Ethical Lessons from West Point for American Policing

Building Character, Resilience, and Moral Courage Across Law Enforcement

In a nation tested by trials, from the memory of 9/11 to the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement and military leaders, ethical leadership emerges as the guiding force that sustains courage, integrity, and resilience. This article explores how character-based principles from West Point, paired with the Wounded Protector pedagogy and ethical frameworks in policing, illuminate a path for leaders to inspire, safeguard, and uplift those entrusted to protect the public.

A Legacy of Courage and Reflection

At Liberty State Park in Jersey City, the Empty Sky Memorial stands in solemn alignment with the horizon where the World Trade Center once rose. Its twin stainless steel walls, engraved with the names of the 749 New Jersey residents lost on September 11, 2001, form a corridor of reflection — a place where memory, sacrifice, and national purpose converge.

As we prepare to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11, this memorial serves as a powerful reminder of the nation’s courage, resiliency, and perseverance. For law enforcement leaders, it underscores the enduring need for ethical leadership, emotional resiliency, and unwavering commitment to public service — principles central to both policing and military service.

Nearby, Ellis Island stands as another enduring national platform, representing service, vigilance, and the responsibility entrusted to those who safeguard the nation and its people. The iconic nature of these sites provides a stage for ethical leadership development, highlighting the character and integrity required to meet the complex challenges facing law enforcement across America.

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West Point: A Model for Character – Based Leadership

Over the past decade, numerous initiatives connected to the United States Military Academy at West Point have demonstrated the relevance of character-based leadership to policing. These programs emphasized the cadet honor code, the West Point mission statement, and core values — Duty, Honor, Country — as enduring guides for ethical decision-making.

My engagement included co-developing and co-headlining the National Conference on Ethics in America (NCEA) at West Point, where discussions emphasized integrity, courage, and ethical responsibility. In these forums, cadets and law enforcement leaders explored how character development complements operational skill, forming the foundation for sustainable leadership.

Ethical leadership principles reinforced through these initiatives informed my own work in law enforcement education, including presentations and keynotes with Lieutenant General Robert L. Caslen Jr., then-Superintendent of West Point, and in programs for the FBI’s Newark and New York Divisions.

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Applying Ethical Leadership to Policing

One of the most critical lessons reinforced through West Point–related leadership initiatives is the inseparable connection between ethical leadership and emotional resiliency.

Prior to my appointment as the NYPD Honorary Law Enforcement Motivational Speaker, to address issues of emotional resiliency and suicide prevention, I insisted that ethical leadership and morale were interdependent pillars of the initiative, alongside emotional resiliency and suicide prevention. Ethical leadership is the heart of 21st-century policing.

The Wounded Protector framework affirms that ethical leadership is not simply about enforcing standards, but about safeguarding the human dignity, mental health, and long-term well-being of those entrusted to protect others. The challenges experienced by law enforcement personnel, when properly guided and supported, become the strengths of the protector — a moral compass that allows one to affirm, encourage, and uplift others.

These themes are explored further in a selection of my published works for Law Officer, including: - Sustaining Ethical Leadership in Policing: The Antidote to Burnout and the Silent Wound - The Ethical Leadership Doctrine™ in Policing: From Silent Wounds to Enduring Moral Authority - Never Will I Falter: The Wounded Protector and the Principles of American Policing

These writings highlight practical strategies for instilling ethical leadership, building organizational resiliency, and fostering a culture of care in law enforcement agencies nationwide.

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Closing Reflection

As America has engaged in active military operations, the lessons of ethical leadership, moral courage, and resilience take on renewed urgency. Law enforcement leaders, like military leaders, are called to uphold the highest standards of character while guiding others through complex and often dangerous circumstances. These historic platforms, from the Empty Sky Memorial to West Point itself, remind us that service is inseparable from integrity, and courage is inseparable from care for others.

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Testimonials

“I would like to personally thank you for your presentation at the annual Jersey City Police Department–sponsored ‘Winning the Peace Program.’ …Judging from the attention-focused and thought-provoking questions of the cadets, I believe your illumination of America’s crisis of character and culture of violence inspired all leaders in attendance. More specifically, the future military leaders of the United States Army, motivating them to challenge and overcome these lapses of leadership through their deep-rooted values of character, ethics, and leadership.”
— Captain Brian McDonough, Ret., Jersey City Police Department

“Your participation in the Newark Division Management Conference on September 17, 2014 provided meaningful guidance to supervisors developing themselves as leaders within the FBI. Your observations were particularly insightful due to your career experience and knowledge of staff.”
— Aaron T. Ford, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Newark Division

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vincent J. Bove is an accomplished leader, educator, and public speaker specializing in ethical leadership, resiliency, and mental health awareness for law enforcement. 

Bove has worked extensively with the NYPD and other first responder organizations nationwide, delivering keynotes, workshops, and training programs that focus on ethical leadership, suicide prevention, morale-building, and emotional fortitude. 

A published author with 350 articles, and four books, Bove is an advocate for integrity and service. 

He combines practical experience with scholarly insight to inspire, motivate, and encourage leaders across communities.

