Embrace the Opportunity

A Message from Chief Maggie A. DeBoard, Herndon Police Department, Virginia.

To those who serve and protect,

It has been a long and difficult year for the law enforcement profession. Isolated, troublesome, high profile incidents have placed a black shroud over this proud and dedicated profession, causing many to unfairly label and question those who serve with dedication and integrity. This has created a widespread ripple effect within the ranks of agencies across the country, leading to dissension, frustration, a legitimate fear for safety, and concern for the future.

But who is really to blame? Is it the media, whose focus on tragedy, personal drama, and the need for headlines often result in misinformation and controversy? Is it the elected officials, who frequently drive a rush to judgment simply to appease an accusatory, but often misinformed public? Is it the communities themselves, who in some jurisdictions have rioted in response to highly publicized police-related incidents, citing discrimination, bias, and lack of transparency, when their situations are more often a complex combination of government failures, growing social problems and a failure to take personal responsibility? Or have we become our own worst enemy, allowing isolated and troublesome incidents to define our profession and drive our reactions and decision-making?

I have spent the last year frustrated with how this reality show has continued to play out. The negative undertone created in the policing profession has carried over to various social media sites, where law enforcement officers from across the nation are voicing their personal frustrations in various posts, group chats, and blogs. Although airing frustrations among peers can be cathartic, these discussions have not been constructive or private, nor have they helped to make the situation any better.

Why are those wearing the badge not asking these questions: “What can we do to promote meaningful change?” “How can we stand up for our profession and effectively address those who unfairly judge and criticize us without cause?”

I believe that it’s time to stop feeling helpless and victimized, and use the current environment of high visibility to educate those who are misinformed.

I believe that to enhance community relationships and advance the profession, we must make meaningful changes where facts support the need for change, not simply in reaction to political pressure. I also believe that we should embrace the opportunity and use this time to build and enhance relationships with a largely supportive and appreciative public. To effectively protect and serve our communities, we need the public, just as the public needs us.

I don’t begin to think this is an easy task to accomplish, nor that the road ahead will be smooth or flat.

I have hit several potholes along the way through my own personal journey, and expect to hit a few more along the way.

But growth and change come from adversity, not from “business as usual”. It took me much of the past year to realize that what lies ahead offers opportunity, not futility.

The aftermath of this past year has caused many to leave the profession, with many more planning their exit in the near future, saying they have finally had enough. But even after 30 years, I could not be more motivated to stay around and be part of the process to lead change, both within the profession and in the community, even if my circle of influence is small.

Just imagine what we could accomplish if everyone sworn to protect adopted the mentality to effect change within his or her own circle of influence, no matter the size or reach. Every officer in the profession addressing misperceptions and performance by taking personal responsibility to educate, enhance community relationships, and promote internal change where needed, one officer — one community at a time.

Cultural change and growth can’t happen from a top down approach. It must come from a personal desire to change within all of us, at every level in the organization. It also requires motivation, self-reflection, personal growth, and a willingness to fight for positive change, regardless of rank.

Maybe we can create the next widespread ripple effect through law enforcement that serves to advance the legitimacy of our profession to heights not yet achieved. I want to be around to see that, but I can’t do it alone. If you care about what you signed up for, what you have risked your life for, whether you currently serve or have earned the distinguished privilege to safely retire, you will too. It’s time to take control of our own fate, one officer — one community at a time. Find your opportunity to make meaningful change.

This post was written by Chief Maggie DeBoard for Inside Job and is not intended to represent the official position of anyone or anything other than the author.