The Morris County Police Chiefs Association: 21st Century Policing
During my visit to their meeting at the Morris County Public Safety Academy in Morristown, NJ I shared remarks titled 21st Century Policing: Ethical Leadership, Morale, Emotional Resiliency, Suicide Prevention.
The remarks complemented my work over the last 25 years for law enforcement, and my recent eight months assisting the NYPD on these critical policing issues.
In my opinion, these are critical to American policing, and interdependent on one another.
Gratitude
Chief Jon Delaney, President of the Morris County Police Chiefs Association, and Chief of the Dover NJ Police Department.
My sincere appreciation to Chief Delaney for the invitation to speak to the association, and for his professionalism, hospitality, and leadership in Morris County.
Chief Jeffrey Almer, Past President of the Morris County Police Chief Association, and Chief of the Washington Township Police Department.
It has been my pleasure to be in contact over the past year with Chief Almer on various policing issues, and his leadership was instrumental with my invitation today.
The
Morris County Police Chiefs Association is an organization dedicated to
promoting and improving public safety matters within Morris County, New Jersey.
It acts as a unifying body for police chiefs in the county and is involved in
various initiatives related to law enforcement.
Mission:
To secure and improve unity of action in all public safety matters and advance
the science and art of police services.
THE SENTINEL
As with many of my law enforcement activities, they are memorialized in The Sentinel and by the National Association of Chiefs of Police.This provides a resource for law enforcement, government leaders, and communities.
The documentation respects the importance of education; and the need to empower, encourage, and inspire character.
It also serves my goal of assisting law enforcement agencies to be recognized as a national model of 21st Century Policing.
These efforts throughout the country have continued since my appointment as the NYPD Honorary Law Enforcement Motivational Speaker eight months ago.
Here is an expanded version of my brief remarks today, with additional issues critical to policing to serve not only the MCPCA, but all law enforcement.
Honoring American Sacrifices - As memorialized in The Chief of Police
During my remarks, I took time to share experiences my wife and I had visiting both World War II American military cemeteries in Italy two years ago.
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.
It is also one of the nine Principles of American Policing.
This respect is complemented by honoring the fallen law enforcement professionals who have lost their lives protecting and serving our communities.
Reflections of the World War II American Military Cemetery visits are memorialized in the journal I maintained during our travels and are as follows:
“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 from World War II.
“On these sacred grounds lie 4,393 Americans.
“There is also a large sculptured figure on site titled ‘The Spirit of Peace’ and tablets of 1,409 have their names engraved upon it as missing in action.
“While walking these hallowed grounds, we felt mystically connected to these sacred souls, a deeper appreciation of America, and profoundly aware of the price of freedom.”
July 1, 2023: Sicily-Rome American Cemetery
“Today we traveled 1.5 hours by train from Rome to the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery in the town
of Nettuno.
“We then walked 25 minutes from the station to the cemetery, morally obligated as Americans to visit both resting places for our World War II heroes.
“These visitations were enriching spiritual experiences forever engraved into our souls.
“Here in Nettuno is the sacred burial ground of 7,858 Americans. Also, in the on-site chapel an additional 3,095 names are engraved into stone. These are the missing in action, lost at sea, or buried at sea.
China, California, New Jersey
During today's visit I also shared experiences in China, and serving law enforcement in California to work on suicide prevention.
When I returned home to New Jersey after 9 months of travel to Italy, China, and California, I received a call from former NYPD Commissioner Thomas G. Donlon.
Soon after this call, my initiative, built on the pillars of ethical leadership, morale, emotional resiliency, and suicide prevention began.
I was appointed the NYPD Honorary Law Enforcement Motivational Speaker after an extensive vetting process with many department representatives.
ETHICAL LEADERSHIP, MORALE, RESILIENCY, SUICIDE PREVENTION
While in California on November 7, 2023, there was a sobering headline that pierced my soul:
“Four current and former L.A. Sheriff’s Department employees died by suicide in a 24-hour span”
The suicide deaths, four within 24 hours, prompted a plea from Sheriff Robert Luna urging deputies to check on the well-being of their colleagues and friends.
“We are stunned to learn of these deaths, and it has sent shock waves of emotions throughout the department as we try and cope with the loss of not just one, but four beloved active and retired members of our department family,” Luna said in an emailed statement Tuesday. “During difficult times like these it’s important for personnel regardless of rank or position to check on the well-being of other colleagues and friends.”
Since I would be in California for at least another 2 months, I was compelled to act.
ONE PHONE CALL
In turn, Marshall Ralph Sozio made one phone call, to the right person, the NYPD liaison in California, and the chain of events to address the crisis began.
