The following creative ideas were mentioned in my book, “How Not to Get Shot by the Police: a cop’s point of view” by Gerard V. Beatty. Please visit my web site for further information, click on the title of the book to view the dramatic links referred to in the printed copy:
- “The Hot Line”: Officers could call the “Hot Line” anonymously or otherwise to relay any and all activities or actions that caused them concern. Officers would have a trusted communication’s channel to report instances of brutality, racism, corruption or other problems so that the department could identify problem officers early before they could damage the department or members of the public. See pages 48 to 50.
- “Open Door” The commissioner’s letter to go out to officers with each pay check to relay concerns, departments changes in procedures, organizational changes or law, that affects officers in the field, etc. See page 47
- The TV program called “The Police Commissioner”. This program was used as a training device to inform line officers of anything the commissioner deemed to be of importance. It was also used to inform the commissioner of concerns that Patrol officers may have regarding procedures, disciplinary concerns, organizational changes or any changes that may adversely affect the officer’s job or welfare. It was aired every day for two weeks so that every officer was able to view the program during the regular In-Service training sessions. It was an unrehearsed back and forth between line officers and the commissioner. I wrote the commissioner’s short speech at the beginning of the program and also relayed the officer’s ideas and concerns to the appropriate unit for quick action. Page 47
- Integration of Patrols by having a white officer and a black officer in every two-man Patrol vehicle. The rational’ behind this idea is to help officers become more aware of cultural differences between officers of different races or backgrounds. It also dramatically reduces charges of racism or brutality by suspects and defendants.
- Use the actual videos that are involved in instances of Police Brutality such as those taken in the case of George Floyd, Eric Garner, Rodney King and so many others in Police Training. As I mentioned in the book, I was listed as the Producer in creating one of the first “Shoot, Don’t Shoot” training films in the United States. Other officers were also involved including Robert Burke who later became a Borough Chief. It was titled “Moment of Decision” and was used to train officers in the NYPD and over a hundred other departments in the country. See Page 8.
- Other ideas not mentioned in the book include: Having each Public Relation’s officer in minority precincts create mini “Police Academies” to foster understanding of the police role including subjects of racism and police brutality. Officers should reach out to community activists and leaders to encourage “Ride Along(s)” to foster good relationships.
I believe that a training film portraying the most egregious instances of Police brutality that have tarnished and divided our great country would be of great value at this time in history. I am sure that the Department of Justice would be glad to support and fund a training film like this.
Please let me know if I can be of any assistance in the effort to reform the police and reduce Police Brutality.
Gerard V. Beatty
Capt.nycpd1@gmail.com
Gerard Beatty 