PHOTOS

1. Executive officers from West Point with cadets walking through the 9/11 Memorial in Jersey City after Vincent J. Bove's presentation on ethical leadership, April 14, 2016. (Vincent J. Bove for RALLC)

2. West Point Honor Code Monument at the United States Military Academy – represents the enduring commitment to duty, honor, and ethical leadership central to both military and law enforcement leaders. (Vincent J. Bove for RALLC)

3. Vincent J. Bove with Jersey City Police Department officers, a United States Military Academy Executive Officer, and children visiting Ellis Island, April 14, 2016. (RALLC)

Resources

West Point Official Sources

·       West Point Mission Statement 

·       West Point Cadet Honor Code 

Symbolic National Platforms

·       Empty Sky Memorial, Jersey City 

·       Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration 

Law Officer Articles

·       Sustaining Ethical Leadership in Policing: The Antidote to Burnout and the Silent Wound 

·       The Ethical Leadership Doctrine™ in Policing: From Silent Wounds to Enduring Moral Authority 

·       Never Will I Falter: The Wounded Protector and the Principles of American Policing 

America's Fallen Police Officers: A Time to Mourn

Tragically, the articles I have had published for many years on the continual violence against America's police officers continues.

As I share these thoughts, this on-going scourge has no end in sight, and this week, it is particularly sobering. During a course of 5 consecutive days from December 6 through December 10, five police officers have been senselessly murdered throughout America.

In numerous previous articles, some of which are noted below, and in Reawakening America, the crisis of America's culture of violence has been addressed in detail.

But for the moment, let us heed to reflect on the wisdom from the Book of Ecclesiastes 3:4, reminding us that there is a "time to weep .. and a time to mourn."

Let us pause, look into the eyes of these fallen officers, and weep and mourn for their loss to their families, colleagues, communities, and for the five wounds to the very heart of America.


America's Fallen Police Officers, Read More:

Never Forget America's Fallen Officers

Fallen Officers Demands America's Reawakening

Honoring Our Fallen Police ..

Portraits of American Character Help Reawaken the Nation

Character must be the heartbeat of America.

This virtue is critical to the reawakening of the nation.

It is the quality represents the ideals of the nation and the goodness of humanity.

Each person that is honored to call America home must continually reflect on living a life of character.

We must also have our eyes wide open and appreciate all who reflect the ideals of character in our society.

Diamond in the Rough

The term “diamond in the rough” is sometimes applied to an individual with hidden qualities that have not yet been polished to stand out.

A diamond in the rough is often a person who appears harsh. Yet, with some polishing this person can be developed to express acts of charity, benevolence, and compassion.

In my opinion, the term can also be applied to individuals who stand out as portraits of character in a society that can at times be callous, indifferent, and superficial.

As rough as the culture may appear, these individuals shine like diamonds, and their character has the power to illuminate, inspire, and reawaken society.

America must pause to reflect on the critical importance of character. We must also always appreciate the diamonds of moral decency that represent “the better angels of our nature.”

America’s Character Personified

Lt. Christopher Robateau, 49, Jersey City Police Department (JCPD): On Friday morning, January 5, 2018, Lt. Robateau died after being struck by a vehicle on the New Jersey Turnpike. Lt. Robateau, in full uniform, was on his way to work when he left his vehicle to check on the welfare of someone involved in an accident.

The JCPD Chief responded to this tragedy by stating, “Lt. Robateau’s instincts are always to help and save others and that’s what he was doing when he was struck.”

Lt. Robateau served the JCPD for 23 years. He is survived by his wife and three children.

On the Officer Down Memorial Page website that honors all law enforcement heroes, an outpouring of sympathy was expressed.

Perhaps these words from a retired JCPD colleague who served with Lt. Robateau can help to understand the pain of losing this great man:

“This is a tremendous loss to the JCPD family. Chris was a great cop, a better human being, a loving husband and father.”

Private First Class Emanuel Mensah, New York Army National Guard: On Dec. 28, 2017, Pfc. Emanuel Mensah was visiting home for the holidays after completing military training in Virginia. While home, he died in a massive fire at an apartment building in the Bronx after being credited with saving four lives.

He returned into the building to help save additional lives but was unable to escape the fire.

Mensah was a permanent legal resident, whose family immigrated to America from Ghana.

This heroic soldier will be posthumously awarded the Soldiers Medal – the Army’s highest award for heroism occurring outside of battle.

According to his recruiter, Staff Sgt. Reuben Martinez-Ortiz, Mensah represented the ideals of our armed forces.

“I knew from the moment I met him his heart was as big as our National Guard family,” Martinez-Ortiz said. “He was ready to serve our nation and community. Pfc. Mensah was the embodiment of what our Army Values stand for.”

2nd Lt. Alix Schoelcher Idrache: An official United States Military Academy (USMA) news release on Jul. 30, 2015 announcing leadership positions for cadets cited Idrache being appointed as the 1st Regimental Commander.

Lt. General Robert L. Caslen, Jr., the USMA superintendent stated in the announcement that all cadets being appointed, which included Idrache, “represent the best of all of us … as our mission here is to develop leaders of character.”

When the Haiti-born cadet cried while standing alongside over 950 of his classmates during his West Point graduation ceremony, the photo of his emotional outpouring went viral.

