The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) agrees with the decision of the Massachusetts Police Association (MPA) to retract a series of articles that were published in “The Sentinel” and suspend their author from his duties with the MPA. The views expressed in these articles are indefensible and do not represent the values of the law enforcement profession. They should never have been published.

This a challenging time for law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. Because of the myriad of issues, such as economic hardships, poor educational systems, inadequate health services, the lack of substance abuse treatment options, or the breakdown of family structures, police officers are routinely asked and expected to take on roles which fall far outside the realm of traditional policing. Officers find themselves in a complex web of protecting lives, acting as defacto social workers, and intervening in one crisis after another. 

Rather than being condemned, efforts that seek to address these issues should be, and are, embraced by true law enforcement professionals.  These programs are the most effective means to create not only safer communities but also serve to enhance the safety and wellbeing of law enforcement officers. 

This is why the IACP has long championed efforts to reform our current criminal justice system.  Solving the problems confronting our communities cannot be accomplished by police intervention alone. Instead, successful reform of our criminal justice system will require a combined effort with elected officials, community leaders, advocates, health care professionals and many other critical partners.  I truly believe that by working together we can create safer communities for all.