Few words have gotten much attention from the law enforcement community like, “Defund the Police.” It is a phenomenon that strikes at the core of believing that law enforcement was an entity unto itself. They called the shots for what they did. The mention of the word “defund” struck fear and panic, especially among the law enforcement community. The chorus was joined by concerned members of the public, who envisioned a lawless society running amuck.

Because many of the previous cries of police misconduct had gone unheeded, “defunding the police” was a reality check that sent shock waves throughout law enforcement. The outcry was very predictable and understandable. Many public members were asking the question, what would happen if the police department is disbanded? That is a normal reaction, particularly from the general populace, who has always been comfortable with the status quo. Suddenly, there is the realization that there is a strong possibility of cutbacks in their ability to legitimately fight crime.

“Defunding” served its purpose, getting society’s attention. Now is the time to begin a serious dialogue about the role that law enforcement must play to have a more orderly, inclusive, fair, responsible relationship with the community. The real issue to make that a reality is police accountability. Unfortunately, it took the death of George Floyd to get that process started.

Law enforcement has always been an entity unto itself. The perception is that it has been apart from, rather than a part of the community. It had the sole responsibility for policing itself. Unfortunately, in the process, there was often little consideration of how the operation impacted the African-American community. Ninety-nine percent (99%) of all officers are great and do a good job. However, there is one percent (1%), which has brought mistrust, shame, ridicule, and outright resentment towards all police. This is extremely unfortunate because the majority has been tarnished by a small minority, which has not been held accountable.

For years, the community has been crying out about the abuses and degradation of various police forces. The death of George Floyd Placed the issue front and center in all of our lives. Outcries from individuals Colin Kaepernick were scoffed at, as an example of disrespecting the flag. It culminated in watching the president from his bully pulpit, deride the action as being un-American, that Colin Kaepernick hated America. It was amazing witnessing, how in the president’s zeal to demonize, and publicly humiliate Kaepernick, he unwittingly created a more determined resolve. It brought national attention to a critical issue, “police misconduct.”

The denunciation was further highlighted when the president issued a veiled threat to the owners of the National Football League teams to follow his lead. The president suggested, “anyone disrespecting the flag should be thrown off the team.” It is unfortunate that so many owners showed no backbone, depriving Colin Kaepernick of the ability to do the thing he loved to do, play football.

Those who saw kneeling as being unpatriotic, miss the message that was being transmitted by Colin Kaepernick’s action. For those individuals who felt that Colin Kaepernick disrespected the flag by kneeling, never raised any ire about those individuals who displayed the flag as a head handkerchief, bathing suits are other expressions of their patriotism. And yet, some Americans lost their minds, simply because it was an African-American who took a knee to make a point that was missed by his critics.

The reality of the vocal protest was a shock to the establishment, which had to come to grips with those critical issues that had been ignored. There has always been a cry for more police to handle the ever-burgeoning problems of criminality. However, there has been little thought to the reality that it is not the number of police officers, but the quality of the officers and the service that’s rendered. There has to be an emphasis on more efficient officers as opposed to just having more officers.

In 1966, I remember Pennsylvania State Police sharing a study on the resistance to change factor. Ironically, law enforcement had the highest percentage of resisting change. Now is an excellent opportunity to begin the process of switching gears to take a comprehensive look at the police operation; to ensure that it’s meeting the needs of today’s multicultural, diverse clientele.

Many progressive police chiefs around the country are to be applauded for their progressive efforts. There has to be a continued higher degree of training, educational awareness, and strict Accountability. No longer can organizations afford to ignore or condone aberrant behavior, which dominates the nightly news cycle. A critical review of the policies, rules, regulations, and procedures will be a big step in establishing real Accountability.

There is no better time than now, to ensure that the path moving forward is consistent with the mission, vision and values, and the oath of office that they took,” to protect and serve.” The best way to accomplish this is to ensure that every officer, who is placed on the street, is equipped with the human relations skills that are necessary to carry out the mission required.

It is very well documented that organizations are faced with the phenomenon of “the code of silence.” This Is the mantra that has guided much of organizational behavior. It is extremely difficult for officers, who have witnessed wrongdoing, to come forward for fear of retaliation, or other sanctions. This situation can be corrected by the organization giving the officers a SAFE place to land. There are four basic concepts to bring about the change: Tell the officers what you expect. Tell them that they will be monitored. Tell them how they will be monitored; and what the consequences will be, including Accountability. This is effective when it’s personalized for each officer.

The personalization is realized when each officer is made aware that when they leave home in the morning, they have a great expectation of returning. It must be emphasized that every interaction they have with another human being, must be predicated on their ability to return home, to take care of those individuals who are depending on them to make the right decision on their behalf.

Therefore, when an officer is observed violating rules, regulations, and/or procedures, the partner will be able to remind the individual, who may be prone to continue past behaviors, how their decisions impact them as a partner. This is a very important way for officers to police each other, without fear of retaliation, humiliation, or ridicule. When we say that we are “our brother’s keeper,” let’s make that reality. “Defunding” got our attention. Let’s create, Accountability,” as our marching orders.