cashier at the grocery store , the doctor who provides our healthcare , and the waiter at our favorite restaurant may be among them . This is our shared home and when these protests were over , we all had to continue to live and work together .
We endeavored to transform officers ’ mindsets from the old “ hats and bats ” approach of civil demonstrations control to understanding their prime role as our community ’ s guardians . Our starting and preferred posture became one of de-escalation , restraint , patience , adaptability and a “ softer ” presentation . While riot control equipment was staged nearby out of sight in case it was needed , our officers showed up wearing their regular , daily uniforms . I repeatedly reminded them the greatest officer safety measure we can equip them with is the public ’ s trust and the willingness to cooperate because of a positive relationship with our community . The palpable tension in the room during earlier operational briefings was replaced with a more relaxed and confident atmosphere as this bore positive results reciprocated by many in our community .
This has been an exceedingly turbulent and difficult year for our country . Political and social tensions have been elevated and this election cycle was the most divisive we ’ ve seen in some time . People ’ s expectations and the future of policing have forever changed . But there is opportunity in the turmoil . We must have the courage and will to continue to adapt and meet our profession ’ s and nation ’ s emerging challenges . I am confident we will — it is what we do best .
WINTER 2020 | CALIFORNIA POLICE CHIEF 21