Guest Blog Post by Anthony “Tony” Ciaburro
The month of May (Law Enforcement Appreciation Month) is when we pause to remember our fallen officers.
As I reflect on those whose names are on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, I take comfort knowing that our profession remains undaunted.
The last few years have been the most difficult in the history of policing. Covid-19, a crisis of confidence following the murder of George Floyd, increased victimization and appropriate demands for elevated professionalism did not deter those who police.
The profession, the most highly trained and professional in history, remained dogged, determined, and on-duty.
We cannot bring back those who are now under the watchful eyes of the lions in our Nation’s Capital. Nonetheless, we can honor them by policing in noble fashion. Those who perished would want their colleagues to continue serving with dignity.
I cannot think of any profession which is more accessible. The evolution of technology has shown the positive and negative of policing.
There is no other job held to the same level of scrutiny. (Professional sports don’t count; what is being weighed on the scales of justice is not instant replay entertainment.)
Nonetheless, policing continues.
I was already a command officer when body worn cameras (BWCs) appeared in the field. How officers adapted and continued to work despite every word being recorded is admirable.
What other occupation must work under these conditions? Better said, which occupation works under these conditions and has embraced and excelled like law enforcement?
The entire use of force paradigm has changed over the past few years. Police, politicians, and those in our communities all demand and expect increased professionalism especially regarding use of force.
In reviewing use of force, I was in awe of the patience of officers and their precision. Officers would communicate calmly and use force when it absolutely appeared all options were exhausted. The shift is stunning.
When I started, delaying was considered indecisive and perhaps an indicator of low officer confidence or courage. De-escalation is now the norm and certainly more difficult.
If one watches the recordings of incidents, they will hear the officers discussing the sound tactics consistent with societal demands. In reality, officers do everything they can to avoid using force.
Modern police work is full of facets. There were always specialists as opposed to the generalist patrol officer. Nonetheless, the ever-growing areas of technical expertise are remarkable.
Interview and interrogation training like Humintell offers, field tactics, improved electronic optics for service weapons, expanding cell phone and computer technologies are part of the everyday ways to do business.
When officers would brief me on a case or explain to me why they needed a certain piece of equipment or approval for a training class, regardless of whether I could understand them, I deeply appreciated their vigor. They wanted to do their job better in a more transparent manner.
The laws have also changed. Miranda is more complicated. The age of the offender is important. In aggregate, today’s officers have many more factors to consider while gathering facts; therefore, they must have high intellect.
Despite continued admirable success against ever demanding and changing conditions, the numbers of those entering the profession are fewer. Recruiting and retention is a topic amongst all chiefs.
Pay, benefits, and mental health services must adjust to these market conditions. Competitive compensation, choices and a culture of competency are the foundation for success. Compensation must be meaningful and signal the employer’s intent and mindset of appreciation towards law enforcement.
Officers need fulfilling careers. A variety of challenges, i.e., assignments or choices is necessary.
Finally, culture is key. A well run and fair department in all aspects fosters retention and in turn, recruitment. Yes, the officers of today will change departments. They should not have to stay if their employment is somehow lacking.
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Anthony “Tony” Ciaburro spent nearly 34 years in law enforcement. Tony started in 1989 at the San Jose Police Department and worked a variety of assignments until retiring as a captain in 2015. Tony then became a captain at the East Bay Regional Park District Police Department and promoted to the Assistant General Manager of Public Safety (AGM)/Chief of Police in 2017. As the AGM of Public Safety/Chief of Police, he had Police, Fire, and Lifeguard Services under his command. Tony is a fluent Spanish Speaker who embraces a philosophy of “Good to Great,” is a graduate of San Jose State University (MS & BS), the FBI National Academy (Class 245) and PERF’s SMIP.