’s Ethical
Protectors is a necessity for law enforcement.
“Ethical training, development, and certification are
critical to the entire law enforcement profession.
“Law enforcement agencies nationwide require ongoing ethical policing certification programs fundamental to their mission.
“Here are some pillars of a program spotlighting ethical
policing as the hallmark for professionalism. Reasons include the following:
· Ethical policing certification is a proven
educational model that strengthens operational efficiency, improves morale, and
increases respectability.
· Ethics empowers the rank-and-file of an agency
with leadership skills, vigilance enhancement, and collaborative expertise.
· Ethical Policing addresses state-of-the-art
ethical principles based upon recognized issues vital to the profession. This
is the most effective way of developing, attaining, and sustaining the vision,
mission, and core values of the agency.
· Ethical Policing strengthens agency
accountability and improves community trust through principles enhancing
expectations, performance, and responsibility.
· Ethical certification assists in limiting the
agency’s liability as it demonstrates that ethical training has been conducted
by an independent respected authority.
“This program, which I developed and presented for a successful partnership of the Bergen County Police Chiefs Association, Bergen County
Prosecutors Office, and Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, has an agenda in this article deserving of implementation.”
America’s Active Shooter Crisis Demands Visionary Leadership
“America’s flag continues to fly at half-staff too often due
to violent rampages against the innocent.
“Visionary leadership must inspire vigilance and collaboration
to prevent violence. We must have the determination, commitment, and courage to
protect ourselves and others.
“Training initiatives, security assessments, sound security
measures, building police-community partnerships, professional security
personnel, responding effectively to warning signs, and the moral courage of elected officials to make necessary changes are critical safeguards
against active shooter tragedies.
“These pillars must be inseparable from securing our
communities against mass shooting tragedies and essential to reawakening the
nation.”
SPECIAL REPORT
School Violence: Toxic Personalities, Warning Signs, Countermeasures,
AMERICA’S
SCHOOL VIOLENCE CRISIS
“Recently, I read the book titled How to Deal with Toxic
People.
“It was a glaring reminder that understanding toxic personalities is essential to law enforcement, educators, mental health professionals, private security professionals, educators, and the judicial system.
“Here are the toxic personality types addressed in the book:
·
The
Deceiver — one who habitually lies, which is part of a larger deceptive
context. This personality type creates mistrust, chaos, and uncertainty.
·
The
Control Freak — meddles with your business, tells you how to act and holds
you to impossible standards. They drain your energy and seek to undermine
others self-worth.
·
The Gas
lighter — comes from a 1944 film “Gaslight,” which highlights a
manipulative spouse making the innocent party feel they are psychologically
impaired.
·
The Angry
Venter — treats others as verbal punching bags.
·
The
Know-It-All — is right about everything, always in competition with others
and needs to win always. They seek to manipulate, mistreat, and dominate others.
·
The
Intimidator — seeks control by issuing threats, sometimes with bark and no
bite, but can also back threats with actions.
They breed resentment, bitterness, and anger.
·
The
Egotist — their motto is “It’s all about me!” They crave, demand and hog
the spotlight, dominate conversation and disregard the needs of others.
·
The Drama
Queen or Crisis King — every issue, even normal experiences is
catastrophic. They need to be the center of the storm, whip up problems, and
orchestrate emotional conflicts.
·
The
Put-Down Artist — uses words, tone of voice and actions to degrade the
value of others. They are often callous and insulting, using biting remarks or
sarcasm to diminish others.
·
The Moral
Authority — pontificates to coerce compliance.
·
The Emotional
Roller Coaster — takes others on mood swings to control.
·
The
Pessimist — spreads discontent, and negativity like a contagious virus.
·
The
Guilter — never able to apologize, but always blaming others for
everything.
·
The
Addict — dysfunctional due to addictions (substance abuse, gambling,
alcoholism, etc.) and will say and do anything to cover their needs, including
distorting the truth and inventing false realities.
“The ability to effectively respond to toxic personalities
begins with awareness. These toxic personality types are highlighted to empower
individuals to have the antidotes of knowledge and confidence to effectively respond.
