Showing posts with label blacks in law enforcement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blacks in law enforcement. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

NYPD Chief Rodney Harrison to be Nominated as Suffolk County Police Commissioner

The man who served as the NYPD’s first black chief of detectives and who recently announced his retirement from the department may not be on the sidelines for long, as he will be nominated for a top police position on Long Island, NBC New York has learned.

Rodney Harrison will be nominated to become the next commissioner of the Suffolk County Police Department, according to two officials. The nomination will be announced by County Executive Steve Bellone at a Tuesday press conference, Deputy County Executive Jason Elan told NBC New York. A senior NYPD official also confirmed to News 4 that Harrison had been selected.

NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea announced in November that Harrison would be stepping down as the force's highest-ranking uniformed officer on Dec. 30. Harrison was a member of the department for 30 years.

[SOURCE NBC NEWS]

Wednesday, March 03, 2021

Vice President Kamala Harris is Keynote Speaker at NOBLE Annual Executive Symposium

NOBLE, an organization at the forefront of providing solutions to law enforcement issues and concerns, excitedly announces Vice President Kamala Harris as the keynote speaker for its 2021 William R. Bracey Winter CEO Symposium. Vice President Harris joins a distinguished lineup of law enforcement leaders and experts set to engage on urgent topics surrounding policing such as Reimaging Public SafetyRecruitment and RetentionCommunity Policing, and others. The international virtual gathering will be held March 8-9 and registration information is available online at: http://bit.ly/NOBLECEOSymposium2021.

“Now, more than ever, this conference is needed in our fight for justice and fair judicial outcomes for every community in America. We eagerly await the outcomes this event will have for generations to come,” said National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) National President Lynda R. Williams. “We are equally enthused to have Vice President Harris join as we continue to partner with the administration on several key matters, particularly as it relates to safer civilian and law enforcement interactions.”

The schedule and speaker lineup for the two-day event include:

Monday, March 8Reimagining Public Safety Roundtable

 

  • Panelists: Dr. RaShall M. Brackney, Chief of Police, Charlottesville Police Department
  • Dr. Cedric Alexander, Former Deputy Mayor, Rochester Police Department
  • Clarence E. Cox, III, Former Director of Safety and Security, Clayton County Public Schools
  • Cassandra M. Chandler, Former Assistant Director, FBI

Tuesday, March 9: The Female Law Enforcement CEO: 21st Century Emerging Trends

  • Moderator: Glenda Hatchett, Founder, The Hatchett Firm, P.C.
  • Panelists: Carmen Best, Former Chief of Police, Seattle Police Department
  • Renee Hall, Former Chief of Police, Dallas Police Department
  • Danielle Outlaw, Commissioner, Philadelphia Police Department

Media interested in covering this event should contact Kendra Cummings by phone at 813.321.3312 or by email at Kendra@ConsultVistra.com.

About the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives

Since 1976, The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) has served as the conscience of law enforcement by being committed to justice by action. NOBLE represents over 3,000 members internationally, who are primarily African American chief executive officers of law enforcement agencies at federal, state, county and municipal levels, other law enforcement administrators, and criminal justice practitioners. For more information, visit www.NOBLENational.org.

Monday, December 30, 2019

Danielle Outlaw named Philadelphia police commissioner

Following an extensive four-month search, Mayor Jim Kenney today appointed Danielle Outlaw, Chief of Police in Portland, Oregon, to serve as the next Commissioner of the Philadelphia Police Department.

Outlaw is a native of Oakland, CA., and served for nearly 20 years in the Oakland Police Department, rising through the ranks to become Deputy Chief of Police. Outlaw was the second female Deputy Chief in the history of the Oakland Police Department and the first this century. Her other assignments in Oakland included Patrol, Criminal Investigation, and Internal Affairs. While in Oakland, Outlaw won the 2015 Gary Hayes Award — a national award given to those who have demonstrated leadership and innovation in the police profession.

