California Police Chief- Fall 2013 CPCA_2019_Spring Magazine- FINAL | Page 4

WELCOME FROM PRESIDENT LAWRENCE
Y
our California Police
Chiefs Association needs
YOU! In this crazy era
of the “information age” society
has a ravenous appetite for rapid-fire
information, quick data and fast connectivity
on the internet. Unfortunately, banter in mainstream and social
media has led to a frenzied rush to judgement, with misguided
opinions and biased perceptions of police. Media sources seem
plagued with misinformation. Even more outrageous is the
deceitful manufacturing of fraudulent narratives.
The good news is California police chiefs have
a reputation of preserving an objective view of
facts, seeking truth, and being devoted to protecting
California. The credibility earned by California police
chiefs allows communities to trust their local police
chief as a clear and honest voice standing apart from
a backdrop of static, noise and chatter in the world.
Communities have great confidence in their local police
chief, which gives us an opportunity to be daring leaders
in the protection of our cities.
Our association represents 333 California municipal
police chiefs, 368 associate members, and 834 retired chiefs.
This is 1,534 influential leaders focused to improve our
police image, push back against bad legislation, champion
good policy, and ensure California maintains excellent
public safety.
I have seen significant police reforms since becoming a
police chief in 2011, and every year brings new challenges.
Policing has taken some hard hits, and this year we face
one of the most controversial and emotionally charged
police reform efforts ever; a direct attempt to dismantle
officers’ rights to defend themselves and protect victims by
removing their ability to use objectively reasonable force
when making arrests or overcoming resistance.
Codified by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1989 (Graham
v. Conner), the “objectively reasonable” standard has
guided police use of force for thirty years. The U.S.
Supreme Court recognized that courts must judge use of
force from the perspective of a reasonable officer given the
facts and circumstances, and not with 20/20 hindsight.
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California Police Chief | www.californiapolicechiefs.org
Unfortunately, some police reforms currently underway are
misguided and attempt to raise the legal standard of police
use of force, criminalizing officers’ split-second decisions
when lives are in danger. We must defend our officers’
ability to do their jobs safely and protect our communities.
I am confident commonsense will prevail, and in your
leadership position, you can help.
My call to action is for members to get involved with
CPCA. Whether directly or engaging on social media,
together we can leverage our collective voices and defend
the truth by shaping a positive image of our profession. We
must remain strong with a resounding voice heard across
our state, from Crescent City to Chula Vista. I encourage
you to engage your community by educating with
facts and taking an active stance on issues. Courageous
leadership requires us to be firm in our convictions and
bold in action. Working together, we can ensure California
maintains outstanding public safety.
I look forward to leading our association this year,
and partnering with you, as your California Police Chiefs
Association needs YOU…now more than ever!
Sincerely,
Ronald Lawrence
Ronald Lawrence
California Police Chiefs Association President