ICMA Conference: Who Will Lead? Identifying, Inspiring, and Supporting the Next Generation of Police Leaders

About the Author:?

Natalie L. Ammons is a highly accomplished professional in law enforcement and public service, currently serving as the Director of Communications at the Fulton County (GA) Sheriff’s Office, a position she assumed in June 2023. With a distinguished career spanning three decades, Ammons previously spent 30 years at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), where she held the role of Deputy Director of Public and Governmental Affairs and served as a legislative liaison to Georgia's legislature and the Governor's Office. She is renowned for her expertise in managing critical incidents, social media management, and is a member of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Use of Force Data Collection Task Force. Ammons is an active member of several professional organizations, including the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) , for which she was elected as the first female president of the Georgia Chapter in 2022. Her accolades include being named the 2018 NOBLE National Member of the Year. At the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, she ensures effective communication across the agency through media relations, social media, external affairs, and internal messaging.?

The landscape of law enforcement in America was a central topic of discussion during a panel conversation at the ICMA - International City/County Management Association Conference. This dialogue, supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) and led by RTI International as the official grantee, along with project partners including the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), and the Historically Black Colleges & Universities Law Enforcement Executives & Administrators Association (HBCU LEEA), highlighted the critical juncture facing law enforcement. With widespread staffing shortages and a pressing need for a more diverse and community-oriented police force, the initiative aims to reshape the future of policing. At the heart of this endeavor lies an untapped resource: the talented pool of students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), who are being targeted to develop more inclusive pathways into policing careers.

The ASPIRE Initiative: A New Approach to Police Recruitment

The ASPIRE (Advancing Service-Oriented Policing Through Inclusion, Relationship-building, and Engagement) initiative represents a paradigm shift in how law enforcement agencies approach recruitment and community relations.

Dr. Jenn Rineer , Research Psychologist and Director at RTI International, explains the project's unique approach:

"We're taking a fresh approach to recruitment and retention, moving away from the traditional methods used countless times before. This initiative will be unique, as we plan to actively involve students in shaping the project rather than imposing our own ideas on what might attract them to policing careers."

This student-centered approach is already yielding valuable insights. Through focus groups with 64 students from Clark Atlanta University, Howard University, and Southern University, the project team uncovered key factors that influence young people's perceptions of law enforcement careers. Mental health impact, compensation, positive community impact, job enjoyment, flexibility, and longevity topped the list of priorities for these potential future officers.

Bridging the Gap: HBCUs as Catalysts for Change

HBCUs are uniquely positioned to contribute to this effort, not only because of their talented student bodies but also due to their campus police departments' expertise in community-oriented policing.?

Chief David Perry (retired), highlights the potential for translating campus policing practices to broader communities:

"We've heard our friends at the campuses we're working with say, it really feels like a family here. You know, people live here, they're invested in the community, they really want to take care of each other. I think it embodies in many ways what everyone has wanted municipal policing to look like more broadly. We all are Safer Together!"

The initiative focuses on six HBCU hubs to develop career pathway programs, including internships, job shadowing opportunities, and interactions between students and law enforcement. These efforts aim to educate students about the law enforcement field while simultaneously incorporating their perspectives on social justice into police culture reform.

Addressing Generational Expectations

The ASPIRE initiative recognizes that attracting the next generation of police leaders requires a fundamental shift in how law enforcement agencies operate and communicate their values. Emphasizing the importance of showcasing diverse career paths within law enforcement, this includes careers in senior leadership within the Secret Service, FBI, and other federal law enforcement agencies, as well as in the private sector.

This approach resonates with students who may not have previously considered law enforcement as a career option. By highlighting the variety of roles available and the potential for advancement, the initiative aims to broaden the appeal of policing careers.

The Role of NOBLE: Mentorship and Community Connection

NOBLE plays a crucial role in the ASPIRE initiative, providing mentorship and creating connections between students and law enforcement professionals. Natalie L. Ammons, Director of Communications for the Fulton County Sheriff's Office and President of the Georgia Chapter of NOBLE, shares the impact of these efforts, quoting Jahnyah Howell, President of the Clark Atlanta University Collegiate Chapter of NOBLE:

"The importance of the partnership between Clark Atlanta University and the Georgia Chapter of NOBLE has an endless amount of opportunity. Our parent chapter has put us in rooms that we would have never thought we'd be in as college students. We appreciate this collaboration because it allows the students to ask the questions that need to be asked about law enforcement and our future. They value our voices and allow us to learn from them as mentees."

NOBLE's collegiate chapters at HBCUs serve as incubators for future law enforcement leaders, providing students with mentorship, training, and exposure to various aspects of the criminal justice system.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the promising approach of the ASPIRE initiative, significant challenges remain. Many students express concerns about the potential negative impacts of a policing career on their relationships with family and friends. Additionally, the initiative must address the broader issues within the criminal justice system that concern potential recruits.

However, these challenges also present opportunities for meaningful reform. By actively involving students in the development of recruitment strategies and police culture reform, the initiative has the potential to create a new generation of law enforcement leaders who are deeply committed to community service and social justice.

As the ASPIRE initiative continues to evolve, its impact extends beyond the walls of HBCUs. The lessons learned and strategies developed through this program will be shared with police agencies and communities across the nation, potentially reshaping the future of American policing.

In the words of Dr. Rineer, “The ultimate goals are to enhance police culture and empower communities. By focusing on students, the ASPIRE initiative is not only identifying future police leaders but also inspiring and empowering them to drive the necessary changes in law enforcement.”

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