As law enforcement leaders grapple with recruiting, retention and officer morale crises, one topic rarely seems to come to the forefront amidst the conversations about hiring bonuses and the elimination of physical fitness standards—How did we get here and where are going? 

Prominent voices in our society falsely claim that to sign on for a career in law enforcement is to join a profession with a history defined by racism, brutality and oppression that carries on to this day. A failure to confront this false narrative about the history of American policing is a missed opportunity on the part of police leaders. If this false narrative is allowed to dominate, the predictable outcome is the further erosion of public trust in the police and shrinking applicant pools. Furthermore, it betrays the sacrifices of generations of law enforcement officers who risked their lives to protect and serve.

Millions of Americans have a great deal of trust in the police and admire law enforcement officers for undertaking an extremely difficult and vitally needed vocation. But for those who support law enforcement, and even many of the law enforcement professionals who are in the arena, there seems to be a very serious need for a refresher course on the noble history of American policing.

In this two-hour webinar, Attorney Matt Dolan will offer attendees a concise reminder of:  

      1.  How American policing as we know it actually developed,
      2.  How the police in America have been a force for good in American history, and 
      3.  How American policing plays a pivotal role in creating a safer and more just society—particularly when compared to its counterparts throughout most of the world.