“A toxic personality does not definitively lead to acts of
violence. Yet, understanding toxic personalities, especially when initial warning, or imminent warning signs are identified, is pertinent.
“This understanding benefits understanding human
deficiencies, and can assist with preventing violence, and contribute to civility in society.”
Protecting America’s Houses of Worship, Schools, Facilities: A National Model
“We must continually build bridges with communities through the
concept of shared responsibility.
“Vigilance is critical as these are challenging times. The
principles of security recommended in this article serve as a foundation for
security in houses of worship nationwide.
“Our houses of worship represent the bedrock of America’s
freedom of religion, guaranteed by the First Amendment to the United States
Constitution. Our nation’s sacred spaces deserve our dedication, unity of
effort, vigilance, and leadership.
“We must all serve as catalysts to protect our workplaces,
schools, communities, public spaces, governmental facilities, and houses of worship.
“Public safety demands visionary leadership as well as
vigilance, and collaboration.
“Security demands proactive threat assessments by board
certified professionals, comprehensive ongoing enhancements (physical,
personnel, procedural, and cyber), continual training and certifications, an effective response to warning signs, and building partnerships with law
enforcement, private security professionals, and every member of the community.
Final Reflections
My specific response to the racism scandal addressed by
the New Jersey Attorney General in the article titled After 3 years and $1.5M, cops in N.J. racism scandal could face
discipline is the following:
Vanquishing Racism, Bigotry, Hate: A Reflection on the Holocaust
“All of us must be completely dedicated to forever
vanquishing hatred from the face of the earth.
“Hatred is a reality, as well as with a lack of tolerance
toward anyone who is different.
“America must stand against all who violate the principles
of our Constitution, Bill of Rights, and every noble principle of humanity.
“The character of the good people of America will rise to
the occasion.
“We will overcome hatred and be reawakened because
tolerance, respect, and charity are the heartbeat that unites us.”
Bove is recipient of the FBI Director’s Community Leadership
Award, and former confidant for the New York Yankees.
He served as spokesperson for a coalition of Virginia Tech tragedy victim’s families, and has conducted extensive leadership presentations for the FBI, the United States Military Academy, law enforcement, educators, security professionals, and students nationwide.
“We must all serve as catalysts
to protect our workplaces, schools, communities, public spaces, and houses of
worship. Public safety demands
leadership, vigilance, and collaboration.
Security demands comprehensive enhancements, on-going training, effective
response to warning signs, and building bridges with law enforcement, private
security, and every member of the community.” Vincent J Bove
Bove has 18 cover stories for the National Association of Chiefs of Police and authored a total of sixty articles for the association for 15 consecutive years.
Publication Editor's Testimonial:
"Thank you very much for your contribution "21st Century Policing: Issues and Response." The piece serves as a significant asset to the discourse surrounding law enforcement, particularly amidst the challenges of our current era. Your dedication to addressing pertinent issues is commendable and greatly appreciated."
"Every one of your articles in your vast collection have been immensely important to the continued improvement of American law enforcement." Publication Editor, The Chief of Police
Photos
1. Florence American Cemetery, Impruneta, Italy, June 21, 2023. Photo: Reawakening America LLC (RALLC)
2. Florence American Cemetery, Impruneta, Italy and Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, Nettuno, Italy, June 21, 2023 and July 1, 2023 collage. Photo: (RALLC).
3. The Chief of Police, Reawakening American Policing cover story, Summer 2020 by VJB.
4. Shared Responsibility Quote, VJB (Photo Background courtesy RALLC)
5. Port Authority Police Officer, World Trade Center 30th anniversary of first attack, Feb. 26, 2024. (Photo Courtesy NYPD News on X)
6. Active Shooter Quote VJB, Photo RALLC.
7. NYPD promotion, Feb. 23, 2024 (Photo Credit NYPD News on X)
8. Protecting Houses of Worship Cover, The Chief of Police Spring 2015.
9. NYPD Officer, Times Square, 12/31/2023 (Courtesy NYPD Chief of Depart. on X)
10. Reawakening America book cover with pics from Bove keynote titled America's Drug Crisis: Issue and Response, Champion, PA, Oct. 20, 2017 for PAHMA.
