FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT
CHIEF LOUIS BORDI VOORHEES PD
How Can We Change the Narrative ….
The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | September 2020
It seems an almost impossible feat to change or even influence the anti-police narrative that has infiltrated our communities here in New Jersey , let alone around the country . We must resist the temptation to pause and get stuck in the “ fog of war ”. Yes , I said it … War . Of course , I am not talking about a traditional war , with opposing sides in a state of armed and lethal combat seeking to kill one another in furtherance of a goal . Instead , I am speaking about a “ war of words ” that will have significance in the present and in the future and has created uncertainty about policing . Words that may be the only thing shaping public opinion about the police . Words that may be the only contact people have with their own local police . I believe we are in a ( verbal ) battle with special interest groups that are seizing an opportunity and controlling a narrative that is not supported by facts and is creating the “ fog .”
The facts are that the police executives that I know and represent care deeply about all of the people in their communities and will continue to seek out best practices for their officers and demand excellence in the most difficult of circumstances , just as we have always done . This message has been lost , minimized , and underreported by many with significant public platforms and considerable influence . We need to do more .
Our Association has contracted with a public relations firm and a government relations firm to help all of us with the factual and consistent public messaging , which has been missing from the public arena . Our hope is to shape the opinions of our communities and increase the Association ’ s footprint with our elected officials . As stated by our new consultant :
“ We create thought leaders , influence attitudes and behaviors and navigate challenging waters for our clients every day . We help them prepare for and respond to the issues and crises that impact their reputations and bottom lines . We are partners , building on previous successes and sharing in current ones .”
We have high expectations for both firms and believe we can have an impact , but it cannot be done without every single member doing their part . That means expanding our messaging to your communities to help clear the fog .
I suggest , in the short term , we all take advantage of the NJ “ Safe Stop Initiative ” by our own Attorney General ’ s Office . You can find the public service announcements and information at
https :// nj . gov / oag / safestopnj / . As you are aware , many police use of force incidents are escalated because an individual failed to comply with an officer ’ s request , direction , or authority . The Safe Stop initiative is designed to provide education about a person ’ s rights and knowing the law . The message is delivered by NJ police officers , Shaquille O ’ Neal , and others through professionally produced videos . We can certainly translate the goal of safe motor vehicle stops to every interaction the public has with the police . The same principles will apply .
Please recognize and avoid the uncertainty created by the “ fog of war ” and continue to encourage your officers to make meaningful contacts in your community every day . In this new world where officers feel they have little control , remind them that they can help shape the narrative by proactively establishing these positive interactions with the public . Again , resist the pause and march on ……
I will conclude with this : please continue to set the bar high , get involved , and mentor the officers behind you .
Professionally ,
Chief Louis Bordi NJSACOP President
4