Mending broken trust: Police and the communities they serve | Charles Ramsey | TEDxPhiladelphia

Summary

In this speech, a veteran police officer with 47 years of experience discusses the challenges facing modern policing, including the loss of trust in communities, particularly among people of color. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the history of policing, from its early roots to the present, and acknowledges the profession's past mistakes. The speaker advocates for a shift from a 'warrior' to a 'guardian' mentality, stresses the need to address biases, and calls for collective action to build safer, more respectful communities.

Takeaways

• 👮‍♂️ The speaker has 47 years of experience in policing, including serving in the Chicago Police Department, as police chief in Washington DC, and currently in Philadelphia.
• 📺 The current environment of policing is challenging, with frequent media coverage of police actions that can erode public trust.
• 🔍 There's a historical context to the mistrust between police and communities, especially communities of color, which has been an ongoing issue.
• 🏛️ The history of policing in the U.S. is complex, with roots in practices that were not always just, such as tracking down escaped slaves.
• 👨‍🏫 The speaker initiated a training program with the National Constitution Center to educate officers on the history of policing and its evolution.
• 📉 Policing strategies like CompStat have contributed to reduced crime rates, but at the cost of community trust due to aggressive tactics.
• 🔄 The speaker advocates for a shift from a 'warrior' to a 'guardian' mentality in policing, emphasizing service and protection over confrontation.
• 🧠 Addressing bias is crucial in policing, and the speaker's department is implementing training to manage biases and ensure fair and impartial policing.
• 🤝 Building trust with communities is essential, and this requires respect for individuals' dignity and self-respect in all police interactions.
• 👥 The responsibility for improving police-community relations falls on both police and community members, requiring collective effort and understanding.

Q & A

How many years of policing experience does the speaker have?

The speaker has 47 years of experience in policing.

In which city did the speaker serve as a police chief after leaving the Chicago Police Department?

The speaker served as a police chief in Washington DC after leaving the Chicago Police Department.

What is the significance of the speaker's visit to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum?

The speaker's visit to the museum was significant because it made him realize the role police can play in horrific events and sparked a reflection on the role of police in a democratic society.

What historical perspective does the speaker believe is important for police officers to understand?

The speaker believes it's important for police officers to understand the history of policing, including its origins, evolution, and the fact that police have not always stood on the right side of justice.

What is the role of the police in a democratic society according to the speaker?

According to the speaker, the role of the police in a democratic society is not only to enforce laws but also to defend the constitutional rights of all people.

What is the 'thin blue line' metaphor and how does the speaker view it?

The 'thin blue line' metaphor is a concept that suggests police separate good from evil. The speaker rejects this view, preferring to see police as a thread woven throughout communities, protecting the rights of all, including those accused of crimes.

What is the importance of respecting people's dignity and self-respect in policing according to the speaker?

The speaker emphasizes that respecting people's dignity and self-respect is crucial in policing because it maintains trust and prevents alienation, which is key to effective community relations.

What is the significance of the story about Paris Patton shared by the speaker?

The story about Paris Patton illustrates the importance of maintaining calm and respecting people's dignity during police interactions, which can help in de-escalating situations and building community trust.

What is the speaker's view on the current state of policing and community relations?

The speaker views the current state of policing and community relations as strained, with a need for collective effort to address the disproportionate amount of crime in certain communities and to rebuild trust.

What does the speaker suggest as a solution to improve policing strategies and community relations?

The speaker suggests moving away from aggressive policing tactics, embracing a guardian mentality, and focusing on building relationships and trust within communities.