As a response to the photo, the statement Idrache released on Facebook captures the character that Lt. General Caslen referred to:

“I am from Haiti and never did I imagine that such honor would be one day bestowed on me. The second is where I am. Men and women who have preserved the very essence of the human condition stood in that position and took the same oath. Men who preserved the Union is a dark period of this country’s history. Men who scaled the face of adversity and liberated Europe from fascism and nazism. Women like CPT Griest, LT Haver, MAJ Jaster who rewrote the narrative and challenged the status quo to prove themselves worthy of being called Rangers.”

Speaking of his future, Idrache added:

“The third is my future. Shortly after leave, I will report to FT. Rucker to start flight school. Knowing that one day I will be a pilot is humbling beyond words. I could not help but be flooded with emotions knowing that I will be leading these men and women who are willing to give their all to preserve what we value as the American way of life. To me, that is the greatest honor. Once again, thank you.”

Final Reflections

Despite the challenges of our times, there are diamonds of character among us that represent the ideals of America.

May all of us be true to character as it is the virtue that will inspire the reawakening of the nation.

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.

Read More:

We the People Demand Character in American Government

The Personality of American Leadership

American Government Requires Ethical Leadership

America’s Corrupt Culture Beckons Ethical Renaissance

Photos:

1. Lt. Christopher Robateau, Jersey City Police Department. (Courtesy JCPD)

2. Private First Class Emanuel Mensah, New York Army National Guard. (Photo Credit New York Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion )

3. 2nd Lt. Alix Schoelcher Idrache cries during the United States Military Academy West Point Graduation, May 23, 2016. (Photo Credit U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Vito T. Bryant)

West Point Cadets: Honor, Leadership, America

West Point, formally known as the United States Military Academy (USMA) has been developing, motivating, and inspiring leaders of character for America for over 200 years.

The USMA is admired internationally for its academic, military, patriotic, and fitness programs. These are all built on the pillars of character, ethics, integrity, and leadership.

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.”

West Point Cadets: A Day to Remember

On Thursday, April 14,2016, I delivered the opening presentation as requested by the Jersey City Police Department (JCPD) for West Point Cadets visiting Jersey City.

Their visit honored the principles of community policing, patriotism, and leadership through a unique program titled “Winning the Peace.” This program is a collaboration of the USMA, JCPD, government leaders, faith-based communities, and corporate partners.

The initiative started twelve years ago and has included presentations as well as cadet visits to historic landmarks, Egyptian churches, various mosques and Islamic centers, Jewish synagogues, Mormon communities, and corporate facilities.

During my presentation titled “West Point Cadets: Honor, Leadership, America,” I encouraged the cadets to develop deep rooted values of character, ethics, and leadership.

This presentation honestly assessed critical issues facing America today and emphasized that ethical principles inspired by our Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the West Point legacy are principles needed to transform the nation.

My agenda used a metaphor of a catastrophic head on collision with two trains traveling at high speed. I used this image with accompanying slides to illuminate America’s crisis of character and culture of violence in America society.

America’s shattered communities, demonstrated through deteriorated families, substance abuse, and the gang culture, resulting in violence, prison, death, were also depicted with my slide presentation.

After honestly addressing these issues, solutions were presented that included cultivating altruism, visionary leadership principles, a call to action, and the importance of always honoring America’s military sacrifices.

The visionary leadership portion of my presentation included these principles:

• Leadership must be grounded in moral self-confidence developed by understanding through study, hard work, and education

• Leadership must accept the diversity and talents of the team and forge partnerships, cohesion, and significance to a cause

• Leadership is aware of the efficacy of truth and the destructiveness of dishonesty

• Leadership opposes the immorality of injustice

• Leadership understands that there is no persuasion without credibility

• Leadership responds to the needs of the community with humility, appreciation, and selflessness

• Leadership overcomes every hardship, handicap, and challenge to achieve its goals

After my presentation, the JCPD escorted all attendees into the heart of America history with a tour of Ellis Island and then Empty Sky, the New Jersey 9/11 Memorial in Liberty State Park, Jersey City.

West Point: A History of Character Initiatives

This “Winning the Peace” program complemented 10 years of various initiatives I have had with the USMA.

These included three years of participation as a speaker, mentor, and senior leader for the National Conference on Ethics in America at the USMA.

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 was a filled to capacity conference for over 250 law enforcement officials hosted by The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey on May 12, 2014.

Both these events encouraged ethical leadership for FBI management and law enforcement as highlighted by these principles highlighted by Lt. General Caslen:

• Honor – adherence to the highest standards of integrity

• Respect – treating people with dignity

• Servant Leadership - putting others before ourselves

• Integrity – doing what is morally and ethically right even when no one is watching

Final Reflections

A day with the West Point Cadets was truly inspirational as these outstanding young men and women represent America’s ethical values. Their dedication to character, visionary leadership, and patriotism makes one proud of America and gives great hope for our future.

The collaborative leadership of the USMA, JPCD, government leaders, faith-based communities, and private enterprises made the event an outstanding success.

America’s future is bright, represented by the ethical principles of the USMA, and inspiring character in their cadets, shinning stars for the U.S. Army and our nation’s reawakening.

Finally, I would like to commend Captain Brian McDonough, Rtd., Jersey City Police Department, and currently Director of Healthcare Safety & Security for CarePoint Health Hoboken University Hospital. Brian's admired leadership career with the JCPD is unparalleled and his professionalism with coordinating my presentation for this event is truly appreciated.