Outlaw was appointed Chief of Police in Portland, Oregon in October 2017 — becoming the first African American woman to hold the position. In Portland, Outlaw implemented crime strategies tailored to the needs and challenges of individual precincts, which resulted in decreased crime rates. Under her leadership, the Portland force made its greatest strides in achieving use of force reforms under a federal consent decree instituted prior to her tenure. This included new policies to address excessive force against those suffering from mental health issues. Under Outlaw’s watch, the Portland Police Bureau received national and international recognition for work in community trust-building, crowd management response, and constitutional policing.

Mayor Kenney issued the following statement:

“I think constantly about what it takes to be a police officer. Our men and women in blue leave home each day knowing they are about to put their lives at risk to protect our community, and that even on a good day they are likely to encounter extremely challenging and disturbing situations. I know officers take on this sworn duty, first and foremost, to help Philadelphians. Their devotion to public service is never forgotten.

“But make no mistake: while I have tremendous respect for our officers, the Philadelphia Police Department needs reform. I am appointing Danielle Outlaw because I am convinced she has the conviction, courage, and compassion needed to bring long-overdue reform to the Department. After meeting and speaking with her at length, I came away confident that Danielle Outlaw possesses the strength, integrity, and empathy vital to the tasks ahead.

“With our support, she will tackle a host of difficult issues, from racism and gender discrimination, to horrid instances of sexual assault on fellow officers. These are issues that too often negatively impact women — especially women of color — within the Department. Commissioner Outlaw will implement reforms with urgency, so that racial, ethnic, and gender discrimination are not tolerated.

“At the same time, she will work relentlessly to combat crime, particularly homicides and other violent crime. This will include a focus on our multi-departmental effort to stem the tide of gun violence that plagues our city. Commissioner Outlaw’s commitment to restoring the community’s trust in our police will be equally strong. She understands the history of race relations in Philadelphia, particularly the distrust that many residents justifiably harbor in the wake of decades of injustice. She will be devoted to listening and encouraging constructive exchanges of ideas and concerns from all Philadelphians. Danielle Outlaw will tackle divisiveness with dialogue.

“These have been trying times, with fear and anger fueled by decades of injustice and, more recently, abhorrent rhetoric at the national level. I know Philadelphians can rise above it. Whether you are a longtime resident worried about crime on your block, an African American man who fears being unlawfully stopped for a broken taillight, or a patrol officer who feels unappreciated by those you serve, I ask for your help. Put aside your preconceptions and your anger — and support our new Commissioner as she leads the Department through the tremendous challenges ahead. As we approach the new decade, I am optimistic these reforms will usher in a new and better era for our city.”

Danielle Outlaw issued the following statement:

“I am honored by the faith that Mayor Kenney is placing in me to lead the Philadelphia Police Department. While I am new to Philadelphia, I am not new to the challenges of big-city, 21st century policing. I encountered and dealt with the issues of employee health and wellness, equity, contemporary training, crime, fair and just prosecution, community trust, homelessness, substance abuse, police accountability, and innovation and technology — just to name a few — as I worked various assignments and rose through the ranks in Oakland, California. And I directly addressed these issues while leading the police force in Portland, Oregon.

“Modern policing is data-driven, but the paramount factor is not so easily quantified: trust — the trust residents have that their police force will keep them safe and treat them with respect. I am convinced that trust can be restored, here and across the nation. I am convinced community-police relations can be rebuilt and fortified through dialogue, transparency, and accountability.

“It will be a privilege to serve as Philadelphia Police Commissioner and to serve all who live and work in this great city. I will work relentlessly to reduce crime in Philadelphia — particularly the insidious gun violence that plagues too many communities. And I will do so in a way that ensures all people are treated equitably regardless of their gender identity, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. I am convinced there can be humanity in authority; they are not mutually exclusive. That was true in Oakland and in Portland, and I know it is true here in Philadelphia.”

Danielle Outlaw earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of San Francisco and a Master of Business Administration from Pepperdine University. She has frequently spoken nationally on issues related to policing, justice, and community relations. She is a graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum Senior Management Institute of Police, the Major Cities Chiefs’ Association Police Executive Leadership Institute, and the FBI National Executive Institute. She is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police Human and Civil Rights Committee, and is also an active member of the National Organization of Black Law Executives.

Danielle Outlaw’s tenure as Philadelphia Police Commissioner will begin on February 10, 2020.