The NYPD liaison, Detective John Lunt, set up an initiative for my presentation to representatives from 18 law enforcement agencies from throughout California.
Before continuing, a simple reminder of how to respond to a crisis. We begin communication in a profoundly simple but meaningful way – pick up the phone, and make the call with confidence, resolve, and commitment.
Just one phone call can set into motion a chain of events that can transform lives.
Police Suicides: Awareness, Compassion, Action
Subsequently, this California initiative was followed with an article for my column for the National Association of Chiefs of Police.
The article was titled, Police Suicides: Awareness, Compassion, Action.
OPERATION RESILIENCY: BACKGROUND
In 2023, I developed the initiative titled NYPD /FDNY Operation Resiliency: Ethical Leadership, Morale, Emotional Resiliency, Suicide Prevention.
Since then, I have been privileged to conduct presentations including peer support at both the NYPD and FDNY academies for the MTAPD, NYPD promotion classes, NYPD fraternal organizations, firehouses, and roll calls.
Also, I conducted suicide prevention training sessions with Dr. Stephen Wacshal of ConQueR Suicide, an NYPD Spiritual Retreat, and many follow up chats and communications with personnel of these agencies.
THE WOUNDED HEALER
One insight I believe is important to the MCPCA, and law enforcement nationwide is The Wounded Healer by Henri Nouwen.
A few thoughts of this concept:
• “When our wounds cease to be a source of shame, and become a source of healing, we have become wounded healers.”
• “Nobody escapes being wounded. We are all wounded people, whether physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually.”
• “Our service will not be perceived as authentic, unless it comes from a heart wounded by the suffering we encounter in others.”
• “The main question is not ‘How can we hide our wounds? so we don’t have to be embarrassed, but How can we put our woundedness in the service of others?”
Besides thoughts on The Wounded Healer, easily transitioned to The Wounded Protector for all law enforcement, I would also like you to be empowered with another thought - The Ethical Protector.
THE ETHICAL PROTECTOR
The Ethical Protector: each of us dedicated to the noble law enforcement profession has a unique moral compass – ethical protectors.
The law enforcement DNA irrefutably has a laser focus - protecting innocent, vulnerable, helpless, and marginalized members of society.
This ethical protector moral compass is so fine-tuned, that we understand that as protectors, that wherever we are, people are safe because of our presence.
THE ETHICAL PROTECTOR: DEDICATED TO THE BROKENHEARTED
A quick thought - after one of my presentations, I was approached by a young woman who asked for my advice.
She asked, “what do I do. I feel so broken inside, a place no one can see, hopeless and most importantly invisible to others. Sometimes I feel that my soul is crying, and if only someone would just acknowledge me, ask me if I am OK – what I would do for someone to invite me to just sit with them and listen to me.”
The brokenhearted are in our families, communities, workplaces, within the NYPD – we must respond with compassion, concern, and empathy. We must have our eyes, and our hearts wide open.
Recently, during one of my volunteer visits to senior residence homes, (where I am privileged to visit about 40 seniors, at times on their death beds, to administer the Eucharist) an 86-year-old woman told me another story.
She shared the story of her father, NYPD Detective James Francis Carberry, who died by suicide in 1938.
Clare told me she was a 10-year-old girl, and the first one to find her father after his death by suicide.
The memory of this tragedy has remained with Claire throughout her life.
Clare asked me to share that she did not have the knowledge as a child to see, the signs.
She asked me to share - you have the power through your encounters, observation skills, empathy, compassion, and sixth-sense to respond to the warning signs of brokenness.
Do so with kindness, dignity, and affirmation – you can change, and save lives.
DR. CONRAD BAARS: THE HEALING POWER OF AFFIRMATION
During the last 45 years, I have been a practitioner of the famous psychiatrist Dr. Conrad Baars.
His vast collection of books can be summed up as follows:
Affirmation has a power that can transform lives. It is a catalyst that ignites hope into the souls of human beings. Affirmation recognizes, appreciates, and encourages the qualities of others.
“The challenges of life can deprive individuals of the basic human need of unconditional love and appreciation. Yet, the affirmative person, the wounded healer, and for us today, the wounded protector, inspires healing of the body, mind, spirit, and emotions.” Vincent J. Bove
A REFLECTION
Inspired by the honor guard of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C., I ask you to apply these words from the Sentinel’s creed, from those who guard the tomb.
This sacred place holds our heroes who died in service of America.
The message from their creed applies to each of us; in our noble, necessary, and admirable work to protect society:
“My dedication to this sacred duty is total and wholehearted. In the responsibility bestowed upon me, never will I falter.
“And with dignity and perseverance my standard will remain perfection.”