More:

America’s Realignment: Character, Ethics, Leadership

America’s Leadership Crisis: Reigniting Our Character

Life Lessons From the United States Military

Understanding Islam Is Essential to Community Policing

The FBI: Honor, Leadership, Protecting America

Testimonial

“I would like to personally thank you for your presentation at the annual Jersey City Police Department sponsored "Winning the Peace Program." A community-policing program that integrates diverse beliefs and opinions of leaders who represent multiple ethnic groups and various religious organizations, corporations, season veteran police officers, and West Point cadets. Judging from the attention-focused and thought provoking questions of the cadets, I believe your illumination of America’s crisis of character and culture of violence inspired all leaders in attendance. More specifically, the future military leaders of the United States Army, motivating them to challenge and overcome these lapses of leadership through their deep rooted values of character, ethics, and leadership.” Captain Brian McDonough, Rtd., Jersey City Police Department

Photos

1. 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, Liberty State Park, Jersey City, April 14, 2016. (Vincent J. Bove)

2. West Point Cadets during change of class, April 3, 2006. (Vincent J. Bove)

3. Attendees at the National Conference on Ethics in America at West Point walking to conference presentations, October 20, 2008. (Vincent J. Bove)

4. West Point Honor Code monument at the USMA campus. (Vincent J. Bove)

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 175 articles including his weekly column titled “Reawakening the Nation” for the Epoch Times; 35 countries, 21 languages, and growing.

America’s Gun Violence: Time for Action

Whatever approach one has regarding gun control, the fact is gun violence in America is unbridled, malignant, and destructive.

The Second Amendment is a sacrosanct principle of American freedom. Yet, it must be properly understood.

The term gun control can be misleading as for some it implies a loss of freedom as guaranteed by our bill of rights. Perhaps a more sensible term that captures the essence of the issue will develop in time.

Meanwhile, adoption of common sense policies to reduce gun violence as advocated by the International Association of Chiefs of Police must include:

•Banning armor-piercing ammunition
•Assault weapons ban
•Body armor for police
•Concealed weapons
•Firearms enforcement
•Firearms offender registry
•Firearm purchase waiting period
•Closing the gun show loophole
•Ending illegal firearms trafficking

America’s Violent Summer
Summer violence is quickly painting a picture of senseless bloodshed throughout the nation.

On July 13, 2014, Jersey City, N.J., rookie police officer Melvin Santiago, 23, is shot in the head and killed after responding to a report of an armed robbery.

During the July 4 weekend, two Indianapolis, Ind., police officers are also killed in separate incidents.

The National Law Enforcement Memorial Officers Foundation cites a 65 percent increase of firearms related officer deaths as of July 14, 2014, compared to this time last year—28 officers to 17 in 2013.

On July 13, 2014, in Washington, D.C., seven people are shot—three fatally—in three unrelated shootings just blocks apart.

On July 10, 2014, Six members of a family including four children are shot to death in a suburb north of Houston, Texas. According to a court testimony, the killer kicked in the home door, tied up the parents and four children, and shot them in the head execution style.

Over the July 4 weekend, 82 people are shot with 16 ultimately dying during an 84-hour period in Chicago.

During the following weekend, another 29 are wounded in shootings with 4 dead.

Chicago police have already confiscated over 3,400 illegal firearms this year.

During the Independence Weekend elsewhere, four people are shot at a Houston, Texas, festival. In New York City another 12 people are shot—three fatally—and three people are shot dead with several others wounded in St. Louis, Mo.

On July 5, 2014, a 12-year-old eighth-grader is shot in the head while riding a scooter with two friends in Paterson, N.J. Genesis Rincon later dies after being removed from life support.

On June 30, 2014, a teen cheerleader who recently graduated high school with a dream of becoming a nurse is shot and killed in Newark, N.J. Cheyanne Bond is the third homicide in the city in less than 24 hours.

In 2013, escalating bloodshed in Trenton, and the most violent 12-month stretch in Newark in nearly 25, years elevated New Jersey homicides to a seven-year high.

Responding to the Crisis
Aside from the aforementioned International Association of Chiefs of Police issues, America’s response must also include:
•Compassion—America must always have a heart of compassion. Victims are never to be treated merely as statistics, political opportunities, or marginalized.
•Law Enforcement Resources—The massive layoffs of police over the last few years—especially in many economically challenged communities—is a travesty. There is always a way for America to do the right thing and every American deserves “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Our nation deserves the finest law enforcement professionals, and agencies across the country need to be staffed as necessary. The NYPD June 2014 graduation of 610 new officers is an example of effective leadership during economically challenging times.
•School/Community Policing Initiatives—The future of the nation is our youth, and schools must partner with law enforcement on character education, youth academies, gang prevention, and violence prevention programs.

As published in Vincent's weekly column titled "Reawakening the Nation" for the Friday, July 18, 2014 edition of the Epoch Times.

International Association of Chiefs of Police Firearms Position Paper.

Photo
Officials investigate a Jersey City Police Department cruiser at the scene where Officer Melvin Santiago was shot and killed while responding to a call at a 24-hour pharmacy, on July 13, 2014, in Jersey City, N.J. Santiago’s death is part of a nationwide uptick in killings of police officers this year. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

In Remembrance: Police Officer Melvin Santiago, Jersey City Police Department

On Sunday morning, July 13, 2014, Police Officer Melvin Santiago, 23, was shot and killed while serving Jersey City, New Jersey.

