(For technical reasons, (different from the last time), the News Review inadvertently did not include Silke Pope’s answer to progressive question 3 concerning the importance of accountability and transparency by law enforcement. Here is her answer to that question)
I do believe that accountability and transparency are an absolute must within all law enforcement agencies. We must hold our police officers to the highest standard possible at all times. They must be highly trained and well equipped in addition to receiving continual training and development in new weapon technologies (particularly less-than-lethal weapons), mental health crisis intervention, de-escalation training, use-of-force training, and implicit bias training to name a few important topics.
Our department is fortunate to work closely with Greenbelt CARES as well as Prince George’s County social services when mental health professionals are required. Our department does have one “military-style”, armored vehicle which has been re-purposed to serve as a “rescue vehicle”. This vehicle is used and has been used only to protect our officers and citizens during active shooter events.
We are fortunate to have an award-winning department that has repeatedly received national accreditation by the Commission for Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). CALEA sets extremely high standards for use of force, rules of engagement, chain of command, record keeping, implicit bias training, proactive enforcement tactics, cultural and human diversity, communication skills, accountability, transparency and many other areas. Our department considers CALEA training to be extremely important. I consider it imperative that our department continue to achieve this vital evaluation and certification. The public safety of our community is vitally important to me. While we need to be tough on crime, we must do so with fairness, transparency, and accountability to all through strict community policing standards.
