In part 2 of this conversation on race, former police chiefs Ed Cronin and Mike Alexander, continue to address the problem of systemic racism in law enforcement, how it has impacted them personally and offer solutions. This is a deeply honest and open conversation on race, racism and the criminal justice system from two former senior police officers.
Systemic Racism in Law Enforcement and How to End It
As a Black police officer in Texas and then a police chief, Mike Alexander faced not only bias, prejudice and racism from his White peers but also from some of the communities he served.
Ed Cronin shares what it was like for him as a white police officer and then police chief when he became aware of the systemic racism in the department and its impact on the communities he served.
By carrying out open and honest conversations about race and racism, it’s possible to find approaches that can contribute to a more just and understanding future. In the episode, Ed Cronin discusses his initial assumptions that police officers would be compassionate and empathetic, only to learn about the corruption present in the force. He believes that his own experiences of trauma and violence resonate with the Black community’s experience.
Across the world, systemic racism exists in law enforcement and impacts the fair application of law and order. It’s essential to recognize and address this persistent problem to create an equitable environment for people of all races and backgrounds. Acknowledging and being aware of systemic racism helps individuals understand and empathize with the experiences of those disproportionately affected by this phenomenon.
After listening to this episode, you will be able to:
- Understand the impact of systemic racism on law enforcement practices.
- Discover the pivotal role of community-focused policing in building trust.
- Learn the importance of empathy, de-escalation, and bias training in police work.
- See the benefits of embracing diversity and inclusivity in police departments.
- Explore how technology can advance transparency and work toward positive reform.
The key moments in this episode are:
04:48 – The Police are Doing What the Some of the Public Wants Them to Do, While Other Members of the Public are Harassed and Mistreated,
08:19 – The Problem with Bias in Law Enforcement,
16:30 – Solutions to Address Systemic Racism in Law Enforcement,
19:30 – The Role of Psychological Safety,
43:00 – Showing Empathy and Lack of Empathy.
Lessons in Power, Police and Community
46:28 – Neighborhood Architecture and Systemic Racism,
48:05 – Building Relationships Between Law Enforcement and Community
Guest Bio
Ed Cronin has worked in the law enforcement field for over 35 years. His career includes experience as a Police Chief in two cities in Massachusetts. He holds a graduate degree in Criminal Justice Management along with an advanced graduate degree in Organizational Development and Systems Thinking from Suffolk University. He is also a certified executive coach. (Institute of Professional Excellence in Coaching)
Mike Alexander is a nationally recognized expert in training and leadership coaching, a specialty that began and flourished during his 38-year career in law enforcement and has defined the years following his retirement from service. Through the U.S. Department of Justice Community Policing Divisions, the thirty-six (36) Regional Community Policing Institute, the Multi-jurisdictional Counterdrug Task Force Training Center, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, the Texas Municipal League, the International Law Enforcement Administration, and the Texas Police Chiefs Association, he has traveled the nation training officers and community members on ethics and integrity.
Host Bio
Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator. Simma is the creator and host of the podcast, “Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People.”
Contact Simma@SimmaLieberman.com to get more information, book her for your next DEIB event, help you become a more inclusive leader, or facilitate dialogues across differences.
Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information
Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition)
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