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WPCNR THE LETTER TICKER. December 7, 2014:
The following was sent in by the President of the White Plains Police Benevolent Association:
Dear Mr. Bailey,
On behalf of the White Plains Police Benevolent Association, I would like to thank you for your recent article on your site entitled, Interacting With The Police Is Common Sense.
I would also like to give credit where credit is due and that would be to the City of White Plains Police Department. Over the past few weeks we have seen some horrible riots and destruction to personal property and the burning of not only businesses but also police vehicles over the largely broad casted decisions of the Michael Brown and Eric Gardner cases.
Since these decisions, the City of White Plains has had two demonstrations. One was a large group of White Plains High School students who marched from the school to downtown White Plains. The other was a “Die In” at Fountain Park. They were both peaceful and orderly, with no unruly acts of violence. The White Plains Police Department provided for a safe environment for the protesters in both instances. During and after the demonstrators were finished marching, they shook hands with many of our Officers thanking them for doing their job and keeping them safe.
I can truly say that this is a true testament to the training, training, and more training that the White Plains Police Department gives its officers. Officers have been instructed for years on how to interact with emotionally disturbed people, cultural diversity, verbal de-escalation, and also dealing with people as human beings. We are taught one of the most important rules in life, and that’s to treat people the way we would like to be treated. Our Department leaders have set a very high standard on the way Officers are to deal with the public.
Again I would like to commend all of our men and woman for their outstanding dedication and hard work in keeping our residents and visitors safe on a daily basis, especially during these peaceful protests.
I would also like to thank Commissioner Chong, Chief Bradley, and Assistant Chief Fitzsimmons for providing the classes and resources that we need to get the job done and keep everyone safe. I would also like to thank the Command Staff and Police Supervisors responsible for the Protest Detail, who were on the ground and handling the safety of all involved.
Mr. Bailey, in closing, I would also like to add to your article that there are three things the public needs to know about contacts with the police.
1. Be courteous
2. Be cooperative
3. Be compliant
These three things will foster a better experience with the police.
Robert T. Riley
President
White Plains Police Benevolent Association
“Our Strength Lies In Our Unity”