Officer Santiago has now joined the hallowed halls of heroes who have served law enforcement with the ultimate sacrifice. He is a reminder of the continual danger for all police who serve and protect our communities.

As a young man, Officer Santiago choose the path of his uncle's police career footsteps-serving in a profession demanding dedication, courage and commitment. He is a tribute to his family, community, the Jersey City Police Department, all in law enforcement and to the ideals of America.

Officer Santiago will be promoted posthumously to the rank of detective and receive the police department's medal of honor-the highest award for an officer-at his wake on Thursday, July 17, 2014.

Officer Santiago is the first Jersey City Police Officer to be killed since Detective Marc DiNardo in July, 2009 after a shootout which left 4 other officers injured.

In Remembrance: Detective Marc DiNardo, Jersey City Police Department-July 24, 2009 blog

Detective Marc DiNardo, who died on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 after being shot in a gun battle on July 16th, was honored at his funeral by family and thousands of his fellow officers, fire & EMT personnel, community leaders and concerned citizens. He leaves behind a wife and three children. Det. DiNardo, 37, had served the people of Jersey City for 10 years as a member of the Jersey City Police Department.

The tragic death of Det. DiNardo sadly reminds us of the potential dangers faced each day by those in law enforcement who serve, protect and defend us. America must always remember and be grateful for those who have lost their lives in the line of duty and for those who continue to serve at the risk of their own safety.

Officer Melissa Bartholomew, a friend and police academy classmate of DiNardo offered heartfelt sentiments on behalf of the Jersey City Police Department and the family of Officer DiNardo: "He will be greatly missed. He had a personality you could never forget, and when he walked into a room we all loved him."

In Memoriam (2:40) Funeral Procession (7:31) Tribute (3:50)

<a HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUjiH3QC_Z4">Play the clip on YouTube</A>

Please remember Det. DiNardo, his family, friends, fellow officers in the Jersey City Police Department and all emergency service personnel in your prayers as they seek consolation during this difficult time.

READ MORE

Officer Down Memorial Page

Click here to visit site

Jersey City Police Department Waterfront Security: Leadership, Partnerships, Prevention

As requested by the Jersey City Police Department I returned on Tuesday, February 18, 2014 to deliver my presentation titled Leadership Principles: Crisis Planning, Community Partnerships, Violence Prevention. The event, held at The Westin Hotel Jersey City Newport was for the Waterfront Security Community, a public-private partnership of numerous law enforcement agencies and companies throughout Jersey City.

Testimonial
"...your presentation: Leadership Principles: Crisis Planning, Community Partnerships, and Violence Prevention was very well organized and delivered and was extremely well received by the attendees. Look forward to speaking with you and working together on future projects."
Jersey City Police Department, East District Commander

This presentation was a continuation of events on these issues which I have conducted nationwide for many years and recently in New York City at five venues covering museums, hospitals, landmark properties including the New York Stock Exchange, fire safety officials and cultural properties. Attendees have included security professionals, property managers, the NYPD and the FBI.

Today's event addressed contemporary concerns in America and solutions as follows:

• Contemporary Concerns-Alleviation of Suffering-Essential to the Preservation of Society
  
• Head on Collision: Leadership Crisis / Culture of Violence
  
• Mitigation / Prevention / Preparedness / Recovery
  
• Culture of Preparedness / Unity of Effort
  
• Lessons Learned: An American Tragedy
  
• Reawakening a Sense of Purpose and Dedication
  
• American Military Tribute
  
• Conclusion

This is one of numerous initiatives I have conducted for the Jersey City Police Department and companies throughout the city over the years including:

Jersey City Police Department Waterfront Security Event: Community Policing Par Excellence May 17, 2011

On Tuesday, May 17, 2011, the Jersey City Police Department held their monthly Waterfront Security Event for corporate representatives, private security personnel, emergency responders and law enforcement officials. This initiative is an outstanding community policing program that forges a unity of effort partnership benefiting security and safety in Jersey City.

As the featured speaker I delivered a presentation titled Layoffs: An Alarming Trend Endangering Company and Community Safety. It identified serious issues in contemporary American society as well as practical solutions and responses including:

• A culture of callousness, violence and death
  
• Alarming rise of police fatalities
  
• Company and law enforcement layoffs
  
• Domestic violence spilling over into the workplace
  
• Virginia Tech lessons learned: principles of crisis planning
  
• Workplace violence prevention: warning signs and employee terminations
  
• Target hardening and security vulnerability assessments
  
• Threat assessment teams

As with all of my presentations, it concluded with a tribute honoring those making sacrifices serving our nation in the military, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

The Jersey City Police Department, especially represented by East District Commander Captain Joseph A. Connors and Community Relations Officer Dina Reilly are to be commended for this initiative. It is a community policing program par excellence that fosters law enforcement partnerships with the entire Jersey City community.

