Thread by @freddieoconnell

Two weeks ago, I thought it was important to rejoin the call for new leadership at MNPD.

Little did I know long-time community voices and leaders like @mendesbob would be joined by 15 other CMs, the Interdenomnational Ministers Fellowship, and @aclutn.

Even less could I have imagined that @JohnCooper4Nash would lean into change so quickly. It’s bold leadership.

Now we’ll be engaging in a national search at a perfect moment for reflection on what we need, and making the right choice will also require bold leadership.

I think a few things will be important as we have this conversation as a community.

First, @MNCONashville should have a role in the search process—ideally through direct representation on the search committee.

Second, I think any finalist for consideration should be presented both @gideonsarmyutd’s “Driving While Black” and @policingproject’s report on traffic stop data and be asked to offer a response.

Third, I think this is an opportunity to pull an idea from the work of #Liberate37208 and begin preparing the framework for a Strategic Plan for Public Safety and Criminal Justice. Any finalist for chief should be advised that we’re doing this.

This work should involve MNPD, the district attorney, the public defender, the sheriff, and the courts, as well as the community. One of the goals should be a fiscal and resourcing approach with substantial community buy-in.

It’s time for our focus on preventing violent and property crimes to move beyond and emphasis on policing “the other”. And it’s time for low-level offenses to receive less focus unless demonstrably tied to the risk of serious violent or property crimes.

We can achieve an authentic, equitable public safety, but we have to make the most of every opportunity in order to do it.