11. Character quote VJB from The Chief of Police cover story American Government Requires Leaders of Character, Summer 2018.
Related Coverage:
Reawakening America LLC in Partnership with the National Association of Chiefs of Police. This special tribute is in honor of America’s armed forces. America must eternally honor all who protect us through...continue reading
America’s Head-On Collision: A Culture of Violence and Crisis of Character
A stark metaphor of a head-on collision has been used in my presentations and articles over the past 20 years to highlight a crisis in America. Our crisis involves pervasive, senseless violence and reprehensible, disgraceful scandals…continue reading
Principles of American Policing
Although Sir Robert Peel’s Nine Policing Principles are timeless, contemporary issues demand principles complementing tradition while respecting current realities. Therefore, I have developed Nine Principles of American Policing to enhance dialogue, communication, and trust between police and communities…continue reading
America’s Mass Shooter Crisis Demands Visionary Leadership
Unfortunately, American flags continually flying half-staff to honor victims of mass shootings serve as a stark reminder of our culture of violence. It is a disturbing commentary on American life, when flags at half-staff seem to…continue reading
The challenges of policing in America are at a critical crossroads, and a transformative commitment to the profession is necessary. Challenges facing police agencies and departments are numerous. These include the overriding issue of building bridges of…continue reading
Echoes of Columbine: School Violence Awareness and Prevention
On Thursday, June 16, 2022, I was privileged to address 75
police chiefs and associate members of the Bergen County Police Chiefs
Association (BCPCA) in Haworth, N.J. My remarks were titled, “Echoes of
Columbine: School Violence Awareness and Prevention, II of II.” As liaison for
the BCPCA on issues of leadership, violence prevention and public … Continue reading
School Violence Warning Signs through the Prism of Uvalde’s Tragedy, 2022.
Let’s look at the life of the Uvalde Killer, a 18-year-old
high school student who killed 19 children and two adults at Robb Elementary School
in Uvalde, Texas. His life can be examined through a prism of missed warning
signs: The killer's father was absent
physically, financially, emotionally and spiritually. His mother had a
substance abuse problem and was overwhelmed…continue reading
Five Preliminary Tips for Improving American School Security, 2018.
The world is watching America’s response to the ongoing school violence crisis. There are challenges, controversies, and confusions, but there are remedies, countermeasures, and prevention principles. As a response to the issues, here are five preliminary tips…continue reading
American Teachers: Inspire the Heart and Transform the Country, 2014
In one of my experiences, while conducting an assessment for a school district, a student approached me with a commentary of what can happen without a culture of caring. The student told me that each day when she came to school she felt “invisible”…continue reading
Crisis of Leadership: A Response to the Virginia Tech Panel Report, 2007, by Vincent J. Bove
In a post Columbine, 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina society, the demand for leadership by those entrusted with the safety and security of others has never been such a clear priority. As mentioned in the introduction…read more
Virginia Tech Articles in the Sentinel by Vincent J. Bove, 2007 — 2017.
Early Warning, Timely Response: A Guide to Safe Schools, 1999.
To Protect & Educate: The School Resource Officer and the Prevention of Violence in Schools, 2012.
School Bullying: A Matter of Life and Death, 2016 by Vincent J. Bove
Preventing Bullying: A Manual for Schools and Communities. USDOE 1998
Practical Information on Crisis Planning, 2007.
Justice Department Releases Report on its Critical Incident Review of the Response to the Mass Shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas
Testimonials
Vincent,
Mr. Bove:
We want to thank you for attending our working group meeting last week in Lake Forest and addressing our law enforcement partners.
Your words of encouragement and the importance of being open to encountering individuals provided a valuable perspective that can positively influence interactions between law enforcement and the community.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and wisdom with our working group. Your dedication to the law enforcement profession is truly commendable.
Respectfully,
Genoveva (Veva) Gomez
Analyst / TFA FBI LBRA-5
Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center
Orange County Sheriff’s Department
Labels: Campus Security, Character, Community Policing, Emergency Preparedness, Gun Crime Prevention, Law Enforcement, Mental Health, Military, Policing, Public Private Partnerships, School Violence, Workplace Violence
posted by Vincent J. Bove, CPP at 6:21 PM
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