By Thomas Lemmer. Published in the December 2015 issue of the journal Forum by the Executive Institute of the Illinois Law Enforcement Standards and Training Board.
Public safety within America’s towns and cities relies heavily upon the strength of the relationship between the police and the community. Public perceptions relative to police legitimacy and the appropriateness of police actions are greatly influenced by media coverage. This is particularly true of negative media coverage. The 1952 film classic “High Noon” is set in the fictional town of Hadleyville. It is an epic tale of a broken bond between a community and its marshal.
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In real life, many community members have become openly resistant to even the most basic police actions. Additionally, many police officers have shown reluctance to engage in proactive policing efforts that might require a use of force. Our communities must avoid these “High Noon” risks. Ensuring that such a break in the bond between our police officers and our communities does not occur will require the active involvement of our police officers, elected officials, civic leaders, and the community-at-large.
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Tom Lemmer nails it… We all stand to lose should our current course of action continue. It’s imperative that we return to the Peelian roots of modern policing … Realizing that the concept originated in order to “prevent crime and disorder as an alternative to the repression of crime and disorder by military force or the severity of legal punishment.” Should policing fail the military will be brought in once again.
The concept of policing required a partnership which included ,”the willing cooperation of the public in voluntary observance of the law” and the necessity of police to “secure and maintain public respect.” Nothing has changed.
Jim, thank you for the feedback. For those of you who have not met and experienced Jim Bontrager’s passion for the profession and his steadfast Christian faith – you should take a look at his newly enhanced “Warriors on the Wall” website. Additionally, if you have never attended his annual Breaching the Barricade conference, you should register now. The conference this year is on 8 October 2021 with the free Officer Appreciation Day on 9 October 2021. Jim’s Officer Appreciation Event IS the PLATINUM Standard for such events.
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