Jersey City PD Waterfront Security...Domestic Violence Prevention at the Workplace-November 19, 2008

On Tuesday, November 18, 2008, thanks to the leadership of Captain Brian McDonough and Officer Dina Reilly of the Jersey City Police Department East District, the monthly Waterfront Security Meeting was held at Goldman Sachs in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Aside from the public sector attendees which included the Jersey City Police Department, the Jersey City Office of Emergency Management and the New Jersey State Police, private sector representatives included security and human resource representatives from the following organizations:

• Advanced Integration Security
  
• Allied Barton Security Services
  
• AXA-Equitable Life Insurance Company
  
• Barclays Capital
  
• Brookfield Properties
  
• Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
  
• Care Security Systems
  
• Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
  
• Fidelity Investments
  
• Goldman Sachs
  
• John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
  
• JPMorgan Chase
  
• Hyatt Hotels
  
• McRoberts Protective Agency, Inc.
  
• Mulligan Security
  
• Pershing
  
• Professional Security Technologies, LLC
  
• Risk Protective Services
  
• Securitas
  
• Spartan Security Service Inc.
  
• TD Ameritrade
  
• The Bank of New York Mellon

As the invited keynote speaker, I was privileged to present When Domestic Violence Spills into the Workplace.

AGENDA

• Why are we Here?
  
• Domestic Abuse and Violence
  
• One Life
  
• Domestic Violence and the Workplace
  
• Overview and Impact
  
• Warning Signs
  
• Awareness and Action
  
• Lessons Learned: Virginia Tech Tragedy
  
• Violence Prevention In The Workplace
  
• American Military Tribute
  
• Conclusion

Although the statistics on the negative impact of domestic violence in the American workplace are staggering, I stressed the ethical standard we must have when it comes to violence prevention:

"When it comes to even one life, we must do what is right—not what is convenient, politically expedient, or the most cost effective.

"In simplest terms, we must learn to care for one another in our time of need."

It is caring, vigilant and proactive people, not sterile policies and procedures, that is the key to violence prevention in the workplace. By fostering leadership principles to create a culture of respect and unity of effort, employees are more likely to respond appropriately when they see warning signs.

After the presentation, Listen To Their Cries was available to participants. A donation from the proceeds was made to assist the Jersey City Police Department East District initiative for providing Thanksgiving turkeys and meals for needy families.

The Jersey City Police Department is to be commended for their leadership and commitment to the principles of community policing expressed through unity of effort and public/private partnerships cultivated through these Waterfront Security meetings. A special thanks is deserving of Goldman Sachs for hosting the event.

Jersey City Police Department Waterfront Security Event: Community Policing Par Excellence

On Tuesday, May 17, 2011, the Jersey City Police Department held their monthly Waterfront Security Event for corporate representatives, private security personnel, emergency responders and law enforcement officials. This initiative is an outstanding community policing program that forges a unity of effort partnership benefiting security and safety in Jersey City.

As the featured speaker I delivered a presentation titled Layoffs: An Alarming Trend Endangering Company and Community Safety. It identified serious issues in contemporary American society as well as practical solutions and responses including:

• A culture of callousness, violence and death
  
• Alarming rise of police fatalities
  
• Company and law enforcement layoffs
  
• Domestic violence spilling over into the workplace
  
• Virginia Tech lessons learned: principles of crisis planning
  
• Workplace violence prevention: warning signs and employee terminations
  
• Target hardening and security vulnerability assessments
  
• Threat assessment teams

As with all of my presentations, it concluded with a tribute honoring those making sacrifices serving our nation in the military, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

The Jersey City Police Department, especially represented by East District Commander Captain Joseph A. Connors and Community Relations Officer Dina Reilly are to be commended for this initiative. It is a community policing program par excellence that fosters law enforcement partnerships with the entire Jersey City community.

Soccer Match at Giants Stadium to Honor Detective DiNardo and Benefit Scholarship Fund

A Part Of America Died

Somebody killed a policeman today
And a part of America died...
A piece of our country he swore to protect
Will be buried with him at his side.
The beat that he walked was a battlefield, too,
Just as if he had gone off to war;
Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half-mast
To his name they will add a gold star.
The suspect that shot him will stand up in court
With counsel demanding his rights,
While a young widowed mother must work for her kids
And spend many long, lonely nights.
Yes, somebody killed a policeman today...
Maybe in your town or mine,
While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors
A cop put his life on the line.
Now his ghost walks the beat on a dark city street,
And he stands at each new rookie's side;
He answered the call... of himself gave his all,
And a part of America died...
--Author Unknown--

On Friday September 18, 2009, police, fire, and corrections officers as well as citizens from throughout Hudson County will gather at Giants Stadium for an event to honor fallen police officer Detective Marc DiNardo and to raise money for a scholarship fund for his three young children: Gwendolyn, age 4; Marc Anthony II, age 3; and one-year-old Ella.

This initiative represents the true spirit of community: compassion through action. It is America at its best—collaboration which transforms tragedy into concern for one's neighbor.

Reprinted from www.nj.com
Soccer Match will benefit DiNardo family
by Melinda Vickerman
September 3, 2009

www.nj.com

For the past four weekends, they've come out and practiced under the hot morning sun and the summer evening's fading light. On soccer fields from Jersey City to Hoboken, they've play hard and to win, preparing for the day when they'll meet on the pitch at Giants Stadium. They've taken their days off and pounded the pavement, selling tickets, seeking sponsors and spreading the word about a fallen Hudson County hero.