“I would like to publicly thank Interim Commissioner Christine Coulter for her unwavering leadership over the past four months,” said Mayor Kenney. “She stepped in during a difficult time and lead the force with grace, professionalism, and expertise. I appreciate that she is committed to a smooth transition.”

The appointment comes after a nearly four-month search in which more than 30 candidates were considered, including 18 from within the Department. A diverse team of City officials from the Mayor’s Office, Managing Director’s Office, Office of Criminal Justice, Law Department, and the Police Advisory Commission interviewed each of the candidates over the course of multiple rounds. The City also received assistance during this process from the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), a police research and policy organization that also provides management services and technical assistance to law enforcement agencies. PERF supported the City by providing outreach, identifying qualified candidates, and assisting in the interview process.

In addition, the Mayor sought input from residents through a survey that was made available both online and in-person at City Hall. Residents provided feedback on what they thought were the most important issues for the next police commissioner to address, as well as the characteristics of the next police commissioner. The City heard from roughly 4,000 individuals, and their input helped to inform the questions that were asked of candidates.

Thursday, December 26, 2019

Royal S. Freeman sworn in as first African American sheriff in Charlotte County Virginia

On Monday morning Royal S. Freeman was sworn in by Charlotte County Clerk as Sheriff of Charlotte County. In a courtroom packed with supporters Freeman took the oath of office.

Freeman won the recent election by a landslide taking two-thirds of the vote. His support crossed all lines – racial, age, education, and sex.

Upon taking office in January Freeman will become the first African-American in the history of Charlotte County to become sheriff.

Charlotte County’s slate of constitutional officers reflects well on the citizens of our county. Of the five constitutional officers, Treasurer, Commissioner of the Revenue, Sheriff, Circuit Court Clerk, and Commonwealth’s Attorney, three are women and two are African-Americans holding office.

Saturday, April 14, 2018

Dereck Stewart first African American picked to lead the Tennessee Highway Patrol

The first African-American has been named as the top leader of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, a veteran of the agency who was responsible for its daily operations for the past seven years.

Gov. Bill Haslam and Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner David W. Purkey announced Lt. Col. Dereck Stewart as colonel Wednesday, The Tennessean reported .

Stewart will take over as new colonel of the agency June 1. Col. Tracy Trott will retire after 40 years of service on May 31.

“It’s always worth it to notice when history gets made,” Haslam said at a Nashville ceremony noting Stewart becoming the first African-American in the position. “We promoted him because he is the best, most qualified, (and) has the right track record.”

Haslam said it had been an honor to work with Trott.

Under Trott’s leadership, the highway patrol has grown to a force of more than 900 troopers and has been the recipient of several national awards, according to a Facebook post from the agency.

Purkey noted that Tennessee has experienced the lowest traffic fatality rates since 1963 during Trott’s tenure.

Stewart, who was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 2011 after serving in various agency roles, called Trott a friend and mentor.

Stewart is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association and the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University.

[SOURCE: WASHINGTON TIMES]

Friday, August 11, 2017

Meet Portland's next police chief, Danielle Outlaw

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler has hired Danielle Outlaw to bring stability to a police department that has had a revolving door of leadership.

Outlaw is the first black woman to become chief of police in Oregon's largest city. But at her introductory news conference Thursday, Outlaw said she just wants people to see her as Danielle.

"I realize I wear many hats and I represent a lot of things to many people," she said. "And because of that there's an added responsibility and expectation placed on me — and I own that."

The 41-year-old Outlaw has spent the past 19 years with the Oakland Police Department, rising to deputy chief. Wheeler selected her from a pool of 33 candidates in a national search.

Outlaw already has one fan in town, and it's a prominent one in a place that loves its NBA team. Damian Lillard, the Oakland-raised star of the Portland Trail Blazers, posted a story about Outlaw's hiring to Twitter and wrote: "Oakland to Portland with it... #Hello."

Wednesday, August 03, 2016

Being Black Wearing Blue: Black cops speak out


Four black police officers interviewed with Thisisinsider.com. The black officers discussed being a black cop on a force where the community is treated badly, Black Lives Matter, and how they are treated and viewed by other cops and their own communities. Watch the intriguing video below.