NOBLE Statement on the Impact of the 2020 Presidential Election and the Pathway Forward for Meaningful Change
The following statement was submitted by NOBLE National President Lynda R. Williams.
Alexandria, VA. – Our democracy has spoken; our political process has been tested in unprecedented ways yet prevailed in giving us a new administration of varied backgrounds, ideology and expertise to forge policy and mandates over the next four years. NOBLE eagerly awaits new and continuing partnerships with civic and law enforcement leadership under this new administration to continue advancing the platform of The Justice in Policing Act 2020 and Re-imagining Public Safety in the Community initiative.
Prior to and throughout this election cycle, what has been evident is the involvement and passionate engagement by our citizens to be part of the process; in the case of the past few days, the political appointment process. Going forward, as NOBLE endeavors to play a prominent and intentional role in advancing the varied platforms around public safety reform and legislation, we expect continued engagement by the community and remain optimistic that such collaborative partnerships can be respectful and prove to benefit the interests of those involved.
In the wake of the election season, tragic circumstances remain of lives lost and families, police departments and personnel forever changed by the inconsistent application of use-of-force in the duty “to serve and protect”. Instances of this level of disparity in training and “field” implementation cannot stand; instances of turning a blind eye to excessive force cannot stand; instances of public safety representatives advocating unwarranted violence against citizens cannot stand. NOBLE reiterates, and challenges public safety leadership to also reiterate and enforce zero tolerance for those who jeopardize the honor and responsibility of law enforcement, even when it is among its rank and file. Leading by example starts in the front, not the middle, not the rear of any chain of command.
New opportunities await to improve our communities, our way of governing, and our relationships; let us not tarry but move with purpose and resolve toward meaningful solutions. NOBLE acknowledges the significant work ahead as we fight for impartiality and fair outcomes for all community members. Whether it’s fighting for legislative reform or implementing programs, we will not grow weary in doing the vital work needed to enhance community trust and move in the clear direction of the change America needs.
NOBLE congratulates President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris on their historic win and we look forward to new possibilities!
Lynda R. Williams is currently the Professor of the Practice at Middle Tennessee State University in the Department of Criminal Justice Administration; with this appointment in 2017, she became the first individual bestowed this title in recognition. Prior to joining the faculty of Middle Tennessee State University, Ms. Williams led an accomplished career as a veteran of the United States Secret Service, from 1988 until she retired, as the Deputy Assistant Director in 2017. As President of NOBLE, Ms. Williams is focused on achieving the organization’s goals through a three-pillar platform on police reform, gun violence, and voter engagement.
Since 1976, The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) has served as the conscience of law enforcement by being committed to justice by action. NOBLE represents over 3,000 members internationally, who are primarily African American chief executive officers of law enforcement agencies at federal, state, county and municipal levels, other law enforcement administrators, and criminal justice practitioners. For more information, click here.