On behalf of Mark43, we recently attended the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) William H. Bracey CEO Symposium in Baton Rouge, LA. NOBLE is one of the world’s leading organizations representing chief executive officers and command-level law enforcement officials from federal, state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies as well as criminal justice practitioners. 

NOBLE’s mission is to ensure equity in the administration of justice in providing public service to all communities and serve as law enforcement’s conscience by being committed to justice by action. We are honored to be a partner of this organization and support their mission.

During our time at the symposium, we met with many organization members. We reunited with old friends and met plenty of new ones. The enthusiasm from the symposium attendees was palpable — this was the first in-person event for – many people in a long time. What impressed us most was the way in which NOBLE was able to simultaneously welcome us in a manner that was unbelievably warm and friendly, and to also address complicated, intense topics with meticulous attention and real intentionality.. The entire weekend made clear why the attendees were so energized to be there: this was a group of close-knit peers that were motivated to solve thorny problems.

While there, we engaged in discussions on several important issues, such as 

• Simplifying use-of-force reporting
• Supporting agencies and communities through analytics
• Responding to individuals experiencing mental and behavioral health crises 

We were also privileged to be joined by FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, who highlighted the importance of NIBRS compliance, use-of-force reporting, and combatting officer suicide. 

We also were present for an address by U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, where he highlighted three programs that the U.S. Attorney General’s Office is making available to continue to help police officers in this extremely challenging time. 

However, the highlight of the symposium was the town hall on combating community violence held at Glen Oaks High School. The discussion featured chiefs and other law enforcement executives engaging with community members, in front of an audience that included local student athletes, at a central location to the impacted community. It was an extraordinary and informative experience.

NOBLE is a much-needed voice in the conversation about the complexities of pursuing public safety missions. The organization is also an advocate for equipping agencies to better meet the community’s needs in innovative, efficient, and effective ways. We are proud to be a partner and look forward to continuing to join them in their effort to drive progress in public safety and law enforcement.