Let us continue our mission as it is honorable and necessary for our communities, and always remember that each of you is appreciated and admired.
FINAL REFLECTION: THE LIBERATION MONUMENT
Surrounded by the significance of Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty and the New York skyline is the Liberation Monument in Liberty View Park, Jersey City, N.J.
Designed by sculptor Nathan Rapaport, this inspirational statue depicts a World War II American soldier carrying a survivor from a concentration camp.
This image moves the soul to reflect on the values of compassion, character, and courage.
A photo of this magnificent monument is often shared with my audiences.
It is my sincere hope to inspire them to connect with the great Americans of our history, and uphold their legacy through their privileged profession as members of the NYPD.
Leadership is pivotal for our NYPD personnel, and all our first responders.
Our public servants are a national treasure. We must be fully dedicated and committed to assisting each of them, and one another.
This will lead to America's rightful destiny as a beacon of moral leadership for the world.
NOTE WELL: It has been my privilege to collaborate with the Columbia Lighthouse Project (CLP) over the last two months, and to use their emotional resiliency and suicide prevention app on my phone.
Recently, NYPD Health and Wellness realized the advantage of collaborating with CLP and will have the CLP suicide prevention app available to NYPD personnel.
This imperative technology as documented in my Principles of American Policing for the NACOP (Cover Story / Summer 2015) is essential to benefit the emotional resiliency of the NYPD, and law enforcement throughout America.
Principle of America Policing No. Five is as follows:
“Police deserve the latest and most effective technology to protect themselves and the public."
ABOUT VINCENT
His most recent of four books are Reawakening America © and Listen to Their Cries.©
Bove is recipient of the FBI Director's Community Leadership Award, former confidant of players from two world-champion New York Yankee teams, and served as spokesperson for a coalition of Virginia Tech tragedy victim's families.
In 2024, Bove was appointed Honorary Law Enforcement Motivational Speaker by the NYPD.
In this role he addresses ethical leadership, building morale, emotional resiliency, and suicide prevention at NYPD and FDNY events, roll calls, firehouses, and in published works.
Bove has been an author for the National Association of Chiefs of Police for 16 years. He has over 60 published works, and an unprecedented 18 cover stories for their magazine.
Bove served the Bergen County Police Chiefs Association for 20 consecutive years as liaison and chairperson on policing leadership, violence prevention, and public safety issues.
He conducted Leadership Principles: Crisis Planning, Community Partnerships, Violence Prevention © keynotes to safeguard New York City at sites including:
· Museums hosted by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
· Corporations hosted by The New York Stock Exchange
· Hospitals hosted by Rockefeller University
· Properties hosted by The Union Club of New York
· Universities hosted by Columbia University, the New York Athletic Club and Fordham University.
Bove has conducted extensive leadership presentations for the NYPD, FBI, the United States Military Academy, law enforcement, educators, security professionals, and students nationwide. vincentbove.com
“We must all serve as catalysts to protect our workplaces, schools, communities, public spaces, houses of worship, and one another.
“Public safety demands leadership, vigilance, and collaboration.
"Security and personal safety 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
The NYPD: Leading Through a National Crisis ©
NYPD Employee Assistance Unit: Leading Through a National Crisis ©
21st Century Policing: Issues and Response
21st Century American Policing Demands Ethical Leadership
Police Suicides: Awareness, Compassion, Action
Safeguarding America’s Protectors: A Community Responsibility
America’s Law Enforcement Sacrifices Demand Eternal Gratitude
Igniting 21st Century Ethical Policing: Understanding the Profession
PHOTOS:
1. Morris County Public Safety Academy, Morristown, NJ. Credit: Reawakening America LLC (RALLC)
2. Florence American Military Cemetery, June 21, 2023. Reawakening America LLC (RALLC)
3. Sicily Rome American Cemetery, July 1, 2023. (RALLC)
4. Illustration Credit: Sgt. Zachary Saenz, Edinburg Police Department.
5. The Columbia Lighthouse Project in collaboration with Reawakening America LLC.
6. The NACOP article titled The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Vincent J. Bove. (NACOP)
7. The Liberation Monument, Jersey City, NJ. (RALLC)
8. Principles of America Policing, Cover Story by Vincent J. Bove for the NACOP, Summer 2015, also published numerous times since 2015 in The Sentinel and NACOP articles.
9. Vincent J. Bove, NYPD TD 4 roll call remarks, May 7, 2025. (RALLC)
Labels: Collaborative Policing, Events, Law Enforcement, Leadership, Mental Health, Patriotism, Policing, Presentations
posted by Vincent J. Bove, CPP at 2:22 PM