On Sept. 18, more than 100 soccer players representing eight teams comprised of Hudson County law enforcement, fire departments and corrections units will gather to play four simultaneous soccer matches on the Giants Stadium field to help bolster the PBA scholarship fund for the three children of Jersey City Police Detective Marc DiNardo, who died from his wounds after a shooting that also injured four other officers in July.

It was shortly after DiNardo's funeral that my husband, Alex, head coach of the Soccer Learning Center in Jersey City, came up with the idea for the DiNardo Family Cup. Alex was just 10 when his father died after a long battle with cancer and he remembers watching his mother struggle to raise seven children on her own.

"My mother worked day and night to take care of us," he said, thinking now of DiNardo's widow and their three young children. "I know how difficult it will be for Mary DiNardo and I wanted to help in some way."

Word of the event spread quickly and soon Alex had commitments from the Jersey City and Hoboken Fire and Police Departments. The Hudson County Sheriff's Department, Hudson County Corrections, the Port Authority Police, New Jersey State Troopers and the Kearny Fire and Police Departments would play, too.

I would like to offer a special thank you to all those who are involved in organizing or participating in this event.

READ MORE

In Remembrance: Detective Marc DiNardo, Jersey City Police Department	Click here to visit site
DiNardo Family Cup	Click here to visit site

In Remembrance: Detective Marc DiNardo, Jersey City Police Department

Detective Marc DiNardo, who died on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 after being shot in a gun battle on July 16th, was honored at his funeral by family and thousands of his fellow officers, fire & EMT personnel, community leaders and concerned citizens. He leaves behind a wife and three children. Det. DiNardo, 37, had served the people of Jersey City for 10 years as a member of the Jersey City Police Department.

The tragic death of Det. DiNardo sadly reminds us of the potential dangers faced each day by those in law enforcement who serve, protect and defend us. America must always remember and be grateful for those who have lost their lives in the line of duty and for those who continue to serve at the risk of their own safety.

Officer Melissa Bartholomew, a friend and police academy classmate of DiNardo offered heartfelt sentiments on behalf of the Jersey City Police Department and the family of Officer DiNardo: "He will be greatly missed. He had a personality you could never forget, and when he walked into a room we all loved him."

In Memoriam (2:40) Funeral Procession (7:31) Tribute (3:50)

<A HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUjiH3QC_Z4">Play the clip on YouTube</A>

Please remember Det. DiNardo, his family, friends, fellow officers in the Jersey City Police Department and all emergency service personnel in your prayers as they seek consolation during this difficult time.

READ MORE

Officer Down Memorial Page

Click here to visit site

5 Police Officers Shot in Jersey City: Follows Killings of Police in Philadelphia and Oakland

Over the past 15 years, I have had the privilege of working with many outstanding members of the Jersey City Police Department and Port Authority Police on numerous security, community policing and leadership initiatives. These experiences make the shooting of 5 police officers (4 from the Jersey City Police Department and 1 from the Port Authority Police) on Thursday, July 16, 2009 particularly distressing.

Other recent shootings of police this year, including Oakland, California when 4 officers were killed on March 22 and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on February 13 when another officer was killed, must make us pause to appreciate our law enforcement officers who put themselves in harm's way to protect us from the pervasive violence throughout our nation.

This morning I received an email entitled Pray for our brothers who stood up and protected us on July 16, 2009 from an officer in the Jersey City Police Department. The email reminds us that these brother officers represent the best in all of us and are in need of our prayers.

We would do well to reflect on Psalm 23 from this email as we pray for these officers:

PSALM 23

The LORD is my shepherd,
   I shall not want;
he makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters;
   he restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness
   for his name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley
   of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil; for thou art with me;
   thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me
   in the presence of my enemies;
thou anointest my head with oil,
   my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
   all the days of my life;
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

JCPD Waterfront Security Meeting: Promoting Public/Private Partnerships

On Tuesday, November 18, 2008, thanks to the leadership of Captain Brian McDonough and Officer Dina Reilly of the Jersey City Police Department East District, the monthly Waterfront Security Meeting was held at Goldman Sachs in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Aside from the public sector attendees which included the Jersey City Police Department, the Jersey City Office of Emergency Management and the New Jersey State Police, private sector representatives included security and human resource representatives from the following organizations:

• Advanced Integration Security
• Allied Barton Security Services
• AXA-Equitable Life Insurance Company
• Barclays Capital
• Brookfield Properties
• Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
• Care Security Systems
• Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
• Fidelity Investments
• Goldman Sachs
• John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
• JPMorgan Chase
• Hyatt Hotels
• McRoberts Protective Agency, Inc.
• Mulligan Security
• Pershing
• Professional Security Technologies, LLC
• Risk Protective Services
• Securitas
• Spartan Security Service Inc.
• TD Ameritrade
• The Bank of New York Mellon

As the invited keynote speaker, I was privileged to present When Domestic Violence Spills into the Workplace.

AGENDA

• Why are we Here?
• Domestic Abuse and Violence
• One Life
• Domestic Violence and the Workplace
• Overview and Impact
• Warning Signs
• Awareness and Action
• Lessons Learned: Virginia Tech Tragedy
• Violence Prevention In The Workplace
• American Military Tribute
• Conclusion

Although the statistics on the negative impact of domestic violence in the American workplace are staggering, I stressed the ethical standard we must have when it comes to violence prevention:

"When it comes to even one life, we must do what is right—not what is convenient, politically expedient, or the most cost effective.

