There are three major challenges we’re facing right now.

“Race relations, the opioid epidemic and active shooter situations: those are the three major challenges we’re dealing with right now. To address race relations, the township created a Human Relations Commission (HRC), and we have an officer who serves as both our bias investigations officer and as a liaison to the HRC. We also conduct implicit bias training and officer wellness training.

“We’ve also modified our training to include shoot don’t shoot programs. Instead of going in and shooting at a paper target, we work on when it’s appropriate to shoot or not shoot – and once again work on implicit bias awareness.

“Operation Hope is our program for combating the opioid epidemic. This program started when we lobbied for, and subsequently passed, legislation that allows people to surrender drugs without legal consequences. We then get them into detox and a rehabilitation program. If they need help paying for treatment, we can help them with that, too. We do everything we can to keep it in the social service arena and out of the criminal justice system.

“To protect the public from active shooter situations, we partnered with the DOD (Department of Defense) and received a half-million dollars in grants to run active shooter trainings. These drills are coordinated with our federal, state and county law enforcement partners and have been a viable tool in showing us what we’re doing right, what we’re doing wrong and how to do things better.

“All of these challenges require a different mindset among police agencies. We’re constantly evolving to stay in front of the curve.”

Few officers get to lead an agency in their career.

“There have been so many rewarding moments in my nearly 40-year career, but by far the most rewarding was taking the oath and being given the opportunity to lead this agency [West Orange Police Department].

“Yes, I was appointed by elected officials, but those elected officials were put in office by the people. My appointment to chief therefore reflects the confidence of the public. That’s something I take very seriously.

“So few officers get to lead an agency in their career. I’m very privileged to be one of them.”

The badge we wear is a symbol of the public’s trust.

“Young police officers today seem to grasp the concept that it is a privilege – not a right – to serve. The badge we wear is a symbol of the trust given us by the public, and we appreciate that the public has given us that confidence.

“It’s a tremendous amount of responsibility. Integrity is indispensable, as are training, education and the experience of not only learning from within [your own agency] but taking notice of what occurs in other agencies – both good and bad.

“We’re always striving to be at the forefront, to figure out how we can do things better. From traffic accidents to demonstrations, we’re always asking ourselves: How can we do this better?”

–Chief James Abbott, West Orange Police Department, New Jersey