As peace officers and members of Blacks in Law Enforcement of America (BLEA), we are committed to the ongoing fight for freedom, justice, and equality for all. Our mission is to support and advocate for law enforcement professionals through continuous training and mentorship. As Black law enforcement officers, we dedicate our time, honor, and talent to uplifting our communities, recognizing that our leadership extends beyond the badge.

While our duty as civil service officers is to uphold local, state, and federal laws, we also have a moral and ethical responsibility to educate and support our families and youth. By increasing our involvement, we can enrich lives and strengthen our communities.

Furthermore, it is our duty to be advocates for public safety and community trust. Through community outreach, improved training, better equipment, greater transparency and accountability, and prioritizing the mental health of officers, we don’t just create law enforcement officers—we create problem solvers for our communities. We cultivate trained professionals whom the public can trust. We believe in the Peelian Principle #2, which states: “To recognize always that the power of the police to fulfill their functions and duties is dependent on public approval of their existence, actions, and behavior, and on their ability to secure and maintain public respect.”

However, as America moves toward a more militarized state, law enforcement careers are becoming more attractive in many communities, yet Black recruitment is declining. The number of Black males with criminal records before the age of 18 is rising, and many qualified African Americans—both men and women—hesitate to pursue careers in law enforcement due to deep-seated resentment and distrust of the police within the Black community.

To address these challenges, BLEA must take an active and visible role in the community. We must continue educating new officers about the rich history and sacrifices of Black law enforcement professionals while preparing them to tackle the challenges of the future.