"In simplest terms, we must learn to care for one another in our time of need."

It is caring, vigilant and proactive people, not sterile policies and procedures, that is the key to violence prevention in the workplace. By fostering leadership principles to create a culture of respect and unity of effort, employees are more likely to respond appropriately when they see warning signs.

After the presentation, Listen To Their Cries was available to participants. A donation from the proceeds was made to assist the Jersey City Police Department East District initiative for providing Thanksgiving turkeys and meals for needy families.

The Jersey City Police Department is to be commended for their leadership and commitment to the principles of community policing expressed through unity of effort and public/private partnerships cultivated through these Waterfront Security meetings. A special thanks is deserving of Goldman Sachs for hosting the event.

Crime Prevention: Vital for American Society

The Uniform Crime Reporting Program was conceived to meet a need for reliable, uniform statistics for America. Since 1930, the FBI has been responsible for collecting, publishing and archiving crime statistics.

The annual publication of the FBI which gives a pulse of crime in the nation is the Crime in the United States (CIUS). On December 18, 2006, the preliminary semiannual uniform crime report was released reporting an increase of 3.7 percent in the number of violent crimes throughout the nation in the first half of 2006 as compared to the first half of 2005. Murder, forcible rape, robbery and aggravated assault are part of this violent crime category. This data is provided by nearly 17,000 law enforcement agencies throughout the United States and sounds the alarm for the need for crime prevention.

Jersey City Police Academy

On March 12, 2007 a group of law enforcement and private security personnel began a week of intensive training to attain crime prevention practitioner certification at the Jersey City, New Jersey Police Academy. Representatives of the North Jersey Regional Crime Prevention Officers Association will assist with offering their expertise in a variety of crime prevention and community policing modules.

Attendees in the course represented the following agencies:

• Fairleigh Dickinson University Public Safety
• Jersey City Police Department
• Secaucus Police Department
• Orange Police Department
• West Orange Police Department

As individuals called to roles of leadership in their respective law enforcement and private security professions, it is my earnest hope that they serve the public trust with honor and integrity. Their dedication to reduce crime in their respective communities is to be commended.

READ MORE

FBI Uniform Crime Reports

Click here to visit site

Mitigating Security Risk: Jersey City Waterfront Security Meeting

On Tuesday, November 28th, 2006, the Jersey City Waterfront Business Security Meeting focused on Mitigating Security Risk. This group meets monthly and consists of law enforcement, corporate and private security professionals. After opening remarks by Lieutenant Michael Galano of the of Jersey City Police Department, East District, and a review of security concerns peculiar to the holiday season by Officer Dina Reilly, the floor was turned over to Paul DeMatteis, Senior Advisor on Corporate Security Programs for John Jay College of Continuing and Professional Studies.

The presentation provided insight into “connecting the dots;” developing strategies for implementing successful Global Corporate Security programs, such as:

• Identify the types of risk: Acceptable, Unacceptable, Undetected, Ignored
• Develop appropriate Security Policies, Standards and Guidelines
• Determine, understand, and communicate the business implications (such as ROI) of failure to execute these policies
• Drills, Drills, Drills
• Organization structure is critical; too many reporting layers will dilute the criticality of Security to Senior Management
• Understand the pitfalls of why security fails and avoid them

Mr. DeMatteis entertained and informed with examples from his own experience which includes Prudential Financial, Citibank, Republic National Bank, as well as New York City Human Resource Administration.

For more information, visit:
Global Security Risk Management
John Jay College Security Management Institute

Jersey City Police Department's Waterfront Security Meeting: Domestic Violence

On Tuesday, October 17, 2006, the Jersey City Police Department held its monthly Waterfront Security Meeting at Harborside Financial Center's Atrium. The meetings are coordinated with various business leaders through the dedication of Captain Brian McDonough of the Jersey City Police Department.

The meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month from 10am-12noon at Jersey City sites and cover various law enforcement and private security concerns.

Since October is "Domestic Violence Awareness Month", Captain McDonough had Sergeant Ray Spanarkel of the JCPD's domestic violence unit addressed law enforcement, private security and human resource representatives from the Jersey City financial area community.

Sgt. Spanarkel defined domestic violence as "a pattern of coercive behavior that is used by one person to gain power and control over another, which may include physical or sexual violence, emotional and psychological intimidation, verbal abuse, stalking and economic control."

Included in the presentation were:

• characteristics of the batterer
• characteristics of the victim
• cycle of violence
• unique risks for women victims
• police response; investigations, checking for domestic violence criteria, mandatory arrests, evidence gathering and reporting
• domestic violence spill overs into the workplace; corporate education, prevention and policies
• temporary and final restraining orders
• workplace violence

Unfortunately, the statistics of domestic violence in the State of New Jersey and nationwide are staggering. The community policing initiative executed today through the leadership of Captain Brian McDonough heightens awareness, encourages prevention and is a admirable step in the right direction. Captain McDonough can be reached at jcpdeastdistrict@yahoo.com, telephone number 201-547-5470.

Read: http://www.endabuse.org/resources/facts/