Policing—just saying the word can cause fierce debate. But whether you take a side on that debate or not, law enforcement, safety, and security are a fundamental part of our society. Yet, law enforcement itself is perhaps the most scrutinized profession in our society.
What are the challenges we face today—the law enforcers and the rest of us? There seem to be many.
But there are also many people who are facing these challenges head-on, and we spoke with one community determined to make a difference.
In a still image from video released by NTD, former police officer and 9/11 first responder John Verdi discusses why he founded the Hey Blue! Initiative. (Oliver Trey/NTD)
In a still image from video released by NTD, former Police Commander Marcus Claycomb describes his experience of being part of community initiatives that bridge the gap between police and other community members. (Oliver Trey/NTD)
In a still image from video released by NTD, Chief of Police David Gillespie describes how different segments of the community, including police officers, feel that they aren’t being understood. (Oliver Trey/NTD)
In a still image from video released by NTD, police officer Mark Lang participates in Story Time, one of the many community-connecting programs in the Hey Blue! initiative. (Oliver Trey/NTD)
In a still image from video released by NTD, Ayana Verdi, founder of the Verdi Eco School, demonstrates one of the techniques she teaches students to deescalate situations. (Oliver Trey/NTD)
In a still image from video released by NTD, Tammy Robinson, program manager at Dorcas Outreach Center for Kids, talks to NTD host Kay Rubacek about how she connects police with youth in their community. (Oliver Trey/NTD)
In a still image from video released by NTD, high school senior Gerard Thomas describes how he had to be willing to learn to be taught as a mentee. (Oliver Trey/NTD)
In a still image from video released by NTD, local attorney Alton Edmond Esq. talks to NTD host Kay Rubacek about his negative experience with law enforcement growing up and what he’s done to change that. (Oliver Trey/NTD)
In a still image from video released by NTD, Ben & Jerry’s franchise owner Stephen Chubbuck talks to NTD host Kay Rubacek about how he uses the social element of ice cream to get all members of the community to talk again. (Oliver Trey/NTD)
In a still image from video released by NTD, Keyllan Calderson, manager at Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, explains to NTD host Kay Rubacek and crew why she is so passionate about her job and its impact on the local community. (Oliver Trey/NTD)
