BOSTON — The opening ceremony of the IACP 2024 conference in Boston began with reflections on the city’s profound role in the evolution of American policing. Ron Serpas, master of ceremonies and past Honorary President of IACP, set the stage by recounting Boston’s early contributions to policing, dating back to the Boston Watch in 1631, where watchmen patrolled the streets at night to protect the public.
“In 1854, Boston replaced the Watch organizations with the Boston Police Department, which consisted of 250 officers,” Serpas explained. “Each officer received payment of $2 per shift, walked his own beat, and was forbidden to hold outside employment.” He highlighted that Boston’s history of policing innovation, including being the first city to use police cruisers, is “driven by a commitment to innovation, public safety, and community service.”
Serpas connected this historical significance to the broader mission of policing today, underscoring the timeless importance of serving the community. “Police officers are humble, graceful servants, the bedrock of society and the line between good and evil. Policing is more than just protecting public safety — it is helping people when they need us, no matter how they need us.”
The recruitment and retention crisis in law enforcement
The recruitment and retention of officers is one of the most pressing issues facing law enforcement today. Serpas pointed to a recent IACP survey showing that “seventy percent of agencies report that recruitment is harder now than it was five years ago.” He acknowledged the difficulties departments face in finding qualified recruits and noted that resignation rates are high within the first three years of service.
“This speaks to the importance of portraying an honest picture of policing,” Serpas said. “We need to recruit the right people from the very beginning. Smart recruiting leads to better retention, but the same societal changes that affect recruitment also affect retention.”
Despite these challenges, Serpas expressed optimism about younger generations’ potential to shape the future of policing. “Generation Z calls for safe communities, fairness, justice, inclusion, and freedom from fear — these are the very things we strive for as a profession,” he stated, suggesting that aligning these values can help bridge the gap between law enforcement and the next generation of officers.
Serpas also referenced shifting public perceptions, noting a Harris Poll showing 69% favorability toward police. “This is a big deal,” he said. “It reminds us that policing is not just about national narratives but local, personalized service to communities.”
Building trust and engagement with communities
Another central theme of the ceremony was the importance of building and maintaining trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. IACP President Wade Carpenter highlighted that trust is fundamental to the success of policing. “Everything is built on trust,” he said. “When people trust the police, they’re more likely to report crimes, provide information, and work with law enforcement to solve problems. It’s through this trust that we become better officers.”
Carpenter urged departments to join the IACP’s Trust Building Campaign, which emphasizes positive interactions between police and communities. He praised the Toronto Police Service for their success in implementing the campaign, saying, “The payoff was a more resilient, empathetic, and engaged police force.”
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu also focused on community engagement, celebrating the city’s ongoing commitment to public safety and community policing. “We have the best police commissioner in the country,” Wu said, referring to Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox. She praised Cox for pioneering the “Community Compstat” program, which allows police to share data with the public and receive insights from residents. “Our police department actively shares data and receives insights from our neighbors, who are deputized as eyes on the street,” Wu said, underscoring how transparency fosters collaboration and trust.
Leadership and accountability in modern policing
Leadership and accountability were at the forefront of Commissioner Michael Cox’s address. Cox shared his personal story, reflecting on how a local Boston officer practicing community policing inspired him to join law enforcement. “He wasn’t just enforcing the law but building trust and relationships. He made me laugh and feel like he was part of my family,” Cox said.
Cox’s career faced a turning point in 1995 when he was severely assaulted by fellow officers while working undercover. Despite the trauma, Cox chose to remain in law enforcement, determined to prevent such incidents from happening to others. “This became the catalyst for my dedication to steady, consistent training for our officers,” Cox said. He emphasized that mistakes in policing are inevitable, but leadership must be grounded in accountability. “Mistakes happen, but we must own them, learn from them, and prevent negative outcomes through proper training.”
Cox stressed that leadership requires acknowledging the humanity of officers and the public. “We strive for perfection, but we must incorporate our humanity into our training,” he stated. He highlighted Boston’s success in reducing crime, particularly gun violence, attributing these improvements to strong community partnerships and leadership. “This is thanks to our strong community policing efforts and partnerships with residents who serve as ‘eyes on the street’ through initiatives like Community Compstat.”
Cox urged attendees to reflect on their roles as leaders in law enforcement: “Leadership matters. Positive connections between police and communities are key to our success and well-being.”
Technology and innovation in law enforcement
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey expanded on the role of technology in modern law enforcement, particularly its potential to enhance public safety. Healey highlighted Massachusetts’ statewide integrated active shooter training program as an example of how innovation is critical to law enforcement’s future. “21st-century law enforcement is multidisciplinary and technology-driven,” she said, stressing the importance of embracing new tools to meet the evolving needs of communities.
She also emphasized that government must partner with law enforcement agencies to ensure they have the resources needed to implement these technologies. “Those of us in government need to support you — this time calls for strong partnerships,” Healey said, urging collaboration across sectors to improve public safety.
Officer wellbeing and mental health
Officer well-being was another central theme discussed at the conference. Governor Healey spoke candidly about the mental health challenges officers face. “I’ve had to tell too many families about an officer taking their own life. The fact that the IACP is taking this issue on is something I truly applaud,” she said, recognizing the mental health toll that law enforcement can take and the importance of systemic support for officers.
Mayor Wu also emphasized Boston’s investment in officer wellness, highlighting recent union contracts that include provisions for mental health and well-being programs. “The health and well-being of our officers and their families are at the core of what makes our police department successful,” Wu said, celebrating the city’s holistic approach to public safety.
Conclusion: A vision for law enforcement’s future
The opening ceremony of IACP 2024 in Boston provided a comprehensive view of both the historical significance of policing and the pressing issues facing the profession today. From recruitment challenges and community trust to leadership accountability and technological innovation, the speakers delivered a unified message of optimism and commitment to the future of law enforcement.
As Mayor Wu concluded, “The work you are doing changes lives and builds trust. You are making families safe in communities all around the world with your dedication, your sacrifice and your commitment